 Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and safe. Your County leadership and staff continue to adapt our business, programs and resources to best serve our residents in response to COVID-19.
While some California jurisdictions begin to move forward toward a phase 2 soft reopening of some non-essential businesses, it is important to note that the independent authority of the Alameda County Public Health Officer to issue an order to shelter-in-place resides in the Public Health Officer’s responsibility to protect the health of our residents, especially during this public health emergency. While we recognize the importance of helping our business community recover from the historic economic downturn that the pandemic has caused, it is crucial that we balance this effort with the responsibility that the Public Health Department has in keeping our communities safe. As health experts foresee the possibility of a second wave of infections, Alameda County remains committed to protecting the lives of those most at risk of becoming seriously ill.
As always, it is a top priority of mine to keep residents connected and informed during this time. In this bulletin, you can read about the current Health Officer Order extending the Shelter in Place, the 2020 Census, the historic cancellation of the Alameda County Fair, 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. We are all in this together, and we will overcome together. As always, you can reach my office at 925-551-6995 or email me at District1@acgov.org.
Very Sincerely,
 Given the public health and economic crisis, US Census response rate has been dismal- 57.7% in the US, 58.9% in California.
Census is a constitutional mandate to determine representation in Congress. Participation required by law. Data helps effective policy. Please do your part, and participate today.
Why participate in the census?
- Local public safety
- Healthcare & social services
- Nonprofits
- Roads & highway construction
- Economic development & jobs
- Representation
- Schools & childcare
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.
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.
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.
Necessity of COVID-19 Testing
As there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 testing capacity remains limited, people with mild illness should remain home until fully recovered. They should sleep in a separate room and use a separate bathroom from other household members when possible. Clean common areas regularly.
Click here for a complete list of all testing sites in Alameda County.
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Join me and the Alameda County Office of Homeless Care and Coordination, EveryOne Home and St. Mary's Center on May 11 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.
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
The Board of Supervisors has enacted a countywide moratorium on evictions beginning March 31, 2020 for 90 days if the County Public Health Emergency is still in effect. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ eviction moratorium ensures that all tenants, homeowners and those living in mobile home parks countywide can shelter-in-place during this crisis. This is not a rent or mortgage strike. You still owe your rent or mortgage. If you can pay your rent or mortgage, you should pay your rent or mortgage.
However, if you cannot pay your rent or mortgage during this crisis, please reach out to your landlord or bank and begin discussion about your situation. Your back rent or mortgage payments will not result in an eviction during the crisis, but your rent or mortgage payments are still an obligation that must be paid. The amended ordinance allows tenants up to 12 months to repay the overdue rent. If you have questions, please contact our partner, ECHO Housing, at 510-581-9380. If a city has an eviction moratorium ordinance, the city ordinance can prevail to the extent the ordinance is more protective of residents.
Summary/FAQs for Homeowners and Tenants
Ordinance
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
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:
Community Resources
Addressing the Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness
For Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
For Travelers
Other Resources
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