Shelter-at-Home Ordered for Alameda County
 The Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan joined six other Bay Area public health jurisdictions to issue an order for all Alameda County residents to shelter in place to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and preserve critical health care capacity across the region.
Alameda County joined Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties with the City of Berkeley on a legal order directing their respective residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning today, March 17, 2020. The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. The guidance comes after substantial input from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and best practices from other health officials around the world. This order is in effect until April 7, 2020, and may be amended, shortened, or extended.
Scientific evidence shows social distancing is one of the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable disease. The shelter-at-home order follows new data of increasing local transmission of COVID-19, including 258 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 4 deaths shared by the seven jurisdictions, as of March 15. The Bay Area’s collected confirmed cases is more than half of California’s case count. This does not account for the rapidly increasing number of assumed cases of community transmission. As testing capacity increases, the number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases is expected to increase markedly.
The order defines essential activities as necessary for the health and safety for individuals and their families. Essential businesses allowed to operate during the recommended action include health care operations; businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; fresh and non-perishable food retailers (including convenience stores); pharmacies; child care facilities; gas stations; banks; laundry businesses and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of a residence. In addition, health care, law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action. For the full list, please see section 10 of the Order.
Click here to read the Order.
The CDC continues to provide and update guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in communities. For additional information visit the CDC's website.
For general inquiries, please email ncov@acgov.org or call (510) 268-2101.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 from the Alameda County Public Health Department, click here.
California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
 The State of California has created a dedicated website for COVID-19. Here, you can learn about the Statewide Order to Shelter-at-Home, the latest virus statistics, state resources available for impacted individuals and businesses (including how to apply for Unemployment and State Disability), and how you can best protect yourself and your community. You can also find an extensive social media toolkit to help share vital information with your local networks.
Visit:
https://covid19.ca.gov/
Alameda County Online Services Available 24/7
Alameda County agencies and departments have been closely monitoring advice from the County's Public Health Department related to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak. We are committed to providing our essential services to the public, and all County agencies and departments remain open for business. We also recognize the newfound importance of social distancing and individual preferences for avoiding public spaces; therefore, we highly recommend the utilization of our many online and mobile services. Through these services, you will be able to pay your property taxes, order vital records, and access many other essential services. We provide the following online and mobile services:
Alameda County Law Library
 The Alameda County Law Library remains CLOSED through April 7, 2020. This closure may be extended.
Law library patrons can now access the Fastcase database from home 24/7 via a link on our Library Databases site:
lawlibrary.acgov.org/library-databases/
Username: Alamedacounty / Password: fastcase
Note that this subscription does not include secondary source access (e.g. law review articles or practice guides).
During the closure, library staff working remotely are monitoring the lawlib@acgov.org email address and the Reference Desk voicemail (510) 208-4832 and can provide limited reference/research assistance and document delivery service via reply email or return phone call. Hours of service response will be Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
In your request, please try to be as specific as possible with citations, section/chapter numbers, or keywords/research topic(s).
Note that there may be a delay in response time as limited staff are working remotely.
Law librarians are also available via the Statewide Law Library Chat Service.
Visit our website 24/7 at http://lawlibrary.acgov.org to access free legal websites, legal forms, and the Nolo Press eBooks database (login instructions provided on website).
Thank you for your patience!
Alameda County Superior Court
CLICK HERE for the latest updates regarding Alameda County Superior Court during the Shelter-at-Home Order.
COVID-19 Information About and for the
Alameda County Homeless Community
 Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) is actively monitoring and working closely with countywide health departments and providers within the community, as well as across the country, in COVID-19 responses related to people experiencing homelessness. ACHCH is collaborating with homeless shelter services and outreach providers to keep them updated on resources and information.
ACHCH is working within the health department to coordinate and guide responses specific to:
- Staff and Residents of Homeless Shelters and Programs
- Outreach Staff and People Experiencing street Homelessness
For more details, click here.
***DONATIONS NEEDED***
Are you looking for ways to help people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic? ACHCH will gladly receive items listed below to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in shelters and among those living outside. Please note ACHCH is looking for the items listed below and not general items for donation.
