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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2022-13 Community Protective Measues for COVID-19RESOLUTION NO. 2022-13 COMMUNITY PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR COVID-19 WHEREAS, public health experts have determined that it is possible to transmit COVID-19 even before a person shows symptoms; and, WHEREAS, during the public health emergency, state and local health authorities strongly encouraged all Minnesotans to wear a face covering when they leave their homes and travel to any indoor public setting where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores and pharmacies) and to follow relevant face covering guidelines issued by governmental health authorities; and, WHEREAS, since June 2021, the CDC identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants; and, WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number of new cases sequenced in Minnesota, thereby substantially increasing the potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community; and, WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in Minnesota, has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” and appears to be easily transmitted; and, WHEREAS, the Omicron variant accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota; and, WHEREAS, 4.3% of all new COVID-19 cases have been in fully vaccinated individuals ages 12 and up in Minnesota as of the last reporting period (week of 11/28/21); and, WHEREAS, new COVID-19 infections in Edina are occurring at a rate higher than at any time in the pandemic; and, WHEREAS, the CDC continues to reinforce that the strongest defense against the Delta, Omicron, and other potentially dangerous variants is through vaccination, proper use of a face mask, avoidance of crowded spaces, good hand hygiene, and staying home when sick; and, WHEREAS, the healthcare system is experimenting significant stress right now from the sharp increase in COVID-19 infections and would benefit from people exercising more personal protective measures to mitigate the spread of the Omicron variant. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, to achieve maximum protection against the Omicron variant of COVID-19, that: 1. Residents, employees and guests in Edina are requested and strongly encouraged by the Edina City Council to take all reasonable protective actions, such as wearing appropriate face coverings, maintain social distancing in public places, washing hands regularly and getting vaccinated, if possible, in order to reduce the spread and negative impacts of COVID-19 during this period of infection surge caused by the Omicron variant; and 2. Staff is directed to develop strategies around the use of federal funds for providing the following to the residents of Edina: • Flu shots • Rapid test access for COVID-19 • Opportunities for COVID-19 booster shots • Providing high-quality masks to our residents that are effective against Omicron Dated: January 7, 2022 Attest: _______________________________ ____________________________ Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) SS CITY OF EDINA) CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina do hereby certify that the attached and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina City Council at its Regular Meeting of January 7, 2022, and as recorded in the Minutes of said Regular Meeting. WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this _______ day of __________________, 2022. _____________________________________ City Clerk