 Dear Friends,
As we approach the fifth week since the Alameda County Health Officer eased business restrictions under the current Order to Shelter in Place, we find ourselves distraught over the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had on our communities of color, yet hopeful that the Alameda County Public Health Department’s initiatives will alleviate this critical issue and evaluate all future health measures through a stringent lens of equity. As our County continues working night and day in order to slow the spread of the virus, uncertainties loom regarding potential treatments, vaccines and the possibility of a second wave of infections in the fall.
For these reasons, I urge all of our communities to remain steadfast in our efforts to socially distance, to practice sanitary procedures in our daily routines, and most importantly to remember that we are in this together. The dedication that our essential workers and community organizations have shown in helping those most in need has only reminded me why I am so proud to represent District 1 of Alameda County.
In this bulletin, you will find information regarding the ACPHD COVID-19 Equity Brief, the drive-thru emergency food distribution site at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, the resumption of Express Lane tolling operations, the measures that transit operators are implementing to ensure employee and rider safety, the Shelter in Place Order, the County moratorium on evictions, homeless services resources, food resources around the region, 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.
In addition to visiting the Alameda County Health Department website, I urge you to please access 2020census.gov and respond to the 2020 Census. We cannot allow the pandemic to cause an undercount of our communities.
District 1 Census response rates:
Fremont: 72.3%
Livermore: 75.9%
Dublin: 69.8%
Census 2020 is vital, as it determines our representation, brings federal funding to our communities for schools, roads, housing and so much more! I cannot express the importance of everyone's participation enough.
Please continue to stay safe and to 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,
 Scott Haggerty
Alameda County Supervisor
District 1
Recently, the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (ACHCSA) released a brief on the disproportionate impacts that COVID-19 has on communities of concern. According to ACHCSA, our Latino communities in Alameda County account for 42% of confirmed COVID-19 cases despite representing only 22% of the total population. Representing only 10% of the population and 27% of COVID-19 deaths countywide, our African American communities are also disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. As a result, the ACHCSA has established an internal Health Equity Task Force in order to ensure that the County’s response to COVID-19 continues to take these inequities into account. Some initiatives that the Health Equity Task Force has begun implementing include:
- Cultural sensitivity in case and contact tracing efforts;
- Specific and multilingual communication and information for low-income communities of color, youth and non-English speaking populations; Health, social, and economic supports to enable sheltering in place and isolation/quarantine for people who face barriers in doing so;
- Improved internal and external race/ethnicity data collection and quality for COVID-19.
- Increased access to testing for low-income populations and communities of color;
As the ACHCSA pursues these strategies in order to keep our County safe, I have no doubt that the Agency and our County will continue to view the challenges posed by COVID-19 through a lens of equity. In order to read more about the ACHCSA Health Equity Task Force and the various efforts that the Agency has taken in order to address these inequities, please click here.
 As of June 2, The Tri-Valley "Drive-Thru" Emergency Food Distribution site began operating at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The site distributes food to those in need on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9AM-3PM throughout the month of June. Please use Gate 8 seen on the map below in order to arrive at the site.
Although all transit operators in our region have implemented extensive sanitizing protocols in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 on buses and trains, Bay Area residents may still hold anxieties about returning to mass transit. While the Bay Area begins to reopen its economy, arterial traffic is theorized to return more heavily than pre-pandemic levels as some choose to drive their car to work rather than take transit. Since traffic congestion has slowly returned, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission has announced that as of June 1 at 5 a.m., Express Lanes on Interstate 580 in Alameda County; Interstate 680 in Contra Costa County; State Route 237 in Santa Clara County; and southbound I-680 over the Sunol Grade in Alameda and Santa Clara counties have resumed tolling operations that were temporarily suspended March 20. Click here to read more about this development and the express lane policies.
 Altamont Corridor Express
As a member of numerous transit boards and commissions, I recognize the implications that reopening amidst COVID-19 have on mass transit. As mentioned earlier in this newsletter, Bay Area residents may share apprehensions about returning to commuter trains and buses in order to commute to work. As places of mass congregation, rail cars and buses represent potential points of transmission that must be addressed. Thankfully, the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) has implemented numerous social distancing and sanitation measures in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their trains. Some initiatives outlined on the ACE website include the following:
- Disinfection wipe downs on high touch surfaces.
- Providing hand sanitizer at the Cabral Station for passengers.
- Disinfecting trains at the end of each line with hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Contactless ticket checking.
- Social distancing signage throughout all trains.
To read all about how ACE is protecting the safety of its employees and riders, click here.
 BART: 15-Step Plan for COVID-19
BART also recently released a 15-step plan in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their trains. Some measures outlined in this plan include the following:
- Running long trains, increasing train frequency, and implementing a new pilot seat configuration in order to allow social distancing.
- Disinfecting trains at the end of each line with hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Requiring face coverings with BART Police enforcement at station faregates.
- Social distancing decals, posters and banners on platforms and on-board trains.
Please click here to read about all 15 steps that BART is taking in order to prevent COVID-19 transmission and to reestablish rider confidence in the safety of mass transit.
The Alameda County Social Services Agency is excited about the opportunity to support our community through the Great Plates Delivered—Older Adult Meals program. 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. The program will provide a minimum of two nutritious meals a day (Monday through Friday) to qualified County residents. Apply for Alameda County Great Plates Delivered here.
For additional information, email ACGreatPlates@acgov.org, or call (925) 803-7943.
 The Alameda County Public Health Department has published an online dashboard of COVID-19 cases displayed by individual city. Alameda County currently has the most confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area. The dashboard is updated daily, so click here in order to view the latest results.
 Given the public health and economic crisis, US Census response rate has been low- 60.6% in the US, 61.8% in California. Census is a constitutional mandate to determine representation in Congress, and participation is required by law. Data helps to create effective policy, so 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.
On June 5, the Alameda County Health Officer issued an update to the Shelter in Place order to allow for “Social Bubbles,” Childcare and Extracurricular Activities for All Children, for additional businesses to resume, and to require face coverings at all times including when active outdoors. 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.
 As of May 18, the COVID-19 regional drive-through testing site has begun accepting all residents of Pleasanton, Livermore and Dublin regardless of whether an individual is experiencing symptoms. In order to receive testing, you must be 10 years of age or older. Click here for more information.
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.
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 has been extended by the Board until July 31, 2020.
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
Project Roomkey
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.
As of this week, the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency announced that there are now four hotels operating in Oakland and Alameda under Project Roomkey. 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 the Federal and State governments.
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. Recently, Operation Comfort has begun accepting individuals who are not homeless who have tested positive for COVID-19 and live in one of the following settings:
- Congregate living facility (ie. group home residential treatment facility) where isolation is not possible OR
- 4+ people over age 12 per room OR
- 3+ people over age 12 per room with an exceptional health condition present
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
Home Together Investment Plan
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.
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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
Additional Resources for Homelessness
Each Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the Shower and Laundry Ministry at Asbury United Methodist Church in Livermore provides several showers available for both men and women and Laundry Services. In addition to these services, they also offer clean underwear and socks each week as well as shower and laundry supplies as needed. Click here for more information or to support these efforts.
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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.
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
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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
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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:
Community Resources
For Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
For Travelers
Other Resources
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