 Dear Friends,
On July 15, the State of California approved Alameda County's attestation to become a variance county. As a result, outdoor dining has been permitted to resume and the Oakland Zoo can now open for outdoor activities. However, given that local case rates continue to be higher than 100 per 100,000 per day, Alameda County remains on California’s monitoring list with plans to further reopen the County deferred until more favorable COVID-19 indicators are achieved. Until then, we must continue social distancing within our social bubbles, wearing masks when leaving the house, washing our hands as often as possible, and doing our best to follow COVID-19 guidelines provided by our health experts.
As always, I am dedicated to working with our communities in order to explore ways in which we can adapt to this pandemic. As part of this effort, I will continue publishing weekly COVID-19 newsletters in order to ensure that District 1 residents are provided with the most current information regarding the pandemic.
In this bulletin, you can read about Alameda County Reopening Plan, the Alameda County Health Department's Mask On Campaign, the Alameda County Fairgrounds Testing Site, the CTF COVID-19 Panel, homeless services, food resources around the region, Great Plates Delivered-Alameda County, community resources, and much more.
Please continue to visit the Alameda County Public Health Department's website which has detailed, updated information on how to stay safe and what measures the County is taking. The County also has an information center open Monday through Friday, from 8a.m. to 5:30p.m. at 510-268-2101/ nCoV@acgov.org.
In addition to visiting the Alameda County Health Department website, I urge you to please access 2020census.gov and respond to the 2020 Census. We cannot allow the pandemic to cause an undercount of our communities.
District 1 Census response rates:
Fremont: 73.3%
Livermore: 76.9%
Dublin: 71.4%
Census 2020 is vital, as it determines our representation, brings federal funding to our communities for schools, roads, housing and so much more! I cannot express the importance of everyone's participation enough.
Please continue to stay safe and to take care of yourselves and those most vulnerable. As always, you can reach my office at 925-551-6995 or email me at District1@acgov.org.
Very Sincerely,
 Scott Haggerty
Alameda County Supervisor
District 1
 While approval of the County's variance attestation allows outdoor dining to continue, the Alameda County Health Services Agency (ACHSA) announced that plans to further reopen will remain postponed. Namely, any consideration to further ease restrictions under the current Shelter in Place Order could take place no sooner than between 4 to 6 weeks after the previous update on June 19. However, it is important to note that the ACHSA has not reintroduced any new restrictions at this time. Click here in order to read more about ACHSA’s decision.
For the most recent status of the COVID-19 Indicators defined by the County Health Officer, please see the table below.
 The Alameda County Public Health Department has published an online dashboard of COVID-19 cases displayed by individual city. The dashboard is updated daily, so click here in order to view the latest results.
The Alameda County Health Officer issued an Order requiring the use of face coverings when people are outside their homes. Per the Order, everyone over the age of 12 should wear a Face Covering when:
- outside their home and within 30 feet of anyone else other than members of their Social Bubble;
- in the workplace except when in a private space or area not regularly used by others; or
- preparing food or other items for sale or distribution to people outside their household.
Face Coverings may be removed in the following circumstances but should always be kept on hand:
- when eating or drinking alone or with members of one’s Social Bubble; or
- when alone or with members of one’s household in an outdoor area such as a park or patio, while maintaining six feet of distance from others.
Face coverings can be simple and homemade, made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material without holes, that covers the nose and mouth. Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, face coverings may reduce the risk of infection posed by people who are infected and without symptoms.
The regional testing site located at the Alameda County Fairgrounds will operate from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday - Friday. However, the site may close before noon if testing capacity is reached. The testing facility is open to all residents of Livermore, Dublin and Pleasanton and residents may access the site through Gate 12 located off Valley Avenue, Pleasanton shown below.
Beginning July 17, Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless will be operating their mobile clinic at Vineyard Christian Fellowship at 460 N Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94551 every Friday from 9AM - 12PM. ACHCH's mobile clinic provides urgent care, care coordination, linkage and referrals to community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services are provided free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the mobile clinic, please click here for the ACHCH website.
On July 6, Supervisor Haggerty was recognized as the California Transportation Foundation’s (CTF) 2019 Person of the Year. Supervisor Haggerty is honored to be recognized by the CTF and is proud to have committed 24 years of service to providing a higher quality of life to all communities in the Bay Area. Current Alameda CTC Chair Pauline Cutter noted, “I am delighted to congratulate Scott Haggerty for being named Person of the Year. In his 24 years of service, Supervisor Haggerty has been one of our strongest and most successful transportation leaders in the Bay Area. On our Commission, he has been directly involved in achieving voter support for billions of dollars to fund rail, bus, road, highway and active transportation projects. For all of us who know him, we see the lasting effect of his work in almost every transportation system in Alameda County and the Bay Area. There could not be a more deserving person.”
