WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person.  The virus is spread between individuals who are in close contact with each other (within about six feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  It may be possible that individuals can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes; and

WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern; and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, Alex M. Azar II, Secretary of Health and Human Services, determined and declared that a public health emergency exists in the United States in relation to COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine, signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for the entire State of Ohio in relation to COVID-19 pursuant to the Governor’s authority vested in him by the Constitution, the laws of the State of Ohio and in accordance with Revised Code section 5502.22; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for the entire State of Ohio urged all citizens to heed to the advice of the Department of Health and other emergency officials regarding COVID-19 in order to protect their health and safety; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump declared a National Emergency, invoking the Stafford Act and allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster response and aid state and local governments in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the CDC has advised those that have possible or confirmed COVID-19 to stay home from work, school, and away from other public places; and

WHEREAS, the State of Ohio government, under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, has adopted necessary and bold preventive and proactive measures to slow the spread of the virus and treat those affected; and 

WHEREAS, on April 2, 2020, Dr. Amy Acton ordered that all persons stay home or their place of residence unless they are engaged in Essential Activities, Essential Government Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses or Operations as set forth in said order until May 1, 2020.

WHEREAS, as of April 6, 2020, five (5) residents of Logan County have tested positive for COVID-19; and 

WHEREAS, in the City of Bellefontaine and across Logan County there is a current threat of an acutely hazardous disease, illness, or health condition; specifically, COVID-19, that is believed to be caused by the appearance of a novel infectious agent; and

WHEREAS, in the City of Bellefontaine, this threat has already impacted the daily lives of the citizens of the City of Bellefontaine and, the need for citizens and City of Bellefontaine employees to stay home from work and other public places should they be exposed to the virus substantially impairs the functioning of city government and its ability to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the City of Bellefontaine

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ben Stahler, Mayor of the City of Bellefontaine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Ohio Constitution, the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, and Section 733.03 of the Ohio Revised Code, do hereby order and direct that: 

1. A State of Emergency is declared for the entire City of Bellefontaine to protect the lives and well-being of the citizens of the City as well as those who work, attend school, and visit the City, from the dangerous effects of COVID-19.
2. I hereby suspend purchasing and contracting requirements pursuant to the City of Bellefontaine Procurement and Purchasing Policy to allow for entering into contracts for the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, construction or service in order to procure any necessary resources or supplies to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Bellefontaine.
3. I further suspend all regulatory provisions of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine as necessary to allow for the continued ability of the City to meet payroll, process insurance benefits, and pay vendors during the time of the emergency.
4. The City apply for emergency public assistance funds resulting from the National Emergency declared on March 13, 2020.

I signed this Mayoral Proclamation and Executive Orders on April 6, 2020 in Bellefontaine, Ohio and it shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until the emergency no longer exists, such time to be determined by the Governor of the State of Ohio as determined by the Director of Health of the State of Ohio and the Executive Director of the Emergency Management Agency of the State of Ohio.

Ben Stahler
Mayor
Bellefontaine, Ohio

Yesterday, the Governor announced that Ohio’s Stay-At-Home Order has been extended through May 1, 2020. 

Like most of the United States, we know that these are truly difficult and challenging times.  Medical experts are saying that while we have not yet reached the peak of this pandemic event, the efforts we’re making to avoid standing near others is very important, and it is already making a difference.

While Logan County’s number of positive cases remain relatively low, we are still treating this as the “calm before the storm”. 

All city departments are in operation maintaining essential services to our community.  Our frontline associates include paramedics, firefighters, and police officers.  Additionally, we are thankful for our community’s doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers for their dedication to the task at hand. 

We ask for your patience and understanding during this critical phase of the spread COVID-19. Please reach out to our most vulnerable citizens to assist them.  Continue to sanitize your hands, your work spaces and help others to appreciate the reasons that we keep a safe distance.  These efforts ARE saving lives.  Let’s help one another and all be a part of the solution.  We will get through this TOGETHER! Thank you! #ohiostrong #shoplocal
 
Ben Stahler
Mayor
Bellefontaine, Ohio