Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth offered updates on the state of the community during the coronavirus crisis on Wednesday.

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As the planned date for the lifting of the “Safer at Home” order approaches, Smyth checked in with local residents, offering updates on the fiscal impact of the coronavirus shutdown, as well as the positive impact of social distancing as evidenced by the growing number of recovered patients in local hospitals.

Smyth noted that although the number of confirmed cases is rising, residents should keep in mind that the numbers released by the county are cumulative, and that many individuals who had been diagnosed weeks ago have likely recovered as of this point in time.

Additionally, the fact that more confirmed cases are being recognized is indicative of the fact that more testing is now available, as evidenced by the fact that the College of the Canyons testing site has processed around 4,000 tests since it was opened last month.

“I think that number continues to show that Santa Clarita is really doing our part to reduce the number of cases. We’re following the orders and it really is working,” said Smyth.

In the time since the first case of COVID-19 was announced in the valley on March 13, 40 people who were hospitalized at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital have been released with a clean bill of health as of Tuesday.

The success of social distancing measures and the “Safer at Home” order in protecting residents has shown much promise in terms of flattening the curve in Santa Clarita, as evidenced by the number of recovering patients, according to Smyth.

“Santa Clarita, we are doing our part in this community,” he said.

Although Smyth acknowledged concerns about when Santa Clarita businesses might be able to reopen, Smyth reminded residents that the City is under the purview of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, as well as state directives, and thus would be basing a reopening timeline on the direction of these two entities.

“When you look at the numbers as a whole, it’s important to keep it in perspective… Santa Clarita is absolutely doing our part,” said Smyth.

Smyth also offered a snapshot of the impact of the shutdown upon the city’s revenue, a majority of which relies upon sales and property taxes. City officials estimate that the month-long closure will result in a percentage loss in the double digits, prompting them to reevaluate the likelihood of offering summer recreational programs.

Spring recreational programs have already been cancelled in observance of the “Safer at Home” order.

However, the City of Santa Clarita has a long tradition of careful financial management, allowing the City to maintain a 20 percent Emergency Management fund for use in circumstances such as these, according to officials.

Smyth also took the time to thank front-line workers for their contributions, from those in the medical field, to food service providers and utility workers.

“There are so many people throughout Santa Clarita that are doing the best they can to serve our community,” he said.

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