Disaster emergency is in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the effects it is having on the city

The City of Boulder has declared a local disaster emergency in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the effects it is having on the city.

City Manager Jane Brautigam issued a disaster emergency declaration today effective at 6 p.m. This creates a state of emergency for Boulder. The declaration provides the city manager with tools necessary to protect the public health and safety. The City Manager has authority to issue a disaster emergency declaration for a period of up to 7 days. To be effective for more than 7 days, the declaration must be confirmed and extended by the city council. Staff will ask the city council to consider doing so at the March 17, 2020 council meeting. The disaster emergency declaration provides the city manager with the authority to, among other things, order a curfew, limit large gatherings, close streets and sidewalks and order businesses to close. Violation of any emergency order would be punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and up to 90 days in jail.

As stated in the declaration, Boulder faces an imminent threat to life and public health resulting from the novel coronavirus and the resulting COVID-19 disease. This worldwide pandemic has created the potential for significant risk to the safety and welfare of the community. The city believes timely action will help to minimize the impact to the community.

You can read the declaration online. For the latest coronavirus information, visit https://bouldercolorado.gov/coronavirus . This webpage will also be updated with impacts to the city’s operations related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Published: March 14, 2020

Media contact:

Patrick von Keyserling, Communication Director, 303-441-4959