Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan’s Weekly Updates on COVID-19

banner

Updates on COVID-19 from
Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan

In this issue:

Updates from the
Alameda County
Public Health Department

Federal COVID-19 Relief Update

Emergency Rental Assistance in Unincorporated Alameda County 

Upcoming Covered California Open Enrollment Deadlines 

Protecting Yourself from the Flu During COVID-19

Stay Informed

COVID-19 Testing Sites in Alameda County

Get Involved: Community Board and Commission Positions Available  

Community Resources

Food Resources

Resources for Immigrant Communities

Public Comment Procedures for Board of Supervisors Meetings During Shelter in Place

Alameda County Public Health Department
COVID-19 Contact Information

Enforcement of the Shelter in Place Order E-mail:
COVID19compliance@acgov.org

Alameda County COVID-19
Data Dashboard

Non-Immediate Concerns
Email: nCoV@acgov.org
Phone: 510-268-2101

Public Health Agencies' Dedicated COVID-19 Information Web Pages:

 

Alameda County
Public Health Department:

covid-19.acgov.org

 

California Department of
Public Health:

covid19.ca.gov

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

211

Housing Information and Critical Health & Human Services

 

facebook

Connect with me on Facebook

 

 

Email image

Email me:
District3@acgov.org


County Seal

 

 

Oakland Office
1221 Oak Street, Suite 536
Oakland, CA 94612 (map)
Phone: 510.272.6693
Fax: 510.268.8004

  

 

District Office
15903 Hesperian Boulevard
San Lorenzo, CA 94580 (map)
Phone: 510.278.0367
Fax: 510.278.0467

 

 

Dear District 3 Community,

As the winter holiday season comes to an end, I want to thank each of you for the many sacrifices you have made in 2020 to help Alameda County beat COVID-19, protect our community, and recover our economy.

I know it is incredibly difficult to physically distance from our loved ones during the holiday season, but we will get through this together if we continue to do our part to fight the spread of COVID-19. This month the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to high-risk healthcare workers in Alameda County, and thousands of additional doses are on the way. While there is a lot of hard work still ahead, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.

Please continue to be safe during this pandemic so we may gather in-person once again in 2021. 

For up-to-date data and answers to frequently asked questions, visit ACPHD's dedicated COVID-19 web page.

As always, it is an honor to serve you. I wish you all a healthy, safe, and happy holidays!  Please do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, questions or concerns that you may have regarding the district or Alameda County.

Sincerely,                                                                           

wc

Wilma Chan
Supervisor, Third District 

Updates from the Alameda County
Public Health Department

Last week, the Alameda County Public Health Department announced the availability of intensive care unit (ICU) beds has fallen below 15 percent in the Bay Area; it is currently at 13.7%. The Regional Stay at Home Order adopted earlier this month remains in effect through January 4, 2021 and may need to be extended. Lifting the Regional Stay at Home Order requires all Alameda County residents to follow COVID-19 precautions more strictly than ever. 

We have reached a critical point with COVID-19 rapidly spreading throughout our neighborhoods and communities. Over the past few weeks, Alameda County has experienced record-breaking increases in case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths in our community. 

As we continue to flatten the curve during the highest surge in Alameda County to date, we ask everyone to continue practicing the following COVID-19 safety precautions:

  • Stay home as much as possible
  • Only leave home for essential activities (grocery shopping, work)
  • Avoid gatherings with anyone you don't live with (including outdoor gatherings where individuals are wearing masks and keeping at least 6 feet of distance from one another)
  • Wear a mask at all times whenever outside your home
  • Keep at least 6 feet of distance from anyone you don't live with
  • Wash your hands frequently

Please help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors by following the guidelines listed above. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to take a toll on our community's well-being, together, we can stop the spread of the virus in Alameda County.

Federal COVID-19 Relief Update

Last night, the United States Congress passed a long-awaited $900 billion COVID-19 relief packageAs Alameda County's residents and small businesses continue to weather financial hardships caused by this public health crisis, the new COVID-19 relief bill provides much-needed support to help those impacted by COVID-19. 

This relief bill includes funding for a number of programs to help families and small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19, including: 

  • An extension of the eviction moratorium and rental assistance funds for tenants struggling to make ends meet 
  • Direct payments up to $600 per adult and per child for eligible households, including mixed-status families (households that include non-U.S. citizens) 
  • A $300 weekly supplement to unemployment benefits 
  • Over $300 billion for small business assistance programs 
  • $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits 

Read more on all funding and protections included in the COVID-19 relief bill. 

Emergency Rental Assistance in Unincorporated Alameda County

Centro Legal de la Raza is now accepting applications for the Alameda County Housing ​Secure program. Funding for Alameda County Housing Secure expires at the end of the year, and renters are encouraged to apply today.

