Today, the City of San Gabriel proclaimed a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are no confirmed cases in San Gabriel according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health at the time of this post, the City is taking proactive steps to activate its emergency operations. The emergency proclamation also allows the City to access state and federal resources to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The health and safety of our community remains our primary concern,” said City Manager Mark Lazzaretto. “This emergency proclamation will allow us to focus our resources on responding to COVID-19 with the help of federal and state resources.”

Under the direction of County officials, the City will be modifying non-essential services and canceling all City events. Walk-in service for non-essential services will no longer be offered at non-emergency City facilities, effective immediately until further notice. To promote social distancing, select in-person services will be provided by appointment only on the City’s website located at SanGabrielCity.com. Community members may also access a limited number of City services online. Critical emergency services from the San Gabriel Fire Department and the San Gabriel Police Department will continue to be offered by the City.

“This is a stressful time for all of us,” said Mayor Jason Pu. “It’s important for us all to remain calm and practice social distancing. Social distancing is our best tool to flatten the curve so our health care system does not become overwhelmed. Let’s all do our part to slow the spread.”

To stay informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, the City encourages residents to follow the direction of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in addition to the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s emergency notification system via phone, SMS or email.