COVID-19 Weekly Update: May 7, 2020
Published on May 07, 2020
8As of this afternoon, Thursday May 7, the City of Alameda has 38 cases of COVID-19, Alameda County has 1,917 cases and 67 deaths, the State of California has 60,614 cases and 2,504 deaths, the United States has 1,231,992 cases and 75,423 deaths, and in the world, there are 3,784,085 cases and 264,679 deaths.
We update the City’s COVID-19 website daily at www.alamedastrong.org with the latest news, events, and resources.
When 2 health orders conflict, the stricter order applies
Last week, the Alameda County Health Officer extended the County’s shelter in place order to May 31, and eased some restrictions (construction, childcare, outdoor businesses) that went into effect this Monday, May 4.
The State of California has 40 million people in 58 counties, and COVID-19 is infecting and affecting the regions of our state in different ways. The Governor is setting guidelines for reopening that some counties are adopting now, and some are waiting to adopt when they feel it is safe for their community.
Alameda County’s health order states, “Where a conflict exists between this Order and the state public health order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the most restrictive provision controls.” That is because earlier this year, the Bay Area started with a higher disease burden than the rest of the state. The Alameda County Health Officer stated it will take approximately two weeks to see the effects of the eased restrictions outlined in the May 4 order. Ongoing favorable results will show we’re making progress toward safely opening up to the State’s allowed activities later this month.
Outdoor activities in Alameda
The County and State have both outlined outdoor recreation that is currently allowed, and encouraged, to take place. Click here (scroll down to outdoor recreation) for a long list of things you can do to get fresh air and take a break: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/#top
Alameda’s Skate Park reopened this week with strict requirements:
- Stay 6 feet from others at all times and bring/wear a face covering
- Bring and use hand sanitizer, cough/sneeze into your elbow
- Use your water bottle, not a drinking fountain, and don’t share anything, even with friends
- Don’t hang out -- enjoy skating and then head out
- Avoid touching all shared surfaces including benches and gates
Alameda’s Corica Park Golf Course opens this Friday, May 8 for singles only