City of Morgan Hill Critical Update regarding Coronavirus ( COVID-19)
March 13, 2020
The City of Morgan Hill continues to monitor the effects of COVID-19. The health and safety of our residents, businesses, employees, and visitors is our top priority and we continue to be proactive in helping to ensure the health and safety of the community. 

We encourage the community to stay calm, safe, and share information with your friends and neighbors who may not have access to social media or other resources.

On March 13th, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department published updated directives regarding COVID-19. The latest directive prohibits gatherings of more than 100 people and sets specific criteria for gatherings of 35 to 100 people. Additionally, the County Superintendent of Schools and all district superintendents in the County have decided to close schools to students for three weeks beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. 



In response to the school closures, Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband & wi-fi for 60 days for new K-12 and college student households and more.

On March 13th, the City of Morgan Hill proclaimed a local emergency related to COVID-19. The purpose of the emergency declaration is to give the City legal authority to mobilize resources in response to this unprecedented public health threat for the protection of the community and our City teammates. The action will also help ensure critical services have the resources needed to continue. Additionally, it allows the City to request mutual aid from regional, State, and other governmental entities. 

Visit the City website for more resources including FAQ's and information in Spanish , Vietnamese , and Chinese .
City Services and Operations
While City facilities may be open, some services and meetings may be cancelled, postponed or held online. Check the City’s website calendar for specific event listings and cancellations.

The City’s Community Services Department will be making several alterations to programs, services and facility operations in response to the most recent guidance from the County Health Department.
 
Centennial Recreation Center and Recreation Programs:
The Centennial Recreation Center is managed in partnership with the City of Morgan Hill and the YMCA of Silicon Valley. Both organizations have worked to monitor the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time the CRC along with the 10 other YMCA of Silicon Valley Facilities will remain open with some limitations to ensure the guidelines provided by the Public Health Department are met. To keep all of our members healthy, CRC staff respectfully ask that anyone considered high risk by the CDC refrain from visiting the CRC. Specific facility guidelines are as follows:
 
  • Each area of the facility will cap visitors at a maximum of 30 people per activity space and implement appropriate social distancing
  • The fitness center will remain open, with cardio and strength training equipment
  • Group Exercise is available through a modified group exercise schedule. 
  • Pool will remain open for lap swimming only (no recreation swim)
  • The Teen Center will remain open allowing for limited attendance
  • Youth and older adult programs are currently cancelled through Saturday, April 4, 2020, effective immediately.
  • The Kids Club is closed through Saturday, April 4, 2020, effective immediately.
 
Morgan Hill Aquatics Center:
  • The Aquatics Center will remain open for lap swimming only
  • All other activities are cancelled through Saturday, April 4, 2020, effective Monday, March 16, 2020.
 
Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center:
  • The Community and Cultural Center will be closed through Saturday, April 4, 2020, effective Saturday, March 14, 2020 at noon. The facility is a hub for community events and meetings. Due to most event sizes being larger in nature, the facility is unable to meet all the COVID-19 risk mitigation measures and will be closed. We are working with event organizers to reschedule and/or process cancellations.
  • The Morgan Hill Recreation Preschool will be closed through Saturday, April 4, 2020, effective Monday, March 16, 2020. At this time, students should plan to return to class on Monday, April 13, 2020 due to Spring Break being scheduled April 6-10, 2020.
  • All CRC Fitness courses currently taking place at the Community and Cultural Center will be suspended until the facility reopens on Monday, April 6, 2020.  
 
Senior Services and Programs:
  • Senior Services are suspended until further notice.
  • Senior Fitness and Aqua Fitness courses are suspended until further notice, effective Saturday, March 14, 2020.
  • The Senior Lunch Nutrition Program has transitioned to boxed to-go lunches only until further notice. Participants can pick up lunch anytime between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm at the Senior Center. 
 
Recreation Classes:
  • All Recreation Classes not identified above will be cancelled through Saturday, April 4, 2020, effective Monday, March 16, 2020.
 
 
Public Meetings

  • Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting: The March 17th Parks & Recreation meeting has been cancelled

  • City Council Meeting: The March 18th City Council meeting will continue as planned * see special guidelines below

  • Planning Commission Meeting: The March 24th Planning Commission meeting will continue as planned * see special guidelines below

  • Community Budget Workshops: The March 21st and 26th Community Budget Workshops have been cancelled

  • Engage Morgan Hill Community Advisory Group Meeting (CAG): The March 28th CAG meeting has been cancelled
 
* Meeting Guidelines
In accordance with Executive Order N-25-20 and guidance from the California Department of Public Health on gatherings, remote public participation is allowed. We will address the Order in the following ways: 

Members of the public may physically attend, observe, and provide public comment at meetings at the Morgan Hill City Council Chamber, however no one who is sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection will be allowed to attend the meeting. Individuals who are at higher risk from infection should also avoid gatherings, including public meetings. 

The City has increased the space between the Council Chamber audience chairs and placed disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer in the Chamber for the public’s use. Attendees are expected to comply with directions from City staff with regard to seating arrangements and other social distancing measures pursuant to Santa Clara Public Heath Officer’s Coronavirus Directives.

The City Council and Planning Commission meetings will be live-streamed on Channel 17 and on the City’s website and via Facebook live .

Public comment for City Council meetings will be accepted via email to  ccpubliccomment@morganhill.ca.gov  and/or by the chat feature through Facebook live during the meeting, prior to the close of public comment on an item, and read into the record during public comment.

Public comment for Planning Commission meetings will be accepted via email to  pcpubliccomment@morganhill.ca.gov  and/or by the chat feature through Facebook live during the meeting, prior to the close of public comment on an item, and read into the record during public comment.


Partner Agencies


The community can follow updates on the City of Morgan Hill’s  website  and on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , and  Nextdoor .


City of Morgan Hill | www.morganhill.ca.gov