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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-13 Emergency Order Reguarding Face Coverings and Social DistancingCITY OF PALM SPRINGS LOCALEMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTARY ORDER REGARDING FACE COVERINGS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING AT ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES April 13, 2020 WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020, pursuant to the City of Palm Springs Municipal Code section 2.20.050(a)(1), the City Manager, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, declared the existence of a local emergency within the City of Palm Springs, due to the threat presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which declaration was subsequently ratified by the Palm Springs City Council on March 19, 2020; and WHEREAS, on April 4, 2020, the Riverside County Health Officer ordered that all persons, including Essential Workers, must wear face coverings, such as scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiters, or other fabric face coverings and practice social distancing; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Palm Springs Municipal Code section 2.20.050(a)(6), the Director of Emergency Services is empowered to make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such emergency; provided, however, such rules and regulations must be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the Director of Emergency Services is authorized to revise his emergency declaration and related orders, as the situation evolves. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DECLARED AND ORDERED, that: 1. All Essential Businesses that continue to operate shall ensure that all persons, including, without limitation, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors, must wear face coverings while at such location. Such Essential Businesses shall not permit entry by any person into any building, unless such person is wearing a face covering. Face coverings need not be "masks", but can include scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiters, or other fabric face coverings. 5 5 575.18240\32870486. 1 -1- 2. All Essential Businesses that continue to operate shall take reasonable steps to ensure that all persons, including, without limitation, employees, customers, vendors and any other visitors, practice social distancing while at such location. 3. All Essential Businesses that continue to operate shall post a sign at a conspicuous location at all entrances to all buildings that will be occupied, advising persons entering such buildings of the requirement to wear face coverings and practice social distancing in order to be permitted to enter and remain in any such building. IT IS FURTHER DECLARED AND ORDERED, that the City's code enforcement or peace officers shall be authorized to enforce this order. Such enforcement shall begin with informing essential businesses of the requirements of this order. In the event an Essential Business is found in violation of this order, after previously being informed of the requirements of this order, the City may impose administrative fines, pursuant to Palm Springs Municipal Code sections 1.06.040 and 2.20.100 and City Council Resolution 24738, dated March 19, 2020. The citing officer shall be entitled to exercise his/her discretion in determining the amount of any such fine, having taken into consideration the severity of the violation. In addition, continued violations of this order may result in the closure of any business that violates this order. IT IS FURTHER DECLARED AND ORDERED, this order is a temporary emergency measure, which is effective immediately and shall remain in effect unless and until modified or superseded by the Director of Emergency Services, City Council or any county, state or federal order or declaration. April 13, 2020 David H. Ready, City Manager/Director of mergency Services APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: Jeffrey S. Ballinger, City Attorney 55575.18240\32870486.1 -2-