Erie Mayor Joe Schember on Tuesday issued a state of emergency declaration for the city, effective immediately, because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Schember said the declaration is necessary to protect city residents. He also said that by officially declaring a state of emergency “it helps ensure that we can be reimbursed by the federal government for any expenses incurred by the city” related to combating the coronavirus.

“These are extraordinary times, which call for extraordinary measures,” Schember said. “We need to do everything we can to protect the residents of the city of Erie and our brave first responders while still providing critical public services. We ask everyone to stay calm, stay home and stay safe.”

Under this order, you can leave home for:?‍⚕‍ Tasks essential to health + safety? Necessary services/supplies? Outdoor activities? Work at life-sustaining businesses? Caring for family/pets in another home pic.twitter.com/m3XXtv8iex

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) March 24, 2020

According to city officials, the emergency declaration is important to obtain federal funding in response to covid-19. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse the city for up to 75 percent of emergency costs incurred while under an emergency declaration, Schember said.

Schember said that police, fire, ambulance and animal control services will continue as normal.

To read the emergency declaration go to cityof.erie.pa.us.

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