News & Updates ∙ March 20, 2021
Contra Costa Advances to Red Tier
On March 14, Contra Costa County advanced to the less-restrictive red tier of California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Contra Costa transitioned a few days early after the state met a goal of administering 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in high-risk, economically disadvantaged communities.

This allowed for reduced state health order restrictions, including:

  • Restaurants, gyms, dance studios and museums may resume indoor operation, following state health guidelines
  • Indoor retail stores and shopping malls may increase their maximum occupancy and grocery stores may operate at full capacity
  • Small private gatherings may be held indoors, following state health guidance
  • Colleges and other higher education institutions may reopen indoor lectures, following state health guidance
  • Elementary and secondary schools can reopen for in-person learning without submitting a safety plan to Contra Costa Health Services.


All residents are strongly encouraged to continue practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings and practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Since testing began, Contra Costa County has reported 64,454 positive cases, with 7,581 positive cases in Concord, including 176 cases in the last 14 days. To review a demographic and geographic breakdown of cases, please see the County's COVID-19 dashboard.

Contra Costa residents and businesses can also call the COVID-19 Call Center at (844) 729-8410 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. 
Vaccination Eligibility Expands
COVID-19 vaccinations are still underway and Contra Costa Health Services is on track to surpass its goal of administering 1 million doses of the vaccine by July 4.

As of March 19, more than 496,895 doses have been administered in Contra Costa County.

On March 15, more Californians became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people with high-risk health conditions, disabilities or illness, people who live or work in congregate living spaces, people who work in transportation and logistics, including public transit workers and airport workers for commercial airlines.

Healthcare systems, pharmacies and other providers have different eligibility requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Sign up for your vaccination through the following web links:

Learn more through the CCHS vaccine web page.
Concord Connected Podcast Features County Health Officer
The City has launched a new bimonthly podcast, "Concord Connected," to highlight news, information and events happening in and around Concord.

The sixth episode debuted on March 18 and features Lisa Potvin, Downtown Program Manager, and guest host Mayor Tim McGallian. Mayor McGallian checks in with Dr. Ori Tzvielli, Deputy Health Officer for Contra Costa Health Services, who shares information on how COVID infection data is trending in the right direction, and addresses whether the County will be able to move up their vaccination timeline thanks to increased production.

Listen now on any of these platforms:


Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast, and tell your neighbors about it!
State Grant Reopens for Nonprofit Cultural Institutions
The California Relief Grant Program has opened a new round of funding for nonprofit cultural institutions. From March 16 through March 23, eligible nonprofit cultural institutions may apply for a grant of up to $25,000.
 
The next round of funding, from March 25 through March 31, will be available to both eligible small businesses and nonprofits.
Hope & Healing Memorial Event
A year ago, Contra Costa County lost its first member to COVID-19. Over the coming year, that tragedy was to repeat itself more than 700 times, each time claiming a beloved soul and leaving an ever-widening hole in our community.

To pay tribute to the victims who have lost their lives, the County will be holding a Hope & Healing Memorial Event on Monday, March 22 at 8 p.m.

On this night of hope and healing, we will pause as a county, as cities and as individuals to remember those we’ve lost, to comfort those left behind and to collectively heal and begin the process of moving forward.

Remembrances, words of hope, testimonials and musical tributes will be played throughout the 30-minute memorial event.

You can watch the event live on Youtube or on Contra Costa TV:
Comcast: Channel 27
Wave: Channel 3
U-verse: Channel 99
Monument Crisis Center Continues Important Work
One year after the COVID-19 pandemic first shut down much of the Bay Area, the demand for food and groceries remains more than double what it was pre-pandemic, according to Sandra Scherer, executive director of the Monument Crisis Center.

The Center, whose mission is to provide food, education, assistance, referrals to families and individuals in crisis situations and to promote community awareness of available resources, remains busier than ever supporting families in need.

MCC is hosting several events throughout the rest of March. Please see the calendar below for details and visit their website or Facebook page for more information.

For Volunteer Information: volunteer@monumentcrisiscenter.org
For Resources and Workshops: resources@monumentcrisiscenter.org
For Donation Information: dscherer@monumentcrisiscenter.org
Concord Live Gets Artsy
“Concord Live!,” on March 25 at 6 p.m. will partner with the Concord Art Association, to feature a virtual art class. Join us on the City's Facebook page where local artist, Lisa Fulmer, will teach you how to create your very own vision book.

A vision book is a mini art book filled with images and words that represent your dreams, goals, challenges or successes. We'll create a few small pages using different creative prompts and techniques for each page. Let’s get creative, Concord!
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