COVID-19 Weekly Update: May 2, 2020

Published on May 02, 2020

As of the afternoon of Saturday, May 2, the City of Alameda has 36 cases of COVID-19, Alameda County has 1,636 cases and 32 deaths, the State of California has 52,197 cases and 2,171 deaths, and the United States has a staggering 1,121,414 cases and a tragic loss of 65,416 lives.

Thank you for staying home and saving lives. And when you are out, thank you for covering your face, washing your hands, and keeping at least 6 feet of distance. But also, thank you for your creativity. For the love and light you bring. For the clapping, and chalk drawings, and rainbows, and bears. We are being vigilant for a purpose, and we will move forward together.

We update the City’s COVID-19 website at www.alamedastrong.org daily with news, events, and resources.

Shelter In Place Health Order Extended Through May

This week, the Alameda County Health Officer joined other Bay Area Counties to extend the shelter in place through May, while easing some restrictions. Changes take effect May 4 and include allowing construction, some outdoor businesses, camps and childcare for people who work outside the home, and real estate transactions – all with distancing and industry-specific protocols in place.

In addition, the new health order allows skate parks, athletic fields, and golf courses to reopen – all requiring at least 6 feet of distance and no group games and gatherings.

Click here to review the County and State health orders and additional information.

We expect to hear more easings of restrictions in place in the days and weeks to come and will continue to keep you updated.

Public Utilities Board Does Not Increase Electric Rates

Earlier this week, the City’s Public Utilities Board unanimously decided not to increase electric rates for all Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) customers. AMP had earlier expected to propose a rate increase of up to 2% due to increased costs.

Customers who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 are urged to contact AMP’s customer service team at 510-748-3900 between 8am-5pm, Mondays through Thursdays. Visit www.alamedamp.com to learn about AMP’s financial assistance programs.

Help for Workers

Starting this week, unemployed residents who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, or otherwise not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance were able to sign up for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. We encourage you to learn more about the benefits that may be available to you here and visit the State’s website for more information and to file for assistance.

Slow Streets Alameda

This week, the City launched Slow Streets Alameda, a pilot soft closure of through traffic on two segments of Pacific and Versailles, totaling 1.2 miles, to encourage physical activity while physical distancing. Barricades have been placed at either end of the Slow Streets and at key intersections. Emergency vehicles and local traffic that must use these streets to access a final destination are allowed.

On our Slow Streets and everywhere, please slow down, be extra alert, and yield to people physical distancing. And let us know what you think! We have a Slow Streets survey and additional information here: www.slowstreetsalameda.org.

Street Sweeping and Parking Enforcement Update

Residents should stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19, only leaving for essentials. We know that means that some residents may not be able to move their car for street sweeping, which is continuing at reduced levels. Parking violations for residential street sweeping will not be enforced, but please consider moving your car for sweeping if you can safely do so.

Daily street sweeping of Park and Webster Street continues and street sweeping violations on these streets will be enforced. Also being enforced are safety-related parking violations, including disabled parking, red zone, wheelchair ramp access violations, blocked sidewalks, and blocked driveways.

Resources for Seniors

May is Older Californians Month and to celebrate virtually, please participate in the Make Your Mark campaign, where seniors are sharing their COVID-19 contributions, stories, and self-care tips. Learn more here.

Mastick Senior Center is closed but continues to provide brown bag lunches to seniors 60+ Monday-Friday from 11:45am-12:15pm. Call 72 hours in advance to sign up at 510-747-7503. A donation of $3.75 is appreciated but not required.

There are a number of new tools for older adults who are staying home, but also want to stay engaged and be a resource for others at www.aging.ca.gov and www.engageca .org.

For local assistance, call the Aging and Adult Info Line: 800-510-2020
If you need groceries or meals, call: 211
If you need medicine or medical attention, call your health provider, or in an emergency, call: 911
To talk to someone anytime, call the Friendship line at: 888-670-1360
If you need protection from abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call Adult Protective Services at: 833-401-0832
For information on COVID-19, call: 833-544-2374 or visit www.covid19.ca.gov or www.alamedastrong.org

How Can I Help?

Alameda Meals on Wheels provides a daily meal to those in need. But they are currently serving many more people with less resources. Learn more and consider donating to their online emergency drive: www.alamedamealsonwheels.org

The Alameda Food bank went from serving 35 people a day to 500. They are currently unable to take food donations, but you can donate online and they are able to purchase $7 of food for every $1 donated: www.alamedafoodbank.org

Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) launched Feed Alameda’s Frontline, where you can sign up to provide meals from local Alameda restaurants to feed dedicated nurses, doctors, and staff at Alameda Hospital. Learn more here and sign up here.

Join Californians For All – a movement of volunteers from all across the state, offering a variety of ways to help others during this difficult time. Sign up here and note your areas of interest, from volunteering at the Food Bank to sewing masks, to making calls to seniors.

Clap at 7!