![JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION BY McLEAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2133/files/2018/11/mclean-co-400x400.jpg)
As news and information is shared regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), McLean County Government is working to protect and promote the health of our employees and the public.
Actions taken today include formal initiation of McLean County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), with intent to prepare for and respond to the conditions caused by COVID-19. Bob Clark, Director of McLean County’s EMA, said the EOC will operate virtually, at this time, so that all key participants of EOC can provide needed emergency management functions while protecting the health of its participants. Sheriff Sandage and EMA Director Clark want EOC participants to follow social distancing recommendations, until further notice.
In addition, today Chairman of the McLean County Board John D. McIntyre signed an Emergency Proclamation of a Disaster in McLean County, Illinois. McIntyre’s proclamation will assist the residents of McLean County, Illinois, and by and through the McLean County EMA, and through coordination of federal, state, county, and municipal resources and response activities. The Emergency Proclamation will remain in effect for seven days; the full McLean County Board will convene prior to its expiration to consider formal continuation.
Finally, McLean County Government continues to provide essential services to the community. Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, we will operate the “McLean County Customer Service Station” located on East Street between Washington and Front Streets. It is a walk-up service station, with parking available nearby. We strongly recommend citizens contact McLean County Government offices first, as many services can be completed remotely. A comprehensive list of contacts can be found at https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/1393/COVID-19.
We understand that this is an unprecedented action, and we feel this is the best way to practice social distancing and keep the public and our employees safe during these difficult times. We will continue to reassess this evolving situation daily.
PROCLAMATION OF A DISASTER IN MCLEAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, a significant outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID–19) emerged in China; and
WHEREAS, COVID–19 is a novel severe acute respiratory illness that can spread among people through respiratory transmissions and present with symptoms similar to those of influenza; and
WHEREAS, certain populations are at higher risk of experiencing more severe illness as a result of COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease; and
WHEREAS, McLean County, Illinois is continuing its efforts to prepare for any eventuality given that this is a novel illness with known health risks to the elderly and those with serious chronic medical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the CDC currently recommends community preparedness and everyday prevention measures be taken by all individuals and families in the United States, including voluntary home isolation when individuals are sick with respiratory symptoms, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects to increase community resilience and readiness for responding to an outbreak; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of McLean County, Illinois to be prepared to address any disasters and therefore, it is necessary and appropriate to make additional resources within McLean County, Illinois available to ensure that the effects of COVID-19 are mitigated and minimized and that residents and visitors in McLean County, Illinois remain safe and secure; and
WHEREAS, this proclamation will activate McLean County, Illinois emergency operations plan by proclaiming that a disaster exists within McLean County, Illinois. This proclamation of disaster will assist the residents of McLean County, Illinois, by and through its Emergency Management Agency and through coordination of federal, state, county and municipal resources and response activities, in an effort to prevent and reduce further damage and hazards, protect the health and safety of persons, protect property and provide emergency response;
s Emergency Management Agency !
NOW THEREFORE I, John McIntyre, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Chairman of the County Board of McLean County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management 3305/11, and McLean County Administrative Code, Chapter 31 – Emergency Services- SS 31-11 proclaim that a disaster exists within McLean County, Illinois.
This proclamation is effective on March 20, 2020 and shall continue for a period not to exceed seven days, unless extended by the County Board of McLean County, Illinois.
Approved:
Attest:
To hand. Me Fetyna
Kathy
Michael
JOHN MCINTYRE CHAIRMAN, MCLEAN COUNTY BOARD
KATHY MICHAEL? MCLEAN COUNTY CLERK