In response to the challenges that public transit has experienced as a result of COVID-19, CTF is also convening a panel of transit professionals to discuss these difficult issues. Supervisor Haggerty will participate in the panel which is scheduled to be held on July 23, 2020 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. In order to register for the webinar, please click here.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our businesses and local governments have sought numerous strategies to limit the transmission of the virus. Included in these strategies was the initiative by the County Health Officer to prohibit the use of reusable bags, mugs or other reusable items at Alameda County businesses. However, under the Updated Shelter in Place Order, customers can now bring their own reusable bags from home if they do not require handling by employees.
With this new guidance, we can continue our efforts to flatten the curve while maintaining environmentally friendly practices. For more information, please click here to visit the Alameda County StopWaste website.
 BART: 15-Step Plan for COVID-19
BART also recently released a 15-step plan in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their trains. Some measures outlined in this plan include the following:
- Running long trains, increasing train frequency, and implementing a new pilot seat configuration in order to allow social distancing.
- Disinfecting trains at the end of each line with hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Requiring face coverings with BART Police enforcement at station faregates.
- Social distancing decals, posters and banners on platforms and on-board trains.
Please click here to read about all 15 steps that BART is taking in order to prevent COVID-19 transmission and to reestablish rider confidence in the safety of mass transit.
 Altamont Corridor Express
As a member of numerous transit boards and commissions, I recognize the implications that reopening amidst COVID-19 have on mass transit. As mentioned earlier in this newsletter, Bay Area residents may share apprehensions about returning to commuter trains and buses in order to commute to work. As places of mass congregation, rail cars and buses represent potential points of transmission that must be addressed. Thankfully, the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) has implemented numerous social distancing and sanitation measures in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their trains. Some initiatives outlined on the ACE website include the following:
- Disinfection wipe downs on high touch surfaces.
- Providing hand sanitizer at the Cabral Station for passengers.
- Disinfecting trains at the end of each line with hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Contactless ticket checking.
- Social distancing signage throughout all trains.
To read all about how ACE is protecting the safety of its employees and riders, click here.
 Given the public health and economic crisis, US Census response rate has been low. Census is a constitutional mandate to determine representation in Congress, and participation is required by law. Data helps to create effective policy, so please do your part and participate today.
Why participate in the census?
- Local public safety
- Healthcare & social services
- Nonprofits
- Roads & highway construction
- Economic development & jobs
- Representation
- Schools & childcare
Complete the census here.
With the academic year coming to an end, several Fremont organizations collaborated in order to continue providing school lunches to children through the Grab and Go program. While the program was originally set to end on June 30, the City of Fremont recently announced the program’s continuation throughout the summer break at the sites listed on the flyer above.
Prior registration will not be necessary, and the program is open to Fremont residents with children of all ages under 18. Click here to learn more about the Grab and Go program.
For information on the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District's Summer Child Nutrition Meals program, please see the flyer below.
As of June 2, The Tri-Valley "Drive-Thru" Emergency Food Distribution site began operating at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The site distributes food to those in need on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9AM-3PM and has recently been extended through the month of July. Please use Gate 8 seen on the map below in order to arrive at the site.
One of the many factors contributing to the uncertainty felt by our County residents is the question of how the Public Health Officer determines whether and to what extent the Shelter in Place order can be lifted. As a result, the Alameda County Public Health Department has released a list of indicators regarding COVID-19 that the department will utilize in order to make these decisions. Indicators under consideration include the number of cases, availability of personal protective equipment, hospital capacity, and more.
Click here read more about these indicators in order to better understand the risks that the Public Health Department must balance in their efforts to save lives.
The Alameda County Social Services Agency is excited about the opportunity to support our community through the Great Plates Delivered—Older Adult Meals program. Goals of the program are to be as inclusive as possible and provide the highest quality nutritious food and service to older adults (65 years and older) and other adults (60-64 years) at high risk of complications due to COVID-19. The program will provide a minimum of two nutritious meals a day (Monday through Friday) to qualified County residents. Apply for Alameda County Great Plates Delivered here.
For additional information, email ACGreatPlates@acgov.org, or call (925) 803-7943.
Your Alameda County Board of Supervisors passed an emergency ordinance suspending evictions in the Unincorporated County for renters and homeowners who are experiencing loss of income, significant out-of-pocket medical expenses or childcare needs as a result of the County COVID-19 shelter order.
