Coronavirus Update for City of Palo Alto Utilities Customers

The City continues to support the community through its public safety response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Read the legal order and frequently asked questions about coronavirus from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. The City of Palo Alto activated a new Community Support Call Center today, March 18, to connect the community with information. The Community Support Call Center will be accessible by phone Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Call us at (650) 272-3181 with your questions about COVID-19 and city services. Please as a reminder, only call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. 

The City also announced a series of utilities rate relief programs to support residential and business customers during this difficult time. Read the full news release for more information.  

Many of the City’s parking rules will be lifted, such as enforcement for timed parking and we are suspending the residential parking permit program.

While public health orders can be enforced criminally, that is a measure of absolute last resort for the Palo Alto Police Department. The priority for our police officers will always be to educate and then ask for compliance with any public health order, and we are confident that our residents, businesses, and visitors will do their part to comply with temporary restrictions. The Palo Alto Police Department’s patrol division will continue to be out and about in the community, ready to respond to any calls for service that may come in.

Visit cityofpaloalto.org/coronavirus for frequently asked questions, updates on City actions, and other resources.

It’s important to continue caring for our physical and mental well-being despite changes in normal work, school, or other life routines. You can stay in touch with others and maintain a sense of normalcy while observing a “social distance” of at least six feet. Try to get outdoors and enjoy our Palo Alto parks and open spaces.

We've been hearing from a lot of our community members that they would like to know more about volunteer opportunities. The City will be publishing a list tomorrow of community organizations that could use your help. Stay tuned. 

With community members being asked to stay home, the potential for any range of family disturbances could be on the rise. This could include domestic violence, child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse, or other disturbances that present a danger to those in the home. The Palo Alto Police Department stands ready to assist and respond to any call for help. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call our 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413.  People in need of assistance can alternately send a text message to 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. There are also a wide array of free support resources available to those in need; the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office publishes a list of resources. 

Check out our blog for some ideas to keep yourself entertained while sheltering in place. Here is a list of more than 100 ways to keep your family busy and happy. Remember that Palo Alto Library’s e-library is available 24/7 with tons of digital resources, including eBooks, Audiobooks, streaming movies, TV, music, online learning, and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines. More tips are available here.  

Sometimes we will share other safety tips here to help your home and family stay safe. As a reminder, please do not flush disinfecting wipes or items other than toilet paper down toilets, as this can cause sewer backups into homes and streets. Here is a handy guide for what to flush versus not. The CDC has also published guidance on how to keep your home safe.

The City of Palo Alto is providing updates through a variety of ways, including a blog, social media, dedicated webpages, and this Coronavirus daily report (view previous daily reports) to keep the community informed as this public health situation evolves.

Go to cityofpaloalto.org/coronavirus for the latest news and how to subscribe for email updates.

Follow the City on Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, and subscribe to our e-newsletter for other City details. Santa Clara County Public Health information is available at www.sccgov.org

What To Do If You're Sick

Stay home if you are sick. Watch for symptoms and contact your medical provider if you fall ill. Most coronavirus testing facilities require a physician’s referral. Find information on the CDC website to help detect symptoms of coronavirus. 

The City now has a webpage with details on state, federal and local resources to assist businesses during this time. The CDC provides guidance for businesses to help prevent exposure to respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) anticipates funds will become available to help small businesses in California affected by a slow economy due to the coronavirus outbreak. More information will be available at www.sba.gov.