COVID-19 Alameda Weekly Update: April 19

Published on April 19, 2020

As of the afternoon of April 19, 29 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the City of Alameda, 1,164 in Alameda County, 28,963 in the State of California, 755,533 in the United States, and there are 2,394,291 confirmed cases worldwide. 164,938 people have lost their lives, including over 40,000 here in the United States, where COVID-19 is now the leading cause of death. This pandemic has taken its toll on all of us, in so many ways.

But the Governor stated this week that this is not a permanent state. As we start to see a flattening of the curve, we know that we must meet this moment and continue to stay home and save lives. That is the only way that in time, we will be able to reopen and stay healthy.

New Order Requires Masks Be Worn In Public

On Friday, April 17, the Alameda County Health Officer issued a new order generally requiring members of the public and workers to wear face coverings. You can download the new order here and download the County's press release here for more information. Here is a quick guide from the CDC to how to make your own mask (sew and no-sew versions) and a video tutorial from the Surgeon General.

The new order will begin to be enforced at 8am on Wednesday, April 22, and requires masks be worn in three main settings: 

  1. When at essential businesses, including the public, employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers
  2. When seeking health care 
  3. When using public transportation 

The order has some exceptions for when face coverings are not required, including for children aged 12 and younger, if a person is only with members of their own household, and when engaged in walking, hiking, bicycling, and running while maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance from others. 

Even when not required, face coverings are recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19, in addition to maintaining strict physical distancing when you are out, staying home as much as possible, and continuing to wash and sanitize your hands.

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Business Relief Proposals Coming to City Council

As local businesses have had to close or dramatically reduce their operations, the financial pressures they are facing continue to grow. On Tuesday, April 21, the City Council will consider four proposals aimed at providing some relief to Alameda’s small businesses.

First, the City Council will consider a $600,000 grant program for our most vulnerable small businesses and restaurants. Second, temporary zoning rules are being considered for businesses providing essential goods to Alameda residents. For example, allowing restaurants to sell to-go alcoholic beverages and allowing food-related businesses to stay open until 2am. Third, delaying payment of business license taxes and transient occupancy taxes for 60 days. Fourth, rent relief for commercial tenants in City of Alameda-owned properties.

Upcoming Events

  • Tuesday, April 21, City Council Meeting: Agenda
  • Wednesday, April 22, Town Hall with Councilmembers Jim Oddie and Malia Vella and special guest Gray Harris, AUSD Board Member: More Information 
  • Friday, April 24, Mayor’s COVID-19 Town Hall with special guest Congresswoman Barbara Lee: More Information

How You Can Help

93114856_3080604541991894_8522556790032826368_n.pngCommunity Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) created a campaign to “Feed Alameda’s Frontlines.” They are helping keep our island resilient by organizing meals to be purchased from our local restaurants and delivered to healthcare workers at Alameda Hospital. 

Sign-up here!

One last thing, the City sends text updates when there is an emergency, when we have police activity, and when there is something going on that will impact our entire community. But you must be signed up to AC Alert to receive these emergency messages. Please go to www.acalert.org to subscribe. Thank you all so much for staying home, staying healthy, and saving lives.

#alamedastrong

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