Alameda News and COVID-19 Updates - October 19, 2021
Published on October 19, 2021
October 19, 2021
We're starting to see a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases, as wearing masks and getting vaccinated have been effective against the Delta variant. However, we continue to have a lot of new information to share, so we’ve dedicated the bottom portion of this news blast to important COVID-19 updates.
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The City Council adopted a law banning the use and sale of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in Alameda starting January 1, 2023. The use and sale of other leaf blowers, such as electric and battery-powered, are not banned. Click here for more information.
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Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) is a State program that helps homeowners reduce the potential for damage during an earthquake. Registration for seismic retrofit grants of up to $3,000 opens on October 27. Click here to be notified. Earthquake Brace + Bolt is open to owner-occupied single-family residences and small multifamily buildings (1-4 units) in Alameda and other eligible zip codes.
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If you are behind on rent or utilities because of COVID-19 or are a landlord who has experienced a loss of income because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay past due rent or future rent and get caught up on utility bills. In addition, eligible Alameda tenants can be protected from eviction if they apply for rental assistance at ac-housingsecure.org.
Click here for more information including an FAQ for renters.
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Take this quick survey before October 31 to help build a new dog park in Alameda. The City Council allocated $75,000 to build one or two new dog parks on the East End and on Bay Farm Island and we want your input.
Three potential locations have been identified -- please share your thoughts about these sites, what a dog park should include, and any other ideas you have.
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More than 85% of Alamedans 12 and older are fully vaccinated and more than 90% have received at least their first dose. Health experts expect the FDA to authorize the vaccine for children aged 5-11 very soon. If you still need to get your first or second dose, find an appointment or drop-in site at www.alamedaca.gov/getvaccinated. We must stay diligent to protect our community from another winter wave.
New County criteria for loosening mask mandate: Last week, Alameda County announced that because the indoor mask mandate has been effective in driving down COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, they are putting criteria in place for when the mandate will be lifted. This criteria includes reaching the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s moderate/yellow COVID-19 transmission tier and remaining there for at least three weeks (we moved into the yellow tier last week). Additional indicators include keeping hospitalizations low and stable and having at least 80% of the County’s total population fully vaccinated or when there has been at least eight weeks since vaccines have been authorized for children 5-11 years old.
We know that COVID-19 spreads through airborne droplets and that masks are a powerful tool in preventing its spread. When the County’s indoor mask mandate is lifted, it shifts the authority to businesses, nonprofits, churches, and other organizations with public indoor spaces to impose requirements that protect their employees and visitors. Make sure you always have a mask available.
Additional doses and booster eligibility: If you are immuno-compromised, an additional vaccine dose has been added to your vaccine series. Please be sure to check with your health care provider. For people who completed their Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago, a booster shot may increase the vaccine’s effectiveness. Per the CDC, you are eligible for a booster shot if you are 65 and older, or if you are 18-65 and live in a long-term care facility, have underlining medical conditions, or live or work in high-risk settings.
The State’s website myturn.ca.gov has booster shot appointments at Alameda Safeway locations and Alameda CVS and Walgreens locations have booster shot appointments on their websites. Check the City’s website at www.alamedaca.gov/getvaccinated for more information. We will continue to keep you informed as we hear more about booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
COVID-19 testing now available in Alameda: The City is partnering with NextGen Laboratories to provide fast and free testing at Alameda Point. Walk-ups and appointments are available at 851 W Midway Avenue, accessible by AC Transit’s Line 96. Or find other nearby testing sites at www.alamedaca.gov/gettested.
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 At this time last year, COVID-19 cases were beginning to spike and everyone was asked to stay home to stay safe. This year, while we are seeing an improvement from the summer surge, we want to prevent spreading COVID-19 to our friends and neighbors.
Alameda County public health experts recommend taking extra safety precautions when trick-or-treating, including wearing a facemask (for COVID, in addition to a costume mask), keeping your distance from others, and using hand sanitizer frequently. When you return home, remember to wash your hands, especially before eating any treats.Other recommendations to keep you and your loved ones safe include getting fully vaccinated, staying home if you have, or think you may have, COVID-19, gathering outdoors, and keeping gatherings small.
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To participate, register your decorated (or soon to be decorated) house, yard, business, porch, car, bicycle, window, and more by October 26. Starting October 29, download a map of all the decorated spaces for a $5 donation and visit them all! Last year, more than $5,600 was raised and there were more than 30 map locations. Let’s go bigger this year Alameda!
- This Friday, October 22: Gateway to California Celebration at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, 5:30-6:30pm.
- Saturday, October 23: Free flu shots will be administered from 9am-12pm at Alameda Hospital, 2070 Clinton Avenue.
- Sunday, October 24: The Alameda Student Community Outreach Initiative (SCOI) is hosting a Redwood Restoration Event from 10am-12pm and everyone is welcome to participate! Meet at Main Street Linear Park (Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway and Main Street) and help to lay mulch for 75 redwoods!
- Saturday and Sunday, November 6-7: Join us for the 41st Annual Holiday Boutique from 10am-4pm at the O’Club. Free admission featuring homemade and hand crafted items made by local crafters, antiques, fine art, holiday decorations, and more. All proceeds benefit the Leisure Club, a recreation program for adults with developmental disabilities and ARPD youth program scholarships.
- Wednesday, December 1: Virtual Community Workshop at 6:30pm regarding the Island/Mecartney intersection design and potential improvements.
- Click here for all City Council, Board, and Commission meetings.