Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers declared a local emergency on Wednesday night, which will allow the city to take emergency measures to address and prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

In the order, Weiers issued guidelines for businesses and restaurants, which are now mostly moot because of Gov. Doug Ducey's order Thursday to limit restaurant service and close bars, theaters and gyms.

Weiers also requested that people over the age of 70 self-quarantine, and called on faith-based leaders to make sure they have the food and supplies they need.

"While these are trying times, they are also a time when we can all come together to support our community," he said.

The recommendations come as the city has also taken other steps to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Glendale announced March 20 that it has closed council meetings to the public, but will have virtual options available for watching and commenting.

As of March 23, Glendale City Hall is not open to the public.

The city has also closed libraries and indoor recreation centers and canceled events.

Glendale's guidelines for businesses

Glendale's guidelines for businesses are as follows:

Public gathering places, such as bars, clubs, libraries, gyms and other places where groups in excess of 10 gather are asked to take measures to implement social distancing.

Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, retail food facilities and other similar businesses are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and increase the use of delivery, window and drive-thru services.

Social distancing guidelines by the Arizona Public Health Department include canceling gatherings of 10 or more, staying six feet apart, and maintaining high hygiene standards such as hand washing.

The city requested in the proclamation that financial, mutual aid, and in-kind assistance be obtained from the county, state and federal government as necessary.

In a YouTube video posted Wednesday, Robert Heidt, the president and CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, called on Gov. Doug Ducey and mayors to restrict business operations. He said he is supportive of limiting crowds and restricting restaurant operations to carry-out and delivery only.

Glendale closes City Hall, council meetings to public

City Hall is closed to the public. Residents can still access city services over the phone at 623-930-2000, or at www.glendaleaz.com or www.glendaleone.com.

Glendale City Council voting meetings and workshops can be viewed live on the city's Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/GlendaleAZ.

They can also be heard by phone by calling 602-666-0783, entering meeting ID 626560611 and pushing # for the attendee ID.

Residents can submit comments by emailing councilmeeting@glendaleaz.com or by calling 623-930-2686 and leaving a voicemail.

Following the usual time limits on public comments, the first five minutes of the email or the voicemail will be heard or read for items on the agenda, and the first three minutes of comments will be heard for items not on the agenda.

The deadline to submit comments for the next council meeting is 4:30 p.m. March 24.

City closures and event cancelations

Glendale closed all libraries and indoor recreation centers on Tuesday.

Library cardholders can still check out items digitally at glendaleazlibrary.com.

Parks and recreation facilities including the Adult Center, Foothills Recreation & Aquatic Center, O’Neil Recreation Center, Rose Lane Recreation Center and Heroes Regional Park Recreation Building are closed.

All classes and programs at recreation and community centers are suspended.

The city is also suspending upcoming city-hosted large events and mass gatherings, such as the Live! @Murphy Park concert series.

The city is canceling all board and commission meetings unless required by law.

For the time being, the city still is hosting City Council meetings and workshops that are open to the public. The city encourages residents to watch online instead of attending in person. Click here to watch.

City Manager Kevin Phelps said Tuesday that the city is setting up as many employees as possible to work from home.

Out-of-state employee travel is limited, and some employees who travel out of state are self-quarantining.

Follow updates on Glendale coronavirus response

The city is following guidance from the CDC and state and county health departments as it makes decisions on how to keep residents safe.

For more information about how Glendale is responding to coronavirus concerns click here.

Reach the reporter at jen.fifield@azcentral.com or at 602-444-8763. Follow her on Twitter @JenAFifield.

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