City Of Beaumont Declares Local Emergency Due To Coronavirus

BEAUMONT, CA — The Beaumont City Council approved a resolution Tuesday declaring a local emergency amid coronavirus concerns.

“The health and safety of our residents remains our top priority. The declaration allows the city to be proactive rather than reactive should the virus directly impact our community," said Mayor Rey Santos.

Among other things, the declaration allows the city manager or his designee the authority to enforce orders of other governmental agencies and qualify for financial assistance for costs associated with responses to the coronavirus epidemic.

The resolution and declaration are available online at BeaumontCa.gov.

In nearby Coachella Valley, the cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio and Cathedral City have taken similar action and others are likely to follow suit. Riverside County also has an emergency declaration in place.

As of late Tuesday, Riverside County Public Health reports 16 Riverside County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Most are in the Coachella Valley; two people have tested positive in western Riverside County. Three Riverside County deaths have been linked to the disease.

Under a countywide order issued Monday, residents and businesses are prohibited from conducting social gatherings of 10 or more people. Read the county order here. Gatherings of less than 10 people must have enough available room to maintain six feet of space between attendees — known as "social distancing."

Schools throughout Riverside County have been ordered closed through April 30.

Click here for updates from the city of Beaumont on closures and other COVID-19 updates.

Click here for updates from the city of Banning on closures and other COVID-19 updates.