Dear Friends,
As the COVID-19 reality evolves and focus changes in all of our lives in ways we could have never imagined, staying connected and informed is absolutely vital. As we continue to navigate the challenges compounded by the ongoing closures and heavy uncertainty, it is important that we all keep in mind that we are not alone. The effects of COVID-19 have reshaped the daily lives of every member of every nation in the world. We are all in this together, and we will overcome together.
In the meantime, your County leadership continues to work everyday to offer resources and relief. Alameda County staff have been working around the clock to adapt, adjusting our procedures and policies to take care of our residents. In this bulletin, you can read about the updated Health Officer Order extending the Shelter in Place, the County moratorium on evictions, the County Order mandating face coverings, homeless services resources, food resources around the region, Alameda County testing centers, help for small businesses, community resources and much more.
Please continue to visit the Alameda County Public Health Department's website at www.acphd.org, which has detailed, updated information on how to stay safe and what measures the County is taking. The County also has an information center open Monday through Friday, from 8a.m. to 5:30p.m. at 510-268-2101/ nCoV@acgov.org.
Please continue to be good to one another, take care of yourselves and those most vulnerable. As always, you can reach my office at 925-551-6995 or email me at District1@acgov.org.
Very Sincerely,
On April 29, 2020, the Shelter in Place Order in Alameda County and six (6) neighboring jurisdictions has been modified and extended through May 31, 2020. We thank our community for continuing to protect one another by limiting activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
What are the key provisions of the new Order?
The following activities may resume as long as physical distancing and industry-specific requirements are followed:
- All construction projects that follow the Construction Project Safety Protocols included with the order; • All real estate transactions, with restrictions on open houses and limited tours; • Childcare, camps and educational/rec programs that provide care for children of people who are allowed to work outside of their homes; • Outdoor businesses such as nurseries, landscaping, and agriculture that normally operated outdoors prior to the shelter in place orders; and • Use of certain outdoor recreational facilities, such as skate parks and athletic fields. Golf courses are permitted under local orders, but prohibited under state orders.
Essential and minimum business operations, as defined in the order, may continue.
All businesses operating in the County must update or create a Social Distancing Protocol to reflect new requirements specified in the order.
Public or private gatherings of any size remain prohibited: • Playgrounds, picnic areas, gyms, dog parks, and other shared spaces that do not permit physical distancing or have high-touch equipment must remain closed. • Bars and restaurants continue to be restricted to take-out service only, even if they have outdoor seating. • Funerals are limited to 10 people.
Everyone should continue to stay and work at home as much as possible; and wear a face covering when outside their home.
Non-essential travel remains prohibited.
Where there are differences between the local Health Officer’s order and the State’s order, everyone must follow the stricter restrictions. Businesses should review both orders to determine compliance and business decisions.
Updated Health Officer Order.
Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan issued an Order for all members of the public to wear face coverings when around people outside of their household. Face coverings can be simple and homemade, made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material without holes, that covers the nose and mouth.
Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, face coverings may reduce the risk of infection posed by people who are infected and without symptoms.
COVID-19 poses a significant threat to people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County.
The California Department of Social Services (CSDSS) secured two hotels to provide isolation housing immediately for people experiencing homelessness affected by COVID-19, as part of a larger statewide effort called Project Roomkey. CDSS contracted with Abode Services to provide wraparound support and with the hotel owners for operations staffing. Alameda County Health Care Services, Social Services, and General Services Agencies worked together to establish referral procedures, medical screening and support, and transportation resources for the sites.
Alameda County agencies will continue to work together with cities to add additional sites to serve as many people as possible, utilizing available resources from Federal and State government. This information applies to the properties currently available and may apply to new sites as they open. Changes to meet specific evolving needs and address disparities may occur and County staff will update information and guidance as needed.
Statement Regarding COVID-19 Hotel Resources
Project Roomkey: Alameda County Operation Comfort and Operation Safer Ground
Operation Comfort serves people who are homeless and 1) tested positive for COVID-19, or 2) are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and/or have been exposed to COVID-19.
Operation Safer Ground serves people who are homeless and over 65 or otherwise at high risk (medically fragile), or both.
Resources
· List of Approved Referral Agencies
· Project Roomkey: Alameda County Operations Flyer
· Project Roomkey Frequently Asked Questions
Join Alameda County District Supervisors, the Alameda County Office of Homeless Care and Coordination, EveryOne Home and St. Mary's Center to discuss the Home Together Investment Plan, a proposed ballot measure to support a robust and efficient strategic response to homelessness across the county. Three online/ virtual Town Hall Meetings will be held; please sign up to attend!
Sign up here.
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Your Alameda County Board of Supervisors passed an emergency ordinance suspending evictions in the Unincorporated County for renters and homeowners who are experiencing loss of income, significant out-of-pocket medical expenses or childcare needs as a result of the County COVID-19 shelter order. The Ordinance took effect immediately upon passage in March and as of April 22 has been extended by the Board an additional 90 days.
The Board has approved funding for Anti-Displacement Program called AC Housing Secure. For more information or assistance, please contact AC Housing Secure Program.
Click here for more information.
FOR TENANTS:
Centro Legal de la Raza centrolegal.org 510-437-1554
Eviction Defense Center www.evictiondefensecenteroakland.org 510-452-4541
East Bay Community Law Center ebclc.org 510-548-4040
Bay Area Legal Aid baylegal.org 888-382-3405
Asian and Pacific Islander Legal Outreach apilegaloutreach.org (Oakland residents only) 510-251-2846
ECHO Housing
https://www.echofairhousing.org
510-581-9380
FOR HOMEOWNERS
HERA Housing and Economic Rights Advocates heraca.org (510) 271-8443
The Alameda County Public Health Department has published an online dashboard of COVID-19 cases displayed by individual city. The site is updated updated daily. www.acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx
The Alameda County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Care & Shelter Branch in close coordination with Alameda County Community Food Bank, 211, and cities developed a countywide interactive map that includes food distribution sites and other essential services which are currently open under the COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place Order. The map will be updated regularly and remain active for the duration of the Shelter-In-Place Order. Open Interactive Map
School Lunch Pick-up
Many Alameda County school districts are offering take-out style student meals to follow social distancing protocols. Districts are adjusting to changing developments as quickly as possible. Meal Service Map ACOE has compiled and mapped student meal service options at acoe.org/meals with updated links to information about each district's offerings. We recommend checking district websites for the most current schedules, locations and site-specific requirements.
Student Meals Resources & Information |
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Effective March 27, CleanStart Shower and Laundry services as well the Abode HOPE van are back on the Thursday Schedule but To Go meals at Centerville Presbyterian Church remain suspended.
Please do your part! Visit 2020census.gov and respond to the 2020 Census. We cannot allow the pandemic to cause an undercount of our communities.
Census 2020 determines our representation, brings federal funding to our communities for schools, roads, housing and so much more.
The Alameda County Public Health Department has formed a COVID-19 Testing Task Force to develop and implement a coordinated testing program to address disparities, ensure countywide access, and support the County’s COVID response.
Click here for a complete list of all testing sites in Alameda County.
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Our Social Services Agency has published important notices to provide guidance for their clients. Lobbies at their facilities are temporarily closed. Get more details on their website.
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In addition to Alameda County, the State of California and the federal government are working to help small businesses, workers, and renters. You can read about actions the state and federal government are taking here:
Track Board Proceedings From Home
In order to facilitate the Shelter in Place Order, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will now be making public comment through teleconference.
Click here for procedures to make public comment and view Board meetings.
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Community Resources
Addressing the Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness
For Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
For Travelers
Other Resources
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