COVID-19 August 24 Weekly Update
Published on August 24, 2020
As of this morning, there are 294 reported cases of COVID-19 in the City of Alameda. Alameda County reports 16,723 cases with 196 current hospitalizations and 234 deaths and remains on the State’s Monitoring List. The State of California reports 663,669 cases and 12,134 deaths, with the highest number of cases in the 18-49 age group. The United States reports 5,700,487 million cases and 176,774 deaths. Across the world we have reached a staggering 23,348,081 cases and 807,134 deaths from COVID-19.
Please click here for the most up-to-date information about the City of Alameda’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updated County Health Order
On Friday, August 22, the Alameda County Public Health Department updated its Shelter in Place Order to allow the reopening of outdoor pools and limited outdoor personal services. However, due to the smoke and unhealthy air quality, the effective date of the updated health order is not until Friday, August 28. That means that as of this Friday, outdoor swimming pools and outdoor hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, waxing services, skin care, and non-medical massages are allowed to reopen in Alameda. The updated order requires face coverings when not swimming and excludes services that may require a client to remove their face covering, as well as eyebrow threading and waxing and eyelash treatments. Tattoos, piercings and electrolysis are also not allowed to operate indoors or outdoors per State health orders.
Face coverings are required when people are outside their homes. Everyone over the age of two must wear a face covering when in public. Widespread use of face coverings is a critical part of reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Download a list of what’s allowed to open and what’s not here.
Clean Air Shelter
Wildfires burning across the State has made the air quality in Alameda unhealthy for all, and is forecast to continue to be unhealthy this week. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Air conditioning or car vents should be set to “recirculate.” Cloth and surgical masks used to protect against COVID-19 provide very little protection against smoke and are not a replacement for staying inside.
If you need a clean air break, the Alameda Free Library at 1550 Oak Street is closed for library services, but has established a clean air shelter in the back cafe area and Stafford room and will be open Monday-Wednesday, August 24-26, from 1-5pm. Masks are mandatory and there are no books, food, or entertainment available.
Alameda Fire Department Provides Mutual Aid
The Alameda Fire Department has ten firefighters deployed to assist with wildfires across northern California. All Alameda fire stations remain open and fully staffed. Alameda’s OES Engine and four firefighters are working the River Fire in Monterey County, protecting homes that were threatened and on fire. Alameda’s Water Tender 2 is assigned with two firefighters to the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. And Alameda’s Engine Company 3 is assigned with four firefighters to the SCU Lightning Complex Fire. Thank you AFD!
Alameda Strong Relief Fund is Taking Applications; Please Donate!
COVID-19 has been devastating to our island’s small businesses. Please consider donating to the Alameda Strong Relief Fund (www.alamedastrong.org) which is providing grants to our small businesses, low-income renters, and nonprofits. Donations of $50 or more receive a t-shirt and donations of $150 or more receive a hoodie. Please be #AlamedaStrong and donate today!!
Click here for more information or to apply for a grant.
November Election Update
In California, all registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail before the November 3, 2020 election. “California is moving in a swift, bipartisan manner to fortify our democracy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “Expanding vote-by-mail statewide is a necessity to protect our right to vote and our public health. Voting by mail has worked safely and securely in California for decades. Mailing every voter a ballot for this election is simply common sense.”
In Alameda County, ballots will start to be mailed out on October 5. There are four ways to cast your vote:
1) Complete your ballot, sign the return envelope, and place it in an official 24 hour Ballot Drop-Box. Ballots are picked up directly by the Registrar of Voters. No postage is required. Alameda locations are at City Hall and the College of Alameda.
2) Vote at or return your ballot to an Accessible Voting Location beginning Saturday, October 31, through Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Locations and hours will be posted soon.
3) Drive through a Ballot Drop Stop. Locations and hours will be posted soon.
4) Complete your ballot and return by mail. Ballots must be postmarked by November 3, and must be received by the Registrar of Voters no later than 3 days after Election Day. No postage required.
Register to vote!