The Bloomington City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic during a special Thursday session. Eight of the nine council members participated remotely in adherence to the state’s social distancing directives.

The 28-day declaration is aimed at providing relief to residents and business owners, and provides flexibility in payment of bills such as food and beverage taxes, parking and ordinance fines, and utility payments.

The order does not allow Bloomington to enact curfews, prohibit liquor, ration gas, or stop the sale of firearms and ammunition. The emergency declaration reaffirms the city manager’s authority to act and ensures the continuity of city government.