Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Statement on Reopening
Published on May 29, 2020
Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Statement on Reopening and Health Officer Orders
Planning for Reopening Continues with Caution, as Case Rates Are High, and Health Officer Orders Remain in Effect
Alameda County is committed to getting our residents back to work, kids back to school and play, and communities back to a time of backyard barbeques and religious services. To do this, we need to keep the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations low, protect our health care system and workforce and others at high risk, and continue our efforts with expanded testing, contact tracing and ensuring people can isolate and quarantine safely.
We’re measuring our progress against a set of COVID-19 indicators that help us determine when it’s safe to lift restrictions. That means moving in phases based on risk. We can reduce risk by not allowing gatherings, reducing physical contact, wearing face coverings and practicing good hand hygiene. Risk increases as people move about more, interact in large groups—especially indoors, or share surfaces and space in close proximity to one another. While a small gathering outdoors with a few friends is lower risk than a large house party, which is still lower risk than a crowded sporting or concert venue, there is always risk of infection from a highly contagious virus when people outside of a single household come together.
We currently have the highest rate of case increases in the Bay Area alongside a large increase in hospitalized cases. It is imperative that we proceed with caution. In-person gatherings are prohibited at this time. The Health Officer Order issued on May 18th does not have an end date, and is in effect until it is amended, replaced, or rescinded. As we move forward together, please remember this virus is highly contagious and has a two to three-week incubation period. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 indicators with each change in Health Officer Orders to decide on next steps.
In the coming weeks, we plan to release new guidance and opening timelines for moderate risk activities, including:
• Summer camps and child care
• Outdoor museums
• Outdoor restaurant dining
• Religious services
• Safe ways to expand household social connections
• Additional outdoor activities (outdoor fitness classes)
Higher risk settings where people are in close contact, like hair salons and barber shops, gyms, bars, and indoor museums will be considered at a later date. Decisions will depend on our local disease activity and progress on the COVID-19 indicators.
The following types of activities are permitted under the current Order: essential businesses, outdoor businesses and activities, curbside and delivery retail, and outdoor vehicle-based gatherings. For a list of authorized business types, please see http://www.acphd.org/media/577606/alameda-county-healthofficer-shelter-in-place-order-businesses-english.pdf and visit our FAQs for information on the https://covid-19.acgov.org/index.page.
We are grateful that the large majority of our residents, faith organizations, and local businesses, large and small, are complying with the Health Officer Orders. We know variations among counties can be confusing and frustrating. For our vibrant retail and restaurant industries in particular, this has been a trying time. We appreciate your patience and ongoing collaboration.
Over the next 12-18 months we will all need to adjust to a new normal. Each of us plays a role in safe reopening by staying home as much as possible, wearing face coverings outside our homes, and staying six feet away from others. Together, we are resilient and by adhering to these precautions we can help save lives. Thank you all for your ongoing efforts.
CONTACT
Neetu Balram, Public Information Manager
Alameda County Public Health Department