 Dear Friends,
Now, nearly two months since the Alameda County Health Officer issued the order to shelter in place, and with approximately 2,200 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Alameda County continues in its effort to respond to a threat unlike any other in modern history. But as we reflect on these last months amidst the Alameda County Public Health Officer’s recent decision to ease certain restrictions, our collective adversary remains not only a pandemic but also an incredible conflict between our responsibility to slow the spread of the virus and our necessity and inherent desire as Alameda County residents to return to work. While the ACPHD continues to measure public health indicators against the current Order to Shelter in Place, our trust in the knowledge and experience of health experts must be upheld. In doing so, we can remain confident that the adversity we have endured and the progress that we have so far achieved will not have been in vain. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of those who have sacrificed so much in order to protect those most at risk.
Ensuring that you are kept up-to-date with the most important resources and information amidst this pandemic, this bulletin includes a description of the public health indicators that ACPHD will use to evaluate whether, and to what extent, to lift the Shelter in Place Order, the current Health Officer Order extending the Shelter in Place, information on the 2020 Census, the County moratorium on evictions, the County Order mandating face coverings, homeless services resources, food resources around the region, Great Plates Delivered-Alameda County, help for small businesses, community resources, and 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.
View the key provisions of the new Order?
Updated Health Officer Order.
One of the many factors contributing to the uncertainty felt by our County residents is the question of how the Public Health Officer determines whether and to what extent the Shelter in Place order can be lifted. As a result, the Alameda County Public Health Department has released a list of indicators regarding COVID-19 that the department will utilize in order to make these decisions. Indicators under consideration include the number of cases, availability of personal protective equipment, hospital capacity, and more.
Click here read more about these indicators in order to better understand the risks that the Public Health Department must balance in their efforts to save lives.
With the end of the academic school year approaching, many soon-to-be graduates are left with uncertainties as to how the current Shelter in Place Order will allow for graduation ceremonies. While it is imperative that we recognize the outstanding achievements of our students and the hard work they have done throughout the year, we must also ensure that we abide by social distancing measures in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. In efforts to reconcile these two necessities, the Alameda County Public Health Department is strongly urging organizers to consider virtual ceremonies that can be held and attended by family members online.
If virtual ceremonies are not possible, the ACPHD suggests that ceremony organizers follow their recently published list of guidelines for students to either pick up their diploma from campus accompanied by their families in groups of no more than 4-6, or for students to participate in small-group social distancing events with no more than 25 students. Under this scenario, while families would be unable to attend, organizers could be able to film the ceremony for remote viewing. Click here to learn more about the ACPHD guidelines.
|
As schools, restaurants, churches and other buildings remain closed for weeks at a time, stagnant water in the pipes can cause serious water quality issues. In preparation for the easing of Shelter in Place restrictions and the consequent re-opening of businesses, the East Bay Municipal Utility District has shared guidelines for flushing water pipes in order to ensure water quality and prevent plumbing issues. Additional guidance from the CDC can be found here.
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.
In May of 2020 Alameda County Supervisors, the Alameda County office of Homeless Care and Coordination and Homeless Service Providers EveryOne Home and St. Mary's Center hosted a series of Town Hall meetings to introduce the Home Together Investment Plan. The Plan is a half-cent sales tax proposal for the November 2020 ballot to fund homeless housing and services, and a robust and efficient strategic response to homelessness across the county. Click here to watch recordings of Supervisor Haggerty’s Town Hall meeting.
-
One-pager about the Home Together Investment Plan
- Make your voice heard by completing the following survey to provide input into the Home Together Investment Plan
|
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
The Alameda County Social Services Agency is excited about the opportunity to support our community through the Great Plates Delivered—Older Adult Meals program. The program is not currently operational, but the Social Services Agency is accepting applications for County residents interested in receiving meals.
Goals of the program are to be as inclusive as possible and provide the highest quality nutritious food and service to older adults (65 years and older) and other adults (60-64 years) at high risk of complications due to COVID 19.
Apply for Alameda County Great Plates Delivered here.
For additional information, email ACGreatPlates@acgov.org, or call (925) 803-7943.
|
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.
 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
Complete the census here.
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 California-wide Testing Sites
|
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.
|
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
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
|
