City of Richmond declares an emergency

19 March 2020

A precautionary measure to address emerging issues from COVID-19

To address the evolving circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Richmond City Council made a declaration of emergency at a special council meeting held today (March 19, 2020). This declaration provides Council the opportunity to quickly and effectively address emerging issues for the purposes of enhancing preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and make decisions in the best interests of residents, businesses and City employees.

“These are difficult and unprecedented times,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The precautions, closures of facilities and cancellation of programs over the past several days have been made in the best interest and wellbeing of our residents and employees, and through the recommendations and direction of our public health officials. The emergency declaration made today allows Council to act quickly and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Under the declaration, Council passed the closure of City Hall to the public as of Monday, March 23 for a period of 30 days, with the exception of Council Meetings, Public Hearings and Standing Committee meetings. The status of this closure will be reviewed after a 30 day period. Council also passed the cancellation of spring break camps operating at community centres as of Monday March 23.

The declaration maximizes the City’s readiness to respond to the rapidly changing environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts.

For more information and updates, visit www.richmond.ca/covid19 or follow the City on social media at Twitter @Richmond_bc, Facebook @cityofrichmondbc or Instagram at CityofRichmondBC. The public may also call 604-276-4000 (Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m.-5 p.m.) or email info@richmond.ca.