FROM THE CITY OF MONTEREY
Local update on COVID-19 & more
January 19, 2021
Third-Party Food Delivery Fees - Have your say!
The City of Monterey is engaging in community discussions about third-party food delivery fees. In January 2021, downtown restaurants and the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce approached the Monterey City Council to consider limiting fees and commissions on third-party food delivery services (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.), some of which charge fees as high as 30%. 

We want your feedback! Please visit our new public engagement website haveyoursaymonterey.org to learn more about this topic. 

The City Manager's Office will also be hosting a Monterey Business Forum: Limits on Third-Party Food Delivery Fees on Wednesday, January 20 at 10:00 a.m. on ZoomGov. Restaurateurs, business operators, delivery drivers, and third-party food delivery service providers are encouraged to attend. Please register in advance for this webinar at haveyoursaymonterey.org at the Third-Party Food Delivery Fees project page. Thank you for spreading the word about this meeting and participating in this important topic!
California and the U.S. Hit Grim COVID-19 Milestones
As of today, California has become the first state in the nation to record more than 3 million COVID-19 cases. The number of cases in the nation’s most populated state has tripled in just the past two months. The country as a whole hit a grim milestone of its own today- more than 400,000 people in the United States have died as a result of the virus.

The California Department of Public Health also announced that a variant of the coronavirus has been found in several California counties, including Monterey County. In a release, Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County Health Officer, explained that the case of the variant found in Monterey County is concerning because it "represents the first local evidence of infection, recovery and repeat infection."

Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Monterey County Health Department continues to urge residents to stay home except for essential activities, wear a mask when leaving home, limit interactions with people outside of your household, social distance from others, wash hands regularly and get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible and it is available to you.
Free COVID-19 Testing in Monterey County This Week
COVID-19 Numbers for 93940
Below are CHOMP's daily Covid-19 numbers and ICU capacity. Also posted at https://chomp.org/coronavirus. To see more data visit https://www.chomp.org/coronavirus/data
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Now that there are authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, accurate vaccine information is critical. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have an excellent Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines page.

For example, "If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?" Yes. Experts aren’t sure how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering, and reinfection is possible.

It can be difficult to know which information you can trust. Learn more about finding credible vaccine information.
Are you prepared for power shutoffs?
Monterey County's wind advisory will expire tonight, but it's a good reminder to be prepared for future storms. High winds can cause scattered power outages. Check out Ready.gov's Power Outage Safety page, which includes safety tips for before, during and after outages. Be sure to secure any temporary outdoor structures that could blow away in the wind. Be cautious while driving and keep your distance from high profile vehicles that could topple from a strong gust of wind. If you smell natural gas, see downed power lines, or suspect another emergency situation, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1 and then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Check out the City's new public engagement portal:
  • Take the cannabis survey - due by Feb. 7. Please register and let us know your thoughts about commercial cannabis in Monterey! Help us move the dial and get 500 responses!
  • Participate in our conversation about third-Party Delivery Fees for local businesses. Check out our new project page and register for tomorrow's webinar at 10 a.m.

Visit https://haveyoursaymonterey.org and register to have YOUR say!
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Wearing masks is a proven method to stop the spread of COVID-19. Let's get our economy reopened - wear a mask.
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