Alameda County Housing Secure provides emergency rental assistance to low-income renters in the unincorporated areas of Alameda County who have lost income or jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The application period is now open and will remain open until funds are exhausted or December 28, 2020, whichever comes sooner. Approved households can receive past due rent of up to 9 months or up to $18,000, whichever is less. 

For more information on these programs or to apply, please visit Centro Legal's Rental Assistance page.

Covered California Open Enrollment Deadline Extended

The deadline to apply for health insurance through Covered California for coverage starting on January 1, 2020 has been extended to Wednesday, December 30, 2020. The open enrollment period ends Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Apply online or contact (800) 300-1506 for more information or to apply by phone. 

As the Warriors' Stephen Curry puts it, health care insurance is about equality and ensuring we can keep our communities safe from COVID-19.

Protecting Yourself from the Flu During COVID-19 

As our hospital and ICU capacity continues to decrease due to COVID-19, it is more crucial now than ever to protect yourself from the seasonal flu and prevent our local hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. 

While COVID-19 and influenza are different viruses, they are spread in similar ways. The best ways to protect yourself from getting sick are to get your flu shot (flu shots are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months) and follow the COVID-19 safety precautions listed above.

Symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can be similar. If you are experiencing any emergency warning signs, such as trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to wake/stay awake, seek emergency medical care immediately. 

For more information on this year’s flu season, please review the Alameda County Public Health Department’s COVID-19 and the Flu informational flyers available in: 

Stay Informed

For updates on COVID-19, visit one of the following dedicated web pages from trusted public health agencies:

Testing for COVID-19 in Alameda County 

In partnership with community partners, ACPHD is operating free COVID-19 testing locations throughout the county. 

Testing is free and available to anyone with or without symptoms at all community testing sites in Alameda County, and is highly recommended for health care, front line, or essential workers and anyone who attended protests or other large public gatherings.

You will not be asked about immigration status and do not need insurance at any of these locations.

Community testing sites located in District 3:

Marina Community Center 
15301 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro, CA 
Monday-Saturday: 8 AM-7 PM 
Walk-up testing site

Testing is by appointment only. To make an appointment, visit: https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 1-888-634-1123 (Spanish and English). 


La Clinica de la Raza
Fruitvale BART Station
E 12th Street and 36th Avenue
Monday-Friday, 8 AM- 5 PM
Drive-through and walk-up available

Testing is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 510-535-3370 (Spanish and English).   


Native American Health Center
3050 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601 
Tuesday & Thursday, 9 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM

This is a pedestrian-access site.  

Make an appointment at color.com/nahc 


Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center 
10 – 10th Street, Oakland, CA 

PLEASE NOTE: THIS SITE WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY BETWEEN DECEMBER 28 AND JANUARY 1. THE HENRY J. KAISER CONVENTION CENTER SITE WILL REOPEN ON JANUARY 2, 2021.

All Adult Community Members 
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8:30 am-11:30 am; 12:30 pm-4:00 pm 

Essential Workers Priority Testing 
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 am-11:30 am 
**Essential Workers include those who work in: health care, emergency services, food & grocery stores, retail or manufacturing, public transportation, and education** 

Adults and Children 2 Years and Older 
Saturday: 8:30 am-4:00 pm 

Make your appointment online or call 510-618-5780. 


 Additional free testing locations:

Allen Temple Baptist Church
8501 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 
Monday – Saturday: 1 PM-7 PM 
Drive-through COVID-19 testing

Appointments are required through Project Baseline 


Roots Community Health Center
9925 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 
Monday - Wednesday, Friday: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM 
Outdoor walk-up COVID-19 testing 

Registration is not required, but appointments can be made online or at 510-777-1177 
NOTE: there is no drive-up option at this site, and street parking is limited.


West Oakland Health Center
700 Adeline St., Oakland, CA
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 AM-1 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Testing is by appointment only and can be made online at https://www.oaklandca.gov/wohc.


Skywest Golf Course 
1401 Golf Course Rd.
Hayward, CA 94541
Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Register here or call (510) 583-5333


Alameda County Fairgrounds (Gate 12)
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, CA
Gate 12 is off of Valley Ave. and follow signage to testing site
Monday – Friday: 9 AM - 1 PM

Testing is only open to residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, or Livermore who are 10 years of age or older. 


For more information and guidance on COVID-19 testing, visit ACPHD's Testing for COVID-19 page. 

Get Involved:
Community Board
 and Commission Positions Available 

Alameda County Board and Commission Openings

Apply today for one of the District 3 vacancies on the following Alameda County Boards and Commissions. For more information or to apply, visit the Clerk of the Board's Get Involved page.


Alameda County Oakland Community Action Partnership (AC-OCAP) Board Openings

AC-OCAP is now accepting applications for community representatives from CDBG District 1 in Oakland, and Alameda County. These open seats must be filled by a representative from the low-income community. Visit AC-OCAP's website for the Board Opening applications

  • CDBG District 1 (Oakland) encompasses North Oakland. Please review the City of Oakland Application Guidelines for selection criteria and a map of CDBG districts in the City of Oakland (note: these districts have different boundaries from the City Council districts).
  • Alameda County representatives must live in Alameda County (excluding the cities of Oakland and Berkeley). Please review the Alameda County Application Guidelines for selection criteria.

