News & Updates ∙ June 2, 2020
Hello City of Concord residents, businesses and friends,

To help keep you informed about what the City of Concord is doing in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we've created this electronic newsletter, which we will send out in addition to posting news and information on our City website and through our social media channels. If you do not already follow us, please do so.

As of June 2, the County has 1,506 known cases of COVID-19. To review a demographic and geographic breakdown of the cases, please see the County's COVID-19 dashboard.

Contra Costa County issued an updated health order today, relaxing some additional restrictions on businesses and social gatherings. You can read more below.

Stay healthy and safe, everyone!
County Updates Health Order, Relaxes Restrictions
Thanks to substantial progress being made in the fight against COVID-19, Contra Costa County residents can go back to work, shop at local retail stores, get childcare and hang out with small groups of loved ones starting Wednesday, June 3.

Indoor retail shopping, business offices, outdoor museums and pet grooming are among the businesses that will reopen in Contra Costa County under the latest shelter-in-place order released today. The order also permits services that don’t require close customer contact, such as housekeeping, car washes, plumbing and pet grooming.

The new health order also allows small outdoor social gatherings, as well as childcare and camps for all children, not just children of essential and allowed workers. Those childcare services and camps still can only have up to 12 children in stable cohorts.

Libraries can reopen for curbside pickup service. Religious services will be able to resume on June 15, although with some limitations. In the coming days, the County will be consulting with the state about reopening swimming pools and outdoor dining.

COVID Testing Available to All
Now, anyone who wishes to be tested for COVID can schedule an appointment, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

Widespread testing provides a more accurate picture of how many coronavirus cases exist in our community and is an important measure of progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Testing is one of the  key indicators  the County Health Department is tracking as they assess whether, and to what extent, we can move away from the existing shelter-in-place restrictions.

There is no up-front cost for testing. You do not need medical insurance to get tested. However, if you have health insurance, your insurance will be billed. 
 
You can get tested at a state or county site. You do not need a doctor’s note to schedule a test, but you must make an appointment. 
 
State Testing Sites
Register online   for an appointment at walk-in testing sites:
  • Brentwood
  • Pinole
  • Walnut Creek
 
County Testing Sites*
Call   (844) 421-0804   to schedule an appointment:
  • Antioch
  • Concord
  • Martinez
  • Pittsburg
  • San Pablo
  • San Ramon
Signage Available for Businesses
The City of Concord and Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to create and distribute signage that encourages social distancing. Businesses can email the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce at admin@concordchamber.com to request delivery of the signage, or self-print for immediate use. Visit the Concord Forward: How the City of Concord is Supporting Local Business website for more information. 
Concord Hosts Two Blood Drives
The American Red Cross reports that blood donations have been down significantly during the Coronavirus pandemic. If you are healthy, please consider donating blood by making an appointment at one of two upcoming blood drives at the Willow Pass Community Center.
 
  • Friday, June 5, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Red Cross
  • Tuesday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Vitalant
 
Visit redcrossblood.org or vitalant.org to schedule an appointment (no walk-ins will be permitted).  
City Activates Cooling Center June 3
On Wednesday, June 3, the Concord Senior Center ( 2727 Parkside Circle in John Baldwin Park) will open its doors as a designated cooling center from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Due to social distancing requirements, only 50 people will be allowed in the building at a time.

All visitors will have their temperature checked and be asked screening questions before they can enter the building. People who have been exposed to or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been ordered to quarantine are asked to refrain from coming to the center.

Social distancing and face coverings are required to access the center. Face coverings are to be worn while in the center. Visitors are invited to bring an activity as well as their own snacks and drinks. Bottled water will be provided to visitors.
Transform FX Fitness Bootcamp - Concord, will be hosting a free at-home workout next Thursday, June 11. Join all-star trainer Ariana on the City's Facebook page , while she takes you through a fun workout that will be sure to get your heart pumping!
Join Concord Mayor Tim McGallian for a Weekly Virtual Town Hall Meeting every Saturday at 10 a.m. during the shelter-in-place order. The Mayor, along with City staff and guests, provide the most up-to-date information related to the federal, state, county and city responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as updates on local resources available to residents.

How You Can Join

Join the Zoom meeting:  https://zoom.us/j/947194295
Meeting ID: 947 194 295; No password required

Call in from a phone (no video):  (669) 900-6833

Or, watch the meeting live on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/CityofConcordCA
Stay Informed
Stay up-to-date on news and information related to the local and state response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Information for businesses, frequently asked questions about City services, as well as City resources are available through our website.
City of Concord | www.cityofconcord.org