City of Charleston Declares State of Emergency

Today, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin declared a State of Emergency in the City of Charleston in response to COVID-19. This proclamation allows the City to be immediate in its response to this global pandemic. The proclamation also gives City Manager Jonathan Storage and Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Mark Strickland, along with Mayor Goodwin, the authority to issue emergency policies and direct City personnel, services and equipment to perform acts as necessary.

“We need to make sure that we are doing everything in our power to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “The Emergency Proclamation signed today gives us the ability to be flexible and provides immediate resources for first responders and City administration that are combatting this virus.”

This Emergency Proclamation goes into effect immediately and will stay in effect until a similar proclamation is issued rescinding the existing State of Emergency.

Also announced today, the Charleston City Council meeting on March 16, 2020 will occur electronically.

“We need to stay informed, plan and prepare, and above all else, not panic,” said Mayor Goodwin. “Remain vigilant and check on your family, friends and neighbors.”

For the latest federal guidance, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.