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The State issued two new Health Orders last week, requiring vaccinations for health care workers and proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before indoor visits. The first order requires workers in health care settings to be fully vaccinated or receive their second dose by September 30. The second order directs hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities to verify that visitors are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 in the prior 72 hours before indoor visits, and is effective August 11.
There is renewed urgency around vaccinations as children across the county are heading back to school (see related story below). While we wait for the day when vaccines are available for children under the age of 12, we remain focused on the prevention strategies that are proven to reduce and prevent COVID-19.
Many thanks to the hundreds of staff across our Health Care Services Agency, community partners, and cities who continue working tirelessly to navigate this pandemic. You'll find this week's Board of Supervisors update on our response page along with past issues of this newsletter. We appreciate your readership and ask that you share this information with others.
The Governor visited Alameda County again this week to announce a new public health order requiring all school staff to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week. The new policy for school staff took effect August 12 and schools must be in full compliance by October 15.
Robust and free testing resources are available to K-12 schools through the CA K-12 schools testing program. Our Schools Team is supporting school districts with implementing State guidance for safety protocols, and working with the Office of Education to support vaccine clinics. We’ve maintained a close relationship with our partners in education since before the first Shelter in Place Order, through a year of hybrid and remote learning, and vaccination. Now, students are returning to school and our Schools Team continues to support local public, private and charter schools, as well as child care settings with COVID-19 prevention education and safety planning.
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On August 7th, the one year anniversary of UMOJA Health enacting its mission to reach, serve, protect, and educate Oakland during the pandemic, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf declared it UMOJA Health Day!
I was honored to participate in publicly showing my gratitude for this incredible team of community members and organizations, doctors, nurses, and infectious disease experts from the University of California, San Francisco, the Alameda County Public Health Department, and the City of Oakland, all of whom committed to conducting community level testing and vaccination since the height of the pandemic.
The monumental effort of these collaborators will bring us closer to ending this chapter in our history, but let's not forget that once Covid is over there is still more work to do. There is always another mountain to climb especially when it comes to bringing health equity to East Oakland. I hope this is only the beginning of concentrated efforts to ensure better outcomes.
Watch the special segment on UMOJA by the San Francisco Chronicle and donate to their cause here.
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Curious about the multiple public assistance programs available as a result of Covid19? Check out these detailed infographics for more information and clear explanations of program eligibility requirements.
More information can be found on the Alameda County Social Services Website.
    
During these times of increased isolation due to Covid, it is especially important to check in with our elders so we can recognize and act on any signs of abuse.
Alameda County Social Services has put together these PSA's to illustrate common instances and signs of Financial Abuse and Self-Neglect as well as how to utilize Ombudsman Services.
Please take a moment to watch these important messages and be sure to help keep your family, neighbors and friends safe and healthy.
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Don't miss the latest installment of The People's Health Briefing. In it, Roots Community Health Center CEO and founder Dr. Noha Aboelata breaks down the impact of COVID19 on Alameda County, Oakland and East Oakland in particular.
View all installments of "The People's Health Briefing" here in the "All Videos" section.
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Most Tuesdays, the Board of Supervisors holds a Regular Meeting during which the public is allowed to speak to the Board on agenda items representing decisions made about our communities.
While we might not always agree on the best path forward, I am fond of saying that reasonable people will disagree, and that I get some of my best ideas from my constituency base. I am honored to serve on the Board as a County Supervisor and take the ideas, concerns, and feedback of the public very seriously.
Please consider tuning into these meeting and encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. We are stronger as a County when we are connected to one another, and engaged with the civic process.
The meeting calendar, including links to the agenda when it is available, can be found here.
The links to the livestream broadcast of the meetings can be found here.
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