With multiple confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Rock County, the city of Janesville joins the list of area municipalities to declare a state of emergency.
The city activated its emergency response center on March 16, but city manager Mark Freitag was waiting to make the formal emergency declaration until it was absolutely necessary.
The move allows Janesville to be eligible for emergency assistance from the state and federal government and gives the city manager more authority to make emergency decisions.
“This is an administrative function that allows the city to acquire additional supplies, personal protective equipment, and other resources to continue to respond to COVID-19 effectively,” Freitag said in a news release. “I am confident in the city’s emergency management team and all city employees who continue to serve their community during this challenging time.”
The Janesville City Council will vote on whether or not to approve the state of emergency at its next meeting, which is currently not scheduled as staff works to set up ways for the council to meet remotely.
Last week, the city shifted its emergency operations to level two, which reduced non-essential services and limited public access to city hall. Janesville’s core services continue to be maintained.
