City of Palmdale's Coronavirus Update – 5/22/20

This is Memorial Day weekend, traditionally the start of summer all across the country. Things are very different this year. A lot of the places people would normally go to and the things that they’d do are not happening due to COVID-19. However, it doesn’t change the fact that Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day, a day we set aside to remember the fallen men and women who served our nation in the military.

While large ceremonies have been cancelled, we will be having a small observance on Monday, May 25 at Poncitlán Square at 9 am to show our gratitude. Local veterans groups such as Coffee for Vets, Vets 4 Veterans, American Legion Post 348, the VFW, Point Man AV, American Legion Riders and others will be on hand for this.

The public is invited to attend, but social distancing will be enforced and facial coverings will be mandatory. We’re encouraging people to stay in their cars and listen and observe from a safe distance.

We’ll also broadcast the ceremony live on the City’s Facebook page, City of Palmdale-Government, so you can watch from the comfort of your home.

On behalf of the entire City Council and City staff, we are forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of those who died for the United States of America. We remember all those who gave their lives for our freedom, that we might enjoy and never take for granted the bounty of freedom. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all who have suffered the loss of a loved one in service to our great nation. May our eternal gratitude for the sacrifice these men and women made bring us peace and hope for a better tomorrow.

And with that, I’ll turn it over to City Manager JJ Murphy who has an update about changes in doing business at City Hall. JJ?

City Manager, JJ Murphy:

Thank you Mayor. When we declared a state of emergency on March 12, the City of Palmdale took measured steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and the community we serve.

Knowing that the operations of government could not stop, we kept City Hall open by appointment only, implemented telecommuting where possible, and came up with creative ways to serve our residents.

We began doing building inspections virtually. We provided online recreation opportunities, and increased our capacity to serve meals to those who needed help the most. Our staff worked alongside medical professionals to help with COVID -19 testing, and kept working on our infrastructure projects in a safe manner.

Because of all the work the community has done in maintaining social distancing and following the Safer at Home Orders, the time has come to begin reopening City Hall to walk in traffic.

Starting Tuesday, May 26, you will not need to make an appointment to conduct business at City Hall. Our offices will be open to serve our community, with all the necessary safeguards in place.

City employees and visitors will be required to wear facial coverings. We will maintain a six foot social distancing requirement. There will be a limit as to how many people will be allowed in at one time. And hand sanitizing stations will be available in all City facilities.

Due to the County Health Department Order, the Palmdale City Library, Legacy Commons for Active Seniors, SAVES and our Recreation Centers will remain closed to public access. You may still order books for pickup online at the Library, and our food delivery and lunch schedule is still in place at Legacy Commons and SAVES.

We will continue to keep you posted as things evolve. The crisis is not over, but we are moving forward. And as we do, we will continue to make safety…the safety of our employees and customer… a top priority.

I have seen amazing things over the past two months. During this dark time, there have been many rays of light shining from the goodness, kindness, and generosity of our businesses and residents.

I am very hopeful and optimistic that great days are ahead for Palmdale. Stay strong. Stay safe. Keep washing your hands and covering your face. Stay home if you are sick.

And remember, #PalmdaleCares about you.