- Clinical protective Goggles
- Paper Gowns
- Face Shields
- Nitrile Rubber Gloves
- Garbage Bags
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Shoe/Boot Covers
- Bottles 2 oz, 4 oz, 8oz Hand Sanitizer
- Temporal Thermometer
- Disposable Thermometer
- Disposable Surgical Masks
- Small Boxes Tissue/Kleenex
- Empty 2oz plastic bottles for hand sanitizer
- Disposable Surgical Masks
- Tissue paper (125x2ply)
- Bleach
- Mops, Mop heads
- Paper/Disposable Towels
- Room Dividers
If you can donate any of the items above, please email ACHCH at achch@acgov.org. In the email, please include a description of what items you have, how much of each item you have, and whether it is in its original packaging or not.
The ACHCH Program will contact you and make arrangements for either delivery to their Oakland offices, or directly to a program site if they are able to use the items. Please be patient as ACHCH may not be able to respond to every email during this overwhelming time.
Resources for Children and Families
 First 5 Alameda County has put together a list of great resources for children and families to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic and Order to Shelter-at-Home. Resources include:
- Talking to Kids about COVID-19
- Distance learning resources (including free Internet services)
- Food assistance
- Financial aid
CLICK HERE to access these and other resources.
AC Transit Service Update:
Rear Door Boarding and No Fare Required
 AC Transit is implementing rear-door boarding on buses with multiple doors.
Fare payment is not required until further notice.
AC Transit is deemed to provide an essential service during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This means we continue to serve riders who rely on public transit for vital access to resources, healthcare, and employment.
While operating, we are committed to the collective well-being and health of our riders and employees. This includes following social distancing measures. Customers are strongly encouraged to stay or sit 6-feet from other passengers and the bus operator when boarding, exiting and riding the bus.
Passengers requiring ADA ramps, utilizing mobility devices or need priority seating may continue to use the front door for boarding. Wheelchair riders may be allowed onboard without securements by bus operators.
Please continue to stay informed by checking COVID-19 service updates at actransit.org, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and sign up for line-specific alerts.
BART Temporarily Reduces Service Hours
 BART is taking swift action to reduce operating costs as ridership levels have declined by 90% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter in place orders. BART has done an exhaustive review of ridership and train car loads this week and will make the following changes to service until further notice:
Starting Monday, March 23, 2020, BART will provide service Monday-Friday from 5 am - 9 pm. Current weekday train frequency will remain.
Starting Saturday March 28, 2020, Saturday and Sunday service will be from 8 am - 9 pm. Current weekend train frequency will remain.
All riders must be in the system by 8:45pm to have a guaranteed ride to their destination.
BART will monitor ridership data each day to determine how long these service hours will be in effect.
Read more here.
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Shelter-at-Home Frequently Asked Questions
 The Alameda County Public Health Department has put together an extensive document addressing many questions you may have regarding the order to shelter-at-home. Questions addressed include:
- I allowed to leave my home while this Order is in effect?
- What are “Essential Businesses”?
- What do I do about my loved one who needs care from me?
- Can I take my kids to the park and can we use playgrounds?
- Can I get my prescriptions or other health care needs?
- What should I do if I’m sick?
- Is the local government shutting down?
Get answers to these and many more questions by clicking HERE.
For Spanish speakers, click HERE.
Note that these FAQs will continue to be updated. Please check back for updates and clarifications.
Social Services Agency Lobbies are Temporarily Closed to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
 To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Alameda County Social Services Agency (ACSSA) office lobbies are currently closed until further notice. We will continue to process any applications, verifications and/or documents received, including Expedited Services for CalFresh and Immediate Need and Homeless Assistance for CalWORKs.
Individuals who are receiving or wish to apply for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Refugee Cash Assistance, and General Assistance may use available telephone, fax, mail, and online services. Applications, renewals, documents, and reports can be submitted for most programs online at www.MyBenefitsCalWIN.org.
You may also submit applications and information by telephone during the business hours of 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, by fax at 510-670-5095, or by mail at P.O. Box 12941, Oakland, CA 94604.
During the temporary closure, limited in-person access will be available for the following:
- Emergency EBT card/BIC or check pick-up
- Homeless mail pick-up
- CAPI Applications
- Clients who do not have access to a telephone and need to comply with a required telephone interview
- Clients who do not have access to a telephone or computer and their service request cannot be done by mail
Applications will continue to be available at offices in designated areas for all benefit programs, and community members may complete, sign and return documents for processing using a secure drop box during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additional information can be found online at www.AlamedaSocialServices.org.
