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DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID -19) IMPACTING PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA WHEREAS, Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia in response to the threat of the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth, Virginia is facing conditions that pose a threat to the lives and safety of the residents of the City in connection with the threat of COVID -19 impacting the City; and WHEREAS, as a result of this threat, the declaration of a local emergency by the City's Director of Emergency Management is necessary to permit the full powers of government to deal effectively with this hazardous situation. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS DECLARED, pursuant to the powers granted by Section 2 -658 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, Title 44, Chapter 3.2 of the Code of Virginia, Section 5.02 of the Portsmouth City Charter, and Chapter 2, Article XIII of the Portsmouth City Code, that a Local Emergency exists in the City of Portsmouth., effective this 121h day of klarch 2020 at 5:00 p.m. IT IS FURTHER DECLARED. 1, Public Gatherings and Large Events. All city departments, boards and commissions, and other affiliate entities are directed to limit in- person meetings and non - essential, work - related gatherings. All others are urged to limit large public events, effective immediately. 2. Portsmouth Public Schools. In accordance with the Governor Northam's directive, Portsmouth Public Schools is advised to update their pandemic guidelines, in consultation with the Portsmouth Health Department. 3. vulnerable Residents. Portsmouth Department of Social Services is directed to coordinate with the Virginia Department of Social Services to prepare options to ensure the most vulnerable populations have continued access to critical sen�ices, including the potential for in -home care and food supports. 4. Addressing Barriers to Care. Governor Northam is Working with insurers to waive co -pays and diagnostic testing related to COVID -19. In addition, private businesses are encouraged to explore telework and paid time off options, including those with hourly workers. This Declaration shall remain in effect until June 10, 2020, or until confirmed, modified, extended, or canceled by an official recorded vote of the City Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, whichever occurs first. All government officials are hereby vested with such authority Declaration. be ted by law by reason of this Director of Emergency Management