COVID-19 LOCAL INFORMATION
The City of Ferndale is committed to helping the community get through this tough time. The city has appointed a COVID-19 Task Force to gather local information that may help during this time of need. We will update this information as needed and provided by each entity.
As of April 24, 2020, the Humboldt County Health Officer has issued a Health Order requiring the use of facial coverings to further manage the spread of COVID-19. The Order states people must wear a facial covering before they enter:
-Any indoor facility except for their own residence
-Any enclosed space
-Any outdoor space where individuals are unable to maintain at all times a distance of six feet from others.
Failure to comply with this Health Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. Please click HERE to see the full order.
CITY HALL: City Hall is currently closed to the public. Staff is working hard to help keep services going effectively and efficiently while complying with state and federal guidelines. City Hall staff can be reached at (707)786-4224, or via email at cityclerk@ci.ferndale.ca.us. Office staff will be working remotely from home as much as possible, but will also be available in the office to provide service as needed. Person to Person contact will only be provided by appointment only for essential service. Public works and the wastewater treatment plant are operating as normal. Their facilities are also closed to the public.
CITY MANAGER: The City Manager declared a local emergency on March 23, 2020. To see the Proclamation declaring the emergency please click HERE.
The City Manager additionally issued an Order clarifying applicability of the Shelter-in-Place Order by the Health Officer of the County of Humboldt. Please click HERE to see the City Manager Order.
CITY MEETINGS: All non-essential meetings will be cancelled at this time. The City will be using Zoom to broadcast the upcoming April 15, 2020 City Council Meeting. Public Comment for the upcoming council meeting can be submitted to the city clerk via email at cityclerk@ci.ferndale.ca.us or can be mailed to POB 1095, Ferndale CA 95536. Comments will need to be submitted by 4:00pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. City Clerk will read the public comments into the record during the meeting. The read comments should not exceed the 5-minute time limit. Public may view the meeting through the Zoom website using your computer or may be listened to via telephone.
POLICE DEPT: The Ferndale Police Department is ensuring consistency with current COVID-19 measures, the police chief, Bret Smith, has advised his officers to do the following:
• When contacting citizens during traffic stops and/or other self-initiated activity:
Wear latex gloves when exchanging paperwork, i.e., identification, driver’s license, registration, etc.
Wear latex gloves during pat downs and/or searches.
• Avoid shaking hands with people you contact (use other non-contact forms of greetings).
• Keep distance between yourself and others (preferably six feet if possible).
• Wash hands, use disinfectant wipes/spray, and hand sanitizer often.
Wipe down patrol vehicle interior and equipment.
Use protective masks when appropriate.
• Limit your response to medical calls unless specifically requested due to a criminal issue.
THE FERNDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CLOSELY MONITORING BUSINESSES. PER STATE AND FEDERAL GUIDELINES, IF A NON-ESSENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IT MAY BE CITED AND COULD RESULT IN FINES AND/OR ARREST. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE GUIDELINES FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
THE UPDATED HUMBOLDT COUNTY SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER ALSO PROHIBITS SHORT-TERM RENTAL PROPERTIES (HOTELS, VACATION RENTALS, AIRBNB, ETC) FROM RENTING TO NON-COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH VERY LIMITED EXCEPTIONS. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE UPDATED SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER.
FERNDALE HEALTH INSPECTOR: Our Local Health Inspector, Vanessa Huerta, has been closely working with and monitoring our local businesses, including all restaurants. She has been providing them with up to date information and has been answering calls day and night to help every businesses get through this difficult time. Many of our local restaurants, at this time, are offering take-out and delivery services. Please visit their individual websites for information and remember, our local businesses need our help during this difficult time. PLEASE BUY LOCAL when possible. Questions for Vanessa can be emailed at vanessa.huerta.fhi@gmail.com
FERNDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: Please click HERE to see the March 25, 2020 Update from Ferndale Unified School District Superintendent Beth Anderson. Additional information can be found on their websites:
Ferndale Elementary School: https://ferndalek12.org/fes/
Ferndale High School: https://ferndalek12.org/fhs/
Ferndale Unified School District: https://ferndalek12.org/
The school district also provides a “robo-call” service to parents that have subscribed to provide additional information.
FERNDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT: The Ferndale Fire Department has reported it is taking all necessary precautions to protect its volunteers and the health and safety of everyone. Please be aware that if the Fire Department is sent to a medical call, they may be dressed in protective gear. DO NOT BE ALARMED. This is for the health and safety of everyone
FERNDALE SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER: It was last reported that the Senior Resource Center had canceled all exercise classes, prohibited all vendors from entering the kitchen facility and was taking extra sanitary procedures. At that time, the center was still continuing its meals on wheels program and providing transportation to and from medical appointments for our local seniors. For more information, please call the Ferndale Senior Resource Center at (707)786-4141.
FERNDALE LIBRARY: The Ferndale Library is currently closed. Drop boxes can still be accessed to return books. Late fees are currently being waived.
FERNDALE MUSEUM: The Ferndale Museum is currently closed.
FERNDALE FAIRGROUNDS/OES: The Ferndale Fairgrounds serves as the OES (Office of Emergency Services) shelter.
DEL ORO WATER: Del Oro has issues a statement that they have stopped service disconnections until the coronavirus situation improves. Also, they can help customers experiencing financial hardship by offering flexible payment options. Their website and customer care center are open and available to assist you with account management.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Governor has also released a new one-stop website for COVID-19 resources. This is a substantial source of information including unemployment and paid sick leave, along with small business assistance.
Below are basic guidelines for the COVID-19 virus:
• WASH YOUR HANDS – Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds
• COVER A COUGH OR SNEEZE – Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or tissue. Dispose of tissue and wash your hands afterwards.
• DON’T TOUCH – Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
• KEEP YOUR DISTANCE – Avoid close contact with people. Social distancing is a minimum of 6ft. Avoid going into public places unless necessary for essentials. Please click link to see social distancing guidelines: SOCIAL DISTANCING INFORMATION
• STAY HOME – If you are sick. People should try to avoid going out unless necessary. People over the age of 65, or with underlying health issues should shelter in place. IF YOU MUST GO OUT, WEAR A MASK.
• GET HELP – If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your healthcare provider or local health department before seeking care.
OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS
Humboldt COVID-19 Resources (Updated April 13, 2020)