Dedicated COVID-19 Websites for District 5 Cities
District 5 cities have set up their own websites with relevant information, resources, and updates regarding COVID-19. Whether you want to know about what essential services will remain open, if parking rules will be enforced, or how you can help support your neighbors and local businesses in need of assistance, be sure to check back regularly on these websites for the most up-to-date information:
City of Albany
https://bit.ly/2wDbofF
City of Berkeley
https://bit.ly/2xptQsk
City of Emeryville
https://bit.ly/2UdCDpY
City of Oakland
https://bit.ly/2JernUc
City of Piedmont
https://bit.ly/2QYmLWD
COVID-19 Resources for
Undocumented Californians
From the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance:
As COVID-19, more commonly referred to as the “coronavirus,” begins to make its impact in the United States, we want to take this moment to remind undocumented youth and their families to prirotize their health to the best of their abilities.
Though health access for our community has been long fought for, there are still gaps that leave us specifically vulnerable to health threats, such as this pandemic. From medical neglect at private detention centers, to being less likely to be allowed to stay home from work, undocumented people face challenges that are specific to our community that we want to to address and ask allies to pay particular attention to amidst the panic.
Read more...
Plain Language Booklet on COVID-19
If you or someone you know is a person with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability, check out this great booklet about COVID-19 written in plain language by and for people with disabilities:
English: http://bit.ly/3a7BcPH
Spanish: http://bit.ly/2Ql3j5L
Booklet was developed by SARTAC (Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center) https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/
East Bay Regional Parks
 Based on the “Shelter in Place” order, and by an emergency order of East Bay Regional Park District General Manager, for the health and safety of the public and our employees, Park District environmental education centers, visitor centers, and many of our developed public facilities, including bathrooms, water fountains, and other amenities, are temporarily closed. All Regional Trails are open. Per the “Shelter in Place” order, outdoor activity is allowed, such as walking, hiking, and running - as long as specific social distancing requirements are followed. Studies show outdoor activity benefits physical health and helps reduce stress and anxiety.
The COVID-19 health emergency is an unprecedented and evolving situation. Please be aware, additional precautions and closures may be necessary.
If you do visit a trail in a Regional Park, please follow all Social Distancing Requirements and bring water and hand sanitizer. Due to minimal staffing, bathrooms and water fountains will not be available. Additionally, please do not congregate in parking lots or at trailheads per the “Shelter in Place” social distancing requirements. Fishing is allowed from shore and piers, but no boats or boat launching.
Visit ebparks.org for more information.
Grab and Go Meals Available to
Students & Families
 Although schools must remain closed for the duration of the Order to Shelter-at-Home, it is essential that school-age children continue to be able to access healthy and nutritious food. As a result, a majority of District 5 school districts will be offering grab and go breakfast and lunches.
Visit the below links for specific dates, times, and locations:
Oakland Unified School District
http://bit.ly/2IUm9g7
Berkeley Unified School District
http://bit.ly/2IRXl8j
Albany Unified School District
http://bit.ly/2QqM2s9
Emery Unified School District
http://bit.ly/2WlmiB7
East Bay Business Resources in
Response to COVID-19
COVID-19 is not just causing worry about our health and the health of our loved ones, but also creating great financial stress in our local community - particularly for small businesses.
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance is compiling trusted information targeted to employers and workers in our communities. If there are additional resources you’d like to share or for any questions, please contact info@eastbayeda.org.
CLICK HERE for the current list of resources.
Emergency Funds for Freelancers, Creatives Losing Income During Coronavirus
 From KQED:
For many, slowing the spread of coronavirus means stopping work entirely—and losing months of income.
With the passing of AB 5, California moved to extend employee protections to freelancers this year, but many creative professionals still work for themselves and don't have typical salaried-worker safety nets like extended sick leave. Some self-employed people will not qualify for unemployment insurance, particularly artists who rely on informal, direct cash payments or practice without a business license.
With those challenges in mind, we've rounded up a list of mutual aid funds that distribute emergency grants to artists, creative professionals and freelancers facing financial hardships.
Read more...
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
in the Face of Uncertainty
 From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
...In times like these, our mental health can suffer. We don’t always know it’s happening. You might feel more on edge than usual, angry, helpless or sad. You might notice that you are more frustrated with others or want to completely avoid any reminders of what is happening. For those of us who already struggle with our mental wellness, we might feel more depressed or less motivated to carry out our daily activities.
It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events. We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:
Read more...
Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
 It may seem simple, and you may be sick of hearing this, but it bears repeating that washing your hands often throughout the day is critical to preventing the spread of disease.
Follow these five steps every time.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
For more information about the importance of proper hand washing and how to teach your loved ones about it, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website HERE.
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