The City of Battle Ground is actively taking steps to contain the spread of coronavirus as well as preparing for further actions as they are needed. We understand and empathize with the growing concern and uncertainty of how, or when, coronavirus will evolve in our region and what the response will be if an outbreak does occur here.
Our priority is continuing service to our residents by ensuring the City remains operational with appropriate measures in place to protect the health of our employees and the community. The City continues to closely monitor the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and implement appropriate actions in response to this rapidly changing issue.
We are following the lead and guidance of Clark County Public Health and working alongside Clark County Public Health and CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) and surrounding partner municipalities to implement coordinated response and communication.
Currently, the number of confirmed and under investigation cases in Clark County is relatively low (Clark County Public Health), however, this is expected to grow exponentially in the coming weeks and months. The risk of exposure is increasing for people who live in our region. Health agency experts, including the World Health Organization, recommend social distancing measures be deployed to contain the spread in communities, not to specifically prevent illness, but rather to slow down the rate at which people get sick.
On Friday, in coordination with Clark County Public Health, I issued a Declaration of Emergency for the City of Battle Ground. This follows similar declarations made by the President, Governor, Clark County and other communities across the State. This declaration is a preparative measure that allows the City organization to move swiftly and legally in our response through streamlining processes and providing access to federal, state and local emergency resources and funds. Any emergency orders and actions taken under the declaration are anticipated to be done in coordination with a regional response.
The City is planning for several contingency scenarios throughout its operational areas. Effective Friday, March 13, the City implemented a series of initial changes in operations and services as preventative measures to limit the spread of coronavirus among our employees and the community, including:
- Cancellation of all City sponsored events.
- Suspension of all non-essential public meetings through March 27. This will be re-evaluated before the end of the time period.
- Cancellation of all City-permitted public events with planned or forecasted attendance of 50 people or more.
- Suspension of all non-essential training and travel until further notice
- Modification of water shutoff polices to ensure sanitation resources in homes.
- Suspension of all police department ride along programs
- Enhanced sanitation of all public buildings and facilities
- Closure of the Police department lobby effective today, Monday, March 16 to minimize exposure for the first responders who serve our community.
City Council will meet tonight (Monday, March 16) to ratify the emergency declaration. The situation continues to change rapidly and our response will evolve and change accordingly. We will communicate additional information and updates as they are available. In the meantime, information on the state and regional response can be found on the following websites:
We encourage everyone to consistently practice the hygienic and social distancing measures recommended by Clark County public health and the CDC. It is vitally important that we all stay informed, stay calm and work together to keep our community safe and healthy and reduce the spread of the virus in our region. On behalf of the Mayor, Council and staff at the City, we extend our thanks to the Battle Ground community for rising to the occasion.
Sincerely,
Erin Erdman
City Manager