Highland declared a local emergency in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak the same day health officials announced the first death in San Bernardino County due to COVID-19, which is caused by the virus.

On Tuesday, March 24, the City Council joined a teleconference with City Clerk Betty Hughes, who ran the meeting at the council chambers. No members of the public attended the special meeting, Hughes said.

Adopting the resolution helps the city qualify for state, federal, and other funding opportunities related to the crisis. According to a report to the City Council, the fiscal impact to the city due to the outbreak will be “significant.”

The move also “authorizes the undertaking of extraordinary police powers, provides limited immunity for emergency actions of public employees and governing bodies, and authorizes the issuance of orders and regulations to protect life and property,” according to the report. “The proclamation of local emergency will allow the City Manager to take any actions necessary to address or mitigate impacts COVID-19 have on City operations and services.”

The vote was 4-0 with Councilwoman Anaeli Solano absent.

Other steps taken by the city to slow the spread of the virus include closing City Hall through April 6, though most activities can be done by mail and email, and canceling or postponing the Citrus Harvest Festival originally set for Saturday, March 28.

Information: cityofhighland.org