City Announces Important Update on Coronavirus State of Emergency

Fresno City Manager Wilma Quan today signed an Executive Order updating the City of Fresno’s state of emergency, calling for all individuals living in the city of Fresno to shelter at their place of residence to ensure the maximum number of people self-isolate while enabling essential services to continue.  The goal of the Order is to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to the maximum extent possible.  Residences include single-family homes, hotels, motels, shared rental units, and similar facilities.

Residents should stay home, especially vulnerable populations, unless you are leaving home to get food, care for others or pets, access necessary health care, or go to an essential job. It is permissible to use outdoor spaces for activities such as walking, biking, hiking or running if you are not in a group and following social distancing guidelines.

All businesses with the exception of Essential Businesses as defined below are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the City except for minimum basic operations.

The following businesses are deemed Essential Services:

• City/County government services including police stations, fire stations, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, courts, garbage/sanitation, transportation services, utilities (water, waste water, and solid waste)
• Educational institutions—including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions
• Construction of housing (particularly affordable housing)
• Internet and telecommunications systems
• Gas stations, auto supply, auto-repair, and related facilities
• Pharmacies
• Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out, and delivery restaurants
• Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals
• Hardware stores, office supply stores, plumbers, electricians, HVAC companies, exterminators and sanitation service providers
• Banks and related financial institutions
• Professional services (Legal, accounting only as needed to assist with legally mandated activities)
• Businesses that service low-income or vulnerable populations
• Businesses that provide mailing and shipping services
• Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry services
• Hotels providing shelter
• Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
• Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children
• Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers

Businesses deemed non-essential include:

• Amusement centers
• Salons, barbers, day spas
• Auto sales
• Other retail
• Clothing, bookstores
• Private clubs, health clubs, and gyms
• Industrial and manufacturing not related to an essential function

This is not an exhaustive list.  For more information, see Emergency Order 2020-002, or call (559) 621-8400.

The following City-owned or controlled facilities shall remain closed to the public: Selland Arena, Saroyan Theater, Exhibit Halls, Convention Center, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Rotary Playland, Storyland, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the Meux Home, Shinzen Garden, all community centers (except for any emergency operations), and sports facilities, including Granite Park, Southwest Regional, and others. Park green space shall remain open, but with no gatherings larger than 10 people.

This Order allows and encourages people 65 to work from home or participate telephonically or electronically from home in any business activity.

Constituents are encouraged to visit https://www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.