The Board has approved funding for Anti-Displacement Program called AC Housing Secure. For more information or assistance, please contact AC Housing Secure Program.
Click here for more information.
FOR TENANTS:
Centro Legal de la Raza
centrolegal.org
510-437-1554
Eviction Defense Center
www.evictiondefensecenteroakland.org
510-452-4541
East Bay Community Law Center
ebclc.org
510-548-4040
Bay Area Legal Aid
baylegal.org
888-382-3405
Asian and Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
apilegaloutreach.org
(Oakland residents only)
510-251-2846
ECHO Housing
https://www.echofairhousing.org
510-581-9380
FOR HOMEOWNERS
HERA Housing and Economic Rights Advocates
heraca.org
(510) 271-8443
Project Roomkey
COVID-19 poses a significant threat to people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County.
The California Department of Social Services (CSDSS) secured hotels to provide isolation housing immediately for people experiencing homelessness affected by COVID-19, as part of a larger statewide effort called Project Roomkey. CDSS contracted with Abode Services to provide wraparound support and with the hotel owners for operations staffing. Alameda County Health Care Services, Social Services, and General Services Agencies worked together to establish referral procedures, medical screening and support, and transportation resources for the sites.
Alameda County agencies will continue to work together with cities to add additional sites to serve as many people as possible, utilizing available resources from the Federal and State governments.
Statement Regarding COVID-19 Hotel Resources
Project Roomkey: Alameda County Operation Comfort and Operation Safer Ground
Operation Comfort serves people who are homeless and 1) tested positive for COVID-19, or 2) are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and/or have been exposed to COVID-19. Recently, Operation Comfort has begun accepting individuals who are not homeless who have tested positive for COVID-19 and live in one of the following settings:
- Congregate living facility (ie. group home residential treatment facility) where isolation is not possible OR
- 4+ people over age 12 per room OR
- 3+ people over age 12 per room with an exceptional health condition present
Operation Safer Ground serves people who are homeless and over 65 or otherwise at high risk (medically fragile), or both.
Resources
· List of Approved Referral Agencies
· Project Roomkey: Alameda County Operations Flyer
· Project Roomkey Frequently Asked Questions
Home Together Investment Plan
In May of 2020 Alameda County Supervisors, the Alameda County office of Homeless Care and Coordination and Homeless Service Providers EveryOne Home and St. Mary's Center hosted a series of Town Hall meetings to introduce the Home Together Investment Plan. The Plan is a half-cent sales tax proposal for the November 2020 ballot to fund homeless housing and services, and a robust and efficient strategic response to homelessness across the county. Click here to watch recordings of Supervisor Haggerty’s Town Hall meeting.
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One-pager about the Home Together Investment Plan
- Make your voice heard by completing the following survey to provide input into the Home Together Investment Plan
Additional Resources for Homelessness
Each Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the Shower and Laundry Ministry at Asbury United Methodist Church in Livermore provides several showers available for both men and women and Laundry Services. In addition to these services, they also offer clean underwear and socks each week as well as shower and laundry supplies as needed. Click here for more information or to support these efforts. Additionally, the City of Livermore operates a cooling center at Robert Livermore Community Center (4444 East Ave.) when the outside temperature meets or exceeds 95 degrees. City staff monitor National Weather Service reports and post to social media and on the Livermore website when cooling centers will be open. You can also call 2-1-1 to check the status of Livermore cooling centers.
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The Alameda County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Care & Shelter Branch in close coordination with Alameda County Community Food Bank, 211, and cities developed a countywide interactive map that includes food distribution sites and other essential services which are currently open under the COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place Order. The map will be updated regularly and remain active for the duration of the Shelter-In-Place Order. Open Interactive Map
The Alameda County Public Health Department has formed a COVID-19 Testing Task Force to develop and implement a coordinated testing program to address disparities, ensure countywide access, and support the County’s COVID response.
Necessity of COVID-19 Testing
As there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 testing capacity remains limited, people with mild illness should remain home until fully recovered. They should sleep in a separate room and use a separate bathroom from other household members when possible. Clean common areas regularly.
Click here for more information on testing in Alameda County.
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Our Social Services Agency has published important notices to provide guidance for their clients. Lobbies at their facilities are temporarily closed. Get more details on their website.
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In addition to Alameda County, the State of California and the federal government are working to help small businesses, workers, and renters. You can read about actions the state and federal government are taking here:
Community Resources
For Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
For Travelers
Other Resources
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