News & Updates ∙ July 14, 2020
Reopenings Rolled Back by State
Over the last week, the State and the County released new health orders and in response to a continued spike in COVID cases.

Contra Costa County is one of at least 30 counties that have remained on the California Department of Public Health's county monitoring list for three or more consecutive days. In response, Governor Newsom on July 13 ordered that the following businesses and activities close in Contra Costa County, effective immediately:
  • Offices for "non-essential" business sectors, as determined by the state
  • Hair salons and barber shops
  • Indoor malls (curbside operations still permitted)
  • Indoor worship services

Fitness centers and personal care services must also close; however, these businesses had not previously reop ened in Contra Costa County.

Prior to this announcement, Contra Costa Health Services announced on July 11 that, due to a sharp rise in the percentage of COVID-19 tests returning positive in the community, it had amended its social distancing health order to temporarily tighten face-covering requirements and prohibit indoor gatherings where there is elevated risk of spreading the virus.

Given the rapid spread of local cases, Contra Costa Health Services is concerned that the number of patients needing intensive care could quickly exceed capacity.

According to the new health order, indoor worship services are temporarily prohibited. However, certain categories of outdoor gatherings, including worship services and social protests, are permitted at any size in Contra Costa so long as state health guidelines are followed, including physical distancing and appropriate use of face coverings.

In outdoor dining settings, staff and customers must now observe face covering requirements at all times, except when putting food or drink in the mouth.

As of July 14, the County has 5,023 known cases, with 559 positive cases in Concord. To review a demographic and geographic breakdown of cases, please see the County's COVID-19 dashboard.

For more information, please visit the County website. Residents can also call the Contra Costa County Coronavirus Call Center at (844) 729-8410 daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Paycheck Protection Program Accepting Applications
Attention Small Business Owners! The U.S. Small Business Administration has resumed accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program as of July 6. The new deadline to apply is August 8, 2020.


Shop Local Campaign to Help Small Businesses
The Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery has announced a new campaign, Calling All Californians: #ShopSafeShopLocal . As part of this campaign, the State of California has launched a website that connects California’s small business owners to critical tools and resources. These resources will help California’s entrepreneurs adapt to new consumer and market demands and create safer shopping experiences by improving those small businesses’ online presence.

The website includes links to:
  • Free consulting, in 31 different languages, from California’s network of small business centers
  • Resources and offers from CA partners to help businesses operate safely and build a digital footprint
  • Latest state industry guidance and county variances
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) through SafelyMakingCA.org, California’s new PPE marketplace
  • A free digital media toolkit for small businesses and partners

Learn more on the Shop Safe, Shop Local website.
Help for Local Jobseekers
As part of the #BounceBackContraCosta campaign, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County created a web page specifically for jobseekers impacted by the pandemic. The page includes a video workshop series on how to write an effective resume and cover letter, as well as tutorials on how to access the CalJOBS platform and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA) services.

Join Concord Mayor Tim McGallian and special guest Assemblymember Tim Grayson on Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m. for a Virtual Town Hall Meeting. The Mayor, along with City staff, will provide the latest information related to the federal, state, county and city responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Assemblymember Grayson will cover topics such as unemployment, housing, reopening schools, public safety, and the State’s budget.

Representatives from the Concord Chamber of Commerce and Visit Concord will also join the conversation to provide information about other local resources to help residents and businesses.

To participate, please use this Zoom meeting link: https://cityofconcord.zoom.us/j/94639845029

To watch it live via Facebook, please visit the City's Facebook page on Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m.
New Episode of Informagente: Caring for Kids During COVID
In this week’s episode of InformaGente , produced in partnership with Listos California, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, actor Adam Rodriguez joins California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris for a lively conversation about managing stress and caring for loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.


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