Coronavirus Update - April 24, 2020
What's New This Week?
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Numbers in Contra Costa County
Total Cases, Deaths
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T
his is a challenging time for Contra Costa County, and I’m so appreciative of what we have been able to do by following the Health Officer’s many orders. We have been spared from more cases and deaths because we are working together as a community -- but it’s been at a cost, and I understand that people are anxious to get back to what was their normal lives.
It is very possible that we will be dealing with COVID-19 related issues for the next year. This week it became the number one cause of death in the United States and is found in all of our Bay Area communities. Until we have a vaccine or effective treatment, more widespread testing and tracking available, and fully understand whether once exposed we have immunity, our lives will have a “new normal.”
Our current Shelter in Place order expires on May 3. Bay Area County Health Officers are currently drafting a new order to replace it, and details will be released next week. I have not yet seen a draft, but early indications are that while there may be some minor modifications, we won’t be seeing a significant change of the current orders in place.
Although the Board of Supervisors has authority over County issues, under State law, when an emergency of this nature is declared and there is a pandemic of this magnitude, the Health Officer of each County has the legal authority to impose whatever orders she or he deem necessary to protect the public.
That being said, on Tuesday, April 21, the Board of Supervisors formed an "Ad Hoc Committee to Advise the Health Department on COVID19 Impacts." The goal of the committee is to work toward having a sustainable COVID-19 Mitigation and a Recovery Plan. The committee will be working with the community on issues of concern, advising the Health Officer on ways we can interpret and apply Health Orders so they will continue to keep the community safe, but allow more businesses to re-open and provide common-sense applications to outdoor activities.
This is a difficult period, but it will pass. We are all making many sacrifices, with some suffering much more than others. Hopefully, you are also taking time to appreciate what you do have. Please continue to find opportunities to help and serve those around you who are not as fortunate. If able, donate generously to those non-profits serving those who have lost jobs, housing or don’t have enough food to feed their families. Right now, some of the greatest service costs nothing, just looking out for your family and neighbors. There are many who would benefit from a simple phone call or text, just to see how they are doing.
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County Health Services COVID-19 Call Center: 844-729-8410
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Supervisor Andersen Participates in San Ramon Mayor's Weekly Virtual COVID-19 Information Meetings
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Weekly on Fridays during the Shelter at Home Order, San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson is hosting a virtual edition of his Breakfast with the Mayor meeting. Supervisor Andersen as well as other local officials and representatives of the healthcare industry have been guest speakers.
San Ramon is broadcasting the Friday breakfasts that take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. via live streaming, or you can watch any or all of the previous meetings at
youtube.com/user/SanRamonGovTV.
Today's broadcast was very informative and along with Supervisor Andersen included guests; Joe Gorton, San Ramon City Manager; Kathy Kane, Clinical Director, Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley; Harv Singh, San Ramon Farmer's Market; and Dr. Patrick Joseph, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
Of special interest is an explanation about COVID-19 testing by Dr. Patrick Joseph. Dr. Joseph begins speaking at the 31-minute mark. Supervisor Andersen's report begins at the 5.25-minute mark. Watch today's broadcast here:
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Emergency Childcare Available for Essential Workers
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Contra Costa Opens By-Appointment Drive-Through
Testing Sites for COVID-19
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Contra Costa residents who have fever, cough or similar symptoms can make an appointment for free COVID-19 testing at one of four drive-through sites around the county.
The sites, opened Wednesday by Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), are available to anyone regardless of insurance.
T
esting is available to people who have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath and fatigue.
Any Contra Costa resident with these symptoms can call
1-844-421-0804
for a confidential screening by a health professional. Telephone screenings will be available from
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
.
Depending on their symptoms, callers may receive health advice during their screenings or an appointment for testing at one of four drive-through testing sites:
- Contra Costa Public Health Clinic Services, 2500 Bates Ave., Concord
- Martinez Health Center, 2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez
- Pittsburg Health Center, 2311 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg
- West County Health Center, 23601 San Pablo Ave., San Pablo
Screening and appointments are only available by phone
. Testing is not available on a walk-in basis.
