Weekly Update - November 6th |
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Contra Costa COVID-19 Cases Climbing
County Health Rolls Back Some Openings
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With data from the past week showing a marked increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Contra Costa County, health officials are taking steps to protect the community with modest changes to local health orders.
Contra Costa entered the orange tier of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy on Oct. 27, triggering an expansion of community reopening activities in the county. But since that date, the average daily number of new cases in the county has grown substantially higher.
If the trend continues, the county is at risk of moving backward into the more-restrictive red tier of the state’s reopening plan as soon as next week. In the meantime, Contra Costa has amended its health orders to rein in some of the riskier indoor activities permitted under the orange tier in hopes of preventing outbreaks and keeping the county out of the red.
Contra Costa County’s health officer issued new orders effective today limiting the number of spectators allowed at professional and collegiate sporting events, while also reimposing restrictions on other high-risk activities.
The health order on sporting events limits the number of spectators at pro or college games to 25 people from no more than three different households. This is consistent with the County’s guidance on private social gatherings.
The health officer also issued another order restoring stricter limitations on high-risk activities, such as prolonged indoor gatherings and gatherings involving eating and drinking where masks must be removed. According to the County Health Officer, Dr. Chris Farnitano, wearing face coverings when around others from outside your household is one of the most effective ways people can stop the spread of COVID.
Under the new order, select high-risk activities must be modified:
- Outdoor bars prohibited (except where allowed under restaurant guidance with drinks as part of a meal)
- Indoor dining allowed at a maximum of 25% occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer (down from 50% occupancy and 200 people)
- Indoor movie theaters can operate at a maximum 25% of occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer (down from 50% occupancy or 200 people)
- Religious services indoors allowed at a maximum 25% occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer (down from 50% occupancy or 200 people)
- Card rooms and satellite wagering sites can’t operate indoors (they previously could operate indoors at 25% capacity)
The state allows counties to impose stricter standards so local health departments can respond to circumstances in their communities. Over the past months, the Bay Area counties have made the decisions they’ve felt best around opening or not opening businesses and activities. San Francisco pulled back on their timeline for opening last week. Alameda and Santa Clara have all taken a slower pace than the state tier system allows. All three of these counties are essentially operating at red tier level restrictions even though they are in orange or yellow tiers.
Contra Costa County is still in the orange tier, but case rates are increasing again into the more restrictive red-tier level. Today's data shows an adjusted rate of 5 daily cases per 100,000 people in Contra Costa – above the orange-tier benchmark of fewer than 4 per 100,000 people.
If those numbers hold or increase, the State will move Contra Costa back into the more restrictive red tier next Tuesday.
In addition, there are 40 people hospitalized today in Contra Costa County due to COVID in local hospitals, compared to a low point of 17 in mid-October.
For now, other activities not cited in the new order will still be allowed under orange-tier criteria, including indoor swimming pools, and indoor family entertainment centers can continue “naturally distanced” activities, such as bowling alleys, escape rooms and climbing-wall gyms, at 25% occupancy.
Contra Costa recommends that workers in jobs that bring them in frequent contact with the public, including all essential workers, consider a COVID-19 test every 30 days. Anyone who has symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing should also consider a test.
To schedule a fast, free COVID-19 test in Contra Costa, call 1-844-421-0804 or visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to schedule online.
Free Flu Shots are also available with COVID-19 Tests at these locations:
- Antioch
- Bay Point
- Central Concord (Monument)
- North Concord
- Richmond
- San Ramon
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For the updated "Most Frequently Asked Questions", go to
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Free COVID-19 Testing this Saturday in West County
No Appointment Needed
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Annual Veteran's Day Ceremony |
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Plan to attend the Virtual Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Due to the Coronavirus, this year’s ceremony will be held virtually on Contra Costa TV, available to watch at www.contracostatv.org.
The keynote speaker is Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Congressman Mike Thompson. Thompson served in combat with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant/platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was also an instructor at the Army's Airborne School.
The ceremony will also honor Mike Hoffschneider, who retired from Contra Costa County as a Veterans Service Representative on October 1, 2020. Mike, an Army Veteran, had over 43 years of combined federal and county public service.
Please contact Contra Costa County Veterans Service Officer Nathan D. Johnson at (925) 313-1481 for any questions about this year’s event.
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Safe Social Gatherings Recommended
Small gatherings or outdoor and virtual gatherings can help prevent a surge
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Contra Costa Health officials last week amended the county social distancing order to align with the state guidance for the orange tier, which allows gatherings of up to 25 people from a maximum of three households.
The State guidelines, regarding private gatherings being limited to three households, can be found here.
At the same time, health officials are advising caution because of the potential for a surge of cases in the coming weeks that could move the county back into a more restrictive tier.
County Health Officer, Dr. Chris Farnitano says that gatherings where people from multiple households are together for a prolonged period of time, especially indoors, and settings where people remove their masks to eat and drink, pose a high risk for spreading COVID-19.
The safest option, Dr. Farnitano said, is to connect with loved ones virtually through Zoom or other online platforms.
