At its meeting on April 28, the Irvine City Council voted to extend Executive Orders and resolutions pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City Council deliberated to confirm the continuing existence of a local emergency as well as confirm the need for emergency measures. 

“The changes in work and home life caused by COVID-19 are significant and evolving,” stated Mayor Christina Shea. “Measures the City Council put in place have been appropriate and forward-thinking at each particular time frame. But as we know, the depth of the emergency continues to change daily and as such, we must make adjustments to maintain the health and well-being of our community.”

After careful consideration and following the State directive, the City Council voted to allow golf courses to open, based significantly upon the guidance set forth by the County of Orange, with additional City requirements in place for the protection of public health. Furthermore, the Irvine Animal Care Center will reopen for appointment only adoptions beginning Saturday, May 2, with appropriate safety measures in place.  

 April 28 actions by the Irvine City Council include:

1. City Facility Closures: All City facilities will remain closed to the public, with the exception of the Irvine Animal Care Center, until further notice. Limited City staff will remain available to maintain essential services online, via telephone, and/or via video conference. This measure will be subject to monthly evaluation by the Irvine City Council.
    
2. Irvine Animal Care Center: The Irvine Animal Care Center will be open on an appointment-only basis. No drop-in services shall be available. Community members can call the Center at 949-724-7740 to make an appointment. For full details, view our press release.
    
3. City Sponsored Events: All City-sponsored community events through the end of June will be postponed or modified. A list of events being impacted will be published on the City’s website.
    
4. Golf Courses: Golf courses in the City of Irvine may reopen for business, based significantly upon the guidance set forth by the County of Orange.
    
5. Face Coverings: The use of face coverings by retail and commercial services personnel and patrons will continue until further notice. This measure will be subject to monthly evaluation by the Irvine City Council.
    
6. Evictions, Foreclosures, Rent Increases: City Council Resolution No. 20-29 was extended until further notice. The resolution mandates that landowners and landlords refrain from evicting or foreclosing on Irvine residents and businesses where non-payment is a result of loss of income or increase in expenses caused by COVID-19.
    
7. Building Permits and Permit Applications: One additional extension of 180 days is now available for permits and permit applications.

Additionally, the City Council formed a subcommittee comprised of Mayor Christina Shea and Councilmember Farrah N. Khan to create a workforce policy assuring that local jobs are offered to local workers and veterans. The subcommittee will work with City staff and will return to the City Council with an update at a future meeting.

Finally, the City Council directed staff to explore a partnership with a local certified lab to establish a drive-through COVID-19 testing program for the Irvine community. Additional details will be provided as more information becomes available.

For more information about the City of Irvine’s response to COVID-19, please visit cityofirvine.org/covid19.