Patients with appointments must travel in their personal vehicles to their appointments, Testing is done without patients leaving their vehicles. Testing results are available in three to five days.
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COVID-19 Not Stopping the Census
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As a result of COVID-19, many aspects of our everyday lives have been put on hold as we have geared our attention and efforts toward battling this virus.
This virus has led to the U.S. Census Bureau halting all field operations and extending the self-response and the non-response follow up (i.e. Census Bureau staff knocking on doors) until the end of October. Thankfully, it has never been easier for residents to respond to the Census from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
By now, you should have received your census envelope in the mail in March, which detailed three ways to respond: online, by phone, or by mail. Census Day was April 1, 2020.
Despite the Coronavirus crisis coinciding with Census Day, Contra Costa County has performed exceptional thus far. As of April 21
st
, Contra Costa County was listed in the top 10 nationwide in reporting, and we are only looking to improve our performance.
The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe for all participants. However, there are several scams, so it is important to note the Census Bureau will never ask for your social security number, bank account or credit card numbers, or money or donations.
In fact, Census Data has some of the strongest protections in law. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish census information which identifies an individual. Census Bureau employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality to handle data responsibly and keep respondents’ information private. The penalty for wrongful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. No law enforcement agency (not the DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA) can access or use your personal information at any time.
For all COVID-19 updates visit
cchealth.org/coronavirus
. As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact my office at 925-957-8860.
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New Call Center Open for Small Business
Owners and Workers
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The Workforce Development Board (WDB) and Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors are pleased to announce the opening of a new call center to meet the needs of Contra Costa businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pictured on the right is George Carter one of the three staff members (in physically distanced cubicles) in the County’s new Workforce Development Board Call Center.
The call center, created with the support of the county’s Economic Development arm of the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) and Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), will offer information and resources to help businesses navigate the current economic climate. The WDB COVID-19 Call Center will operate
Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting Thursday, April 23, 2020
. “As part of our #BounceBackContraCosta campaign, WDB’s staff is prepared to provide helpful information and resources to assist callers in accessing various federal, state and local programs that are available during this time.
The WDB call center team can also assist with tapping into programs to reduce utility costs, access online career training, protect payroll, and other business services. The WDB COVID-19 Call Center is reachable at
(833) 320-1919
.
Visit
www.wdbccc.com
or follow on social media #BounceBackContraCosta.
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Stress and Coping: the Outbreak of COVID-19
Tips from the Contra Costa Crisis Center
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Tips for Parents of Young Children
The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 has been stressful for many adults, youth, and children. The fear and anxiety can be overwhelming for many of us.
Watch for Changes in your Young Children:
- Increased irritability, aggressiveness.
- Excessive worry or sadness.
- Sleep disturbances, nightmares.
- Clinginess.
- Returning to behaviors they had outgrown:
- For example, toileting accidents, bedwetting, thumbsucking.
- Difficulty with attention and concentration. Poor school participation.
- Avoidance of activities they previously enjoyed.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unusual headaches, stomach aches, or other pain.
How to Help Your Young Children:
- Talk with your young children about the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Provide accurate, age-appropriate information.
- Answer your children’s questions and address rumors.
- Limit exposure to media and social media coverage.
- Remain calm as you reassure your children:
- It’s okay to feel upset.
- We can stay safe.
- Share your own coping skills.
- Listen to your children and their concerns.
- Try to maintain regular routines in your home.
- Help your children to stay physically active.
- Help your children to stay socially connected to family and friends.
- Encourage your children to ask for help and support.
- Set a good example of taking care of yourself.
How to Care for Yourself:
- Care for your own physical health and mental health. Take breaks. Unwind.
- Connect with others.
- Stay informed while avoiding excessive attention on news media.