The AC-OCAP Board is comprised of 18 members that represent public official representatives in Oakland and Alameda County, private groups and interests, and not fewer than a third are democratically elected/selected representatives from the low-income community.

Community Resources

I am committed to ensuring District 3 residents receive the services and supports they need. My District Office team is available to provide information on resources and connect you to services. Please contact my Main Office at 
510-272-6693 for further assistance.

Alameda County Care Connect has provided the community with a COVID-19 Rapid Response Resource Guide, which will be updated on a weekly basis. This document provides information on numerous services available from local, state, and federal government agencies, public transportation agencies, and utility companies. 


Food Access Resources

  • Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB): ACCFB’s helpline can help connect you to a source for groceries or a hot meal today. Call the helpline at 1-800-870-FOOD (3663) or 1-510-635-3663. The helpline is available in multiple languages and operates Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM. You can also visit FoodNow.net for an online directory of food distribution sites near you. 
  • School Meals: The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) maintains a list of school districts in Alameda County that offer free meals to families who have children enrolled in the district’s schools. Visit ACOE’s “Meal Service by District” page for more information on your child’s school district.
  • Dig Deep Farms (DDF) Food Hub food distribution: The DDF Food Hub is distributing food every Friday from 1 PM-2 PM at 2700 Fairmont Drive in San Leandro. Food delivery is also available for families in need. If you need food delivered, please fill out the Deputy Sheriff's Activities League (DSAL) sign-up form.
  • Trybe food and COVID-19 relief supplies distribution: Trybe is providing food and other basic supplies to low-income Oakland residents and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food delivery is also available: sign up online for food delivery.

Resources for Immigrant Communities

  • Oakland Undocumented Relief (OUR) Fund: Offers financial support for immigrant Oaklanders who have lost income due to COVID-19. To apply for or donate to OUR Fund, visit Centro Legal’s website
  • Legal Aid at Work (Ayuda Legal Laboral) Resource Guide: offers a list of financial services available to undocumented workers in California who have been impacted by COVID-19. This resource guide is updated on a weekly basis and is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. 
  • Immigrants Rising resource guide provides a list of resources available for undocumented immigrants. Recursos para inmigrantes sobre COVID-19 en español—utilice este enlace
  • California Immigrant Policy Center’s (CPIC) COVID-19 Resource Guide provides information on accessing health care, obtaining information on COVID-19 in multiple languages, economic resources, and information on immigration rights.  
  • Keep Your Benefits provides a guide for California's immigrants to see if their public benefits could affect their different immigration options. The website is also available in Spanish and Chinese.

Public Comment Procedures for Board of Supervisors Meetings During Shelter in Place

Procedures for Board of Supervisors meetings are subject to change to improve videoconferencing tools. Please check the Board of Supervisors' website for the most up-to-date guidelines.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors will continue to conduct essential government business at our regularly scheduled Board meetings.

While in-person participation is limited to essential personnel, we are committed to providing the public with live broadcast and remote opportunities to participate in public comment during the Shelter in Place order. The following guidelines allow for public participation in Board meetings while following safe social distancing practices:

Remote Viewing/Listening:
Members of the public who wish to watch the Board of Supervisors meetings, are encouraged to view the live stream online at: 
http://acgov.org/board/broadcast.htm.

We recommend against using Internet Explorer to view the meetings. We recommend using Google Chrome or other browsers to view the meetings.

Public Comment via Teleconference:
Members of the public may address the Board of Supervisors on a matter on the agenda or during the Public Input portion of the meeting on a matter not on the agenda but is an issue within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction.

To observe the meeting by video conference, please click on this link to join the webinar at the noticed meeting time.

  • If you are using a laptop:
    Use the "Raise Hand" button to indicate you would like to speak or provide public comment. When you are called to speak, unmute your speaker.
  • If you are listening to the meeting by phone:
    Use the numbers listed on the Zoom/Teleconferencing Guidelines. 
    Dial *9 to raise your hand to speak.
    If you decide not speak, you may hang up and dial back into the meeting or simply notify the Clerk you do not wish to speak when you are unmuted and asked to speak.

Written Comment (accepted until the start of the meeting at 9:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted on the meeting agenda).

To provide written comment on an item on the agenda or to address the Board about an issue during Public Input, you may send an email to CBS@acgov.org.

Please include your name and note the agenda item number you want to address or whether you intend for comment to be included in Public Input. Copies of all written comments will be provided to the Board Members and will be added to the official record.

ADA Accessibility: If you require a reasonable modification or accommodation for a disability, please email the Clerk of the Board at CBS@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949.