City updates residents on virus, urges support of businesses

By Doug Spoon, Editor


The City of Menifee today released its most detailed information yet to residents regarding local impact of the coronavirus. In addition to providing resources about the virus, employer resources and employee resources, officials are urging residents to continue to help one another and to support local businesses in responsible ways.

“While this is a fluid and changing environment, as new recommendations are being made regularly, at this time only bars, nightclubs, breweries, and gastropubs are being asked to self-close, and restaurants to self-reduce occupancy to 50 percent and create a six-foot table gap between patrons,” according to a City news release. “As a reminder, the City provides vital services to the residents of Menifee from its support of our local businesses. There are other means to supporting our local businesses, such as home delivery, or curbside pick-ups, that are highly encouraged.”

In a video message posted on the City’s Facebook page and Menifee 24/7 Facebook page this evening, Mayor Bill Zimmerman emphasized that no one in Menifee has tested positive for the coronavirus. That fact was also emphasized by City Manager Armando Villa in an interview with Menifee 24/7 today.

Villa said he began to brief City Council members on a daily basis last week regarding communication from county health department officials. As things began to change rapidly, the City elevated from “management watch” status to Level 3 emergency status, in which precautionary measures are determined and implemented.

“Right now, that means we are encouraging social distancing,” Villa said. “We are taking steps to make sure we are following the recommendations of public health officials.”

Villa referred to an order of the Riverside County Officer today, which prohibits any gathering of more than 10 people. The order also mandates the six-foot distance rule and that child care be carried out in groups of no more than 12 children.

“In addition, we have now implemented the City’s Emergency Management Council, in which the Mayor and I come up with strategies on how to proceed,” Villa continued. “This is very different than other emergency plans we have. Most emergencies we plan for are immediate – an earthquake, fire, major accident on the freeway. This is kind of a slow fog moving in, and it’s full of unknowns.”

As City administrators continue to receive information from state and county officials, the City’s stance on possible closure of local businesses remains in a state of flux. Villa said the City’s response to communication from the governor’s office will be more specific after state officials clarify the statement made by Gov. Newsom on Sunday.

In a press conference, Newsom said he is “directing” bars and pubs to close. So far, however, there has been no clarification of what exactly that means. There have been specific guidelines about reduced capacity and social distance in restaurants, but there has been no statewide order about closures.

“We’re waiting for more information on whether this is a mandate or a suggestion,” Villa said about the governor’s statement regarding bars and pubs. “If the governor issues an executive order, then we would move to send more strict notices to businesses and expect them to be closed.

“Right now, we’re identifying the businesses in our city that are bars, those that are restaurants, drive-throughs, places where people gather, so we are prepared for what might come.”

Villa acknowledged that the level of concern is heightened, and that City officials will do everything possible to minimize panic in the community.

“All it takes is somebody to be identified with the virus, and people’s behavior becomes more erratic,” he said. “We anticipate a little bit of chaos and confusion, and we are working to address that.”

As part of the City’s response to the recommendation to maintain social distancing, officials are asking residents not to attend Wednesday’s City Council meeting, but rather watch the live video on the City’s website.

To watch meetings online, visit www.cityofmenifee.us and search “agenda, minutes and videos”, then click on “City Council” and the video icon.

Those wishing to address council members with comments are asked to email publiccomments@cityofmenifee.us. Include your full name and the agenda item you will be speaking about, or if it’s a general comment. Emails should be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“Information phone lines and resources have been set up for residents and businesses,” according to the City news release. “Riverside County Department of Public Health requested that the general public first call 2-1-1 for COVID-19 resources and information.

“The City is also working alongside local churches and community-based organizations to assist the city’s most vulnerable. The City has opened up a phone line, 951-672-9673, that will be staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist with questions, resource information, and assistance as it relates to COVID-19.”

The complete City news release, with additional resources for employers and employees, follows.