- Reach out for help and support.
Tips for Parents of Teens
Watch for Changes in your Teen:
- Increased irritability, arguments, anger, conflicts, “acting out” behaviors.
- Excessive anxiety, worry, sadness, and unhealthy sleeping habits.
- Returning to behaviors your teen had outgrown: for example, tantrums or outbursts.
- Difficulty paying attention and concentrating.
- Poor school participation, especially with the shelter-in-place and online learning.
- Avoidance of activities your teen had previously enjoyed.
- Loss of appetite and other unhealthy eating habits.
- Unusual headaches, stomach aches, or other pain.
- Using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
- If your teen was already struggling before the shelter-in-place order, the new stress of the current situation could make life even more difficult for your teen.
How to Help Your Teen:
- Talk with your teen about the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Provide accurate and factual information.
- Answer your teen’s questions and address rumors.
- Limit your teen’s exposure to news media and social media coverage.
- Remain calm as you reassure your teen:
- We can stay safe.
- It’s okay to feel upset. Share your own coping skills.
- Listen to your teen and their concerns, while trying to maintain regular routines in your home.
- Include your teen in decision-making about family plans and household chores.
- Help your teen to stay physically active and socially connected.
- Encourage your teen to develop projects that might help others.
- Encourage your teen to reach out to others for help and support.
Set a good example by taking care of yourself.
For more information or for support for yourself or others 24/7:
contact the Contra Costa Crisis Center.
Call 2-1-1 or 1-800-833-2900. Text HOPE to 20121.
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Supervisor Andersen Participates in For the Valley Live
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Supervisor Andersen joined
For the Valley Live
as a guest on Wednesday, April 22nd.
For the Valley Live
is a no-religious virtual show created by Danville's Community Presbyterian Church to provide the latest information about how the current pandemic is affecting the San Ramon Valley. You can watch the broadcast
here.
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The Treasury Department, and the IRS have unveiled an online application to help with Economic Impact Payments.
Working with the Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service unveiled the new
Get My Payment
with features to let taxpayers check on their Economic Impact Payment date and update direct deposit information. Go
here
to learn more.
Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments.
The Internal Revenue Service, working in partnership with the Treasury Department and the Social Security Administration, announced that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive automatic Economic Impact Payments. To learn more go to
here.
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We can all safely help our communities in
response to COVID-19 during these difficult times, Californians come together to help each other. You can start by joining the movement
here.
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Sharpening Skills Through Virtual Job Training During
COVID-19 Slow Down
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Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County and Employment and Human Services Provide Free Access to Online Career Courses
Workforce Development Board
(WDB) Executive Director Donna Van Wert has announced that Contra Costa County residents will have free access to online career training via Metrix E-Learning System through its “Skill Up Contra Costa” initiative. WDB, a bureau of the
Employment & Human Services Department
, is making the virtual courses available in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Students of all ages can explore career paths, complete online classes, and prepare for industry-recognized certifications to upgrade existing skills or learn new skills, whether an individual is looking for a first job, a new job, or to advance in their chosen field. Previous Skill Up Contra Costa participants have earned certificates and digital badges in areas such as Project Management, Microsoft Word & Excel, HIPAA, Human Resources, Accounting, Food Industry Standards, Leadership and Team Building. Online students also earned certificates in computer and IT fields such as Networking, CompTIA, Windows, Adobe and Information Security.
The Metrix E-learning system has a catalog of more than 5,500 courses that include topics such as business, information technology, manufacturing, customer service, retail, finance, and many others. The “Prove It” feature in Metrix offers assessments, which can be used by job seekers to evaluate and document knowledge and skills in a given area.
For information about course offerings and to sign up for free access, visit
wdbccc.com
.
The WDBCCC’s programs and services are designed to help job seekers, employers, small businesses and youth. Visit
www.wdbccc.com
for more information.
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Thank you for Continuing to Follow These Simple Recommendations
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