Health officials are offering the following safety tips for in-person gatherings:
- Outdoors is safer than indoors: During the colder months, gathering outside will be more challenging. Dr. Farnitano suggests that people plan to dress warmly or purchase outdoor space heaters so events can be held outside comfortably.
- Try not to mix with too many other households: Participating in gatherings with different households or groups increases your risk of coming into contact with someone who has COVID.
- Keep it short: Gatherings should be two hours or less. The longer the duration, the risk of transmission increases.
- Wear face coverings: This is especially important when coming into contact with people from another household – even if they’re family relatives. People at gatherings may remove their face coverings briefly to eat or drink as long as they stay at least 6 feet away from everyone outside their own household, and put their face covering back on as soon as they are done with the activity.
- Don’t attend a gathering if you feel sick
According to Dr. Farnitano, since there is no vaccine or cure for COVID, people need to continue to practice physical distancing, washing their hands regularly and wearing face coverings when around people they don’t live with.
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California Statewide COVID-19 Actions |
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To keep the public informed of all COVID-19 developments, the state has created a webpage, www.covid19.ca.gov, to provide up-to-date information and resources that contains links to all relevant state departments and local government websites.
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Layoff Aversion Funding for Small Businesses |
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About Face Virtual Painting Workshop for Veterans |
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The Arts and Culture Commission is excited to be working with Veterans in Contra Costa County and offering a series of FREE self-portrait painting classes as a way of saying "Thank you for your service." Funding provided by the California Arts Council’s Veterans in the Arts program and Contra Costa County.
- No art experience required.
- All painting materials and technical assistance will be provided!
- Email staff@ac5.cccounty.us for program updates and class information
- Virtual workshops will follow Contra Costa County protocols to keep instructors and veterans safe.
2021 VIRTUAL CLASS SCHEDULE
Saturday, January 9th - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 16th - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Saturday, January 23rd - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
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Alamo Rotary Shredding Event |
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ALAMO ROTARY
PAPER SHREDDING EVENT
NOVEMBER 14, 2020
9 A.M.- 12 NOON
The Rotary Club of Alamo is sponsoring an on-site paper shredding event.
It will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 9 a.m. to noon at New Life Church parking lot located at 2501 Danville, Blvd, Alamo, CA. The cost for the shredding is $10.00 per box, no limit.
The Rotary Club of Alamo has been serving the community for 50 years!! Events like this help fund the scholarships and charitable works of the club.
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Virtual Insurance Diversity Summit |
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Street Smarts Monthly Contest - Enter to Win |
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Contra Costa County Seeks Nominations for
Humanitarian of the Year
Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at
43rd Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony
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Contra Costa County will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony, and invites the community to a virtual live stream of the community event on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work and the theme, “Silence is Not an Option,” the County is now seeking nominations for a student and adult Humanitarian of the Year.
Pictured above with the Board of Supervisors is
2020 Student Humanitarian recipient Christina Mazzi
Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, as individuals whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.
We encourage East Bay residents to nominate an adult or a student whose accomplishments and service impact Contra Costa County, its residents and communities, and reflect the spirit of Dr. King’s work and achievements. The nomination period is now open.
The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Monday, November 30, 2020. To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, including previous ceremonies and winners, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
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"Interviewing in our Virtual World" Workshop from SparkPoint Contra Costa
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Would You Like To Serve on the
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District
Board of Trustees?
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The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is recruiting for volunteers to fill two vacancies. The term of office is four years, ending on January 2, 2025. The District Board of Trustees meets on the second Monday of every other month at 7 p.m. in Concord.
Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020. Applications can also be emailed to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us.
Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews on Monday, November 9, 2020. Due to COVID-19, interviews will likely be conducted telephonically.
More information about the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District can be obtained by visiting the District’s website at www.contracostamosquito.com.
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Community Advisory Board Looking for Representatives |
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Community Corrections Partnership, Community Advisory Board (AB109) - Central County representation Community Advisory Board To provide input on community needs; assess implementation of the realignment plan; review data on realignment outcomes; advise the CCP on community engagement strategies; offer recommendations for ongoing realignment planning; advise County agencies regarding programs for implementation in the County; and encourage outcomes that are consistent with the County’s Reentry Strategic Plan.
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District 2 Volunteer Opportunities |
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Although, during these COVID-19 times, many of our advisory bodies are not meeting, some have been meeting virtually and more are starting to come on board with virtual meetings with each passing week. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people are able to participate than ever before.
If you are interested in participating in government, then perhaps one of these volunteer opportunities are of interest to you:
Alternate Seat Available.
The Alamo MAC advises on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within its boundary, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation.
Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.
Alternate Seat Available
The Assessment Appeals Board conducts impartial hearings on property assessment disputes between taxpayers and the county assessor. Based on the evidence presented at these hearings, the appeals board determined the value of the disputed property or determines other matters of property tax assessment within the board’s jurisdiction.
County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (Roundhill Residents only)
The P-5 Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.
The FACT Committee was established in 1985 to make funding recommendations on the allocation of specific funds for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect and supportive services for families and children. To learn more or to fill out an application go to the link above.
The Library Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian; provides a forum for the community to provide input concerning Library operations and recommends proposals to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian which may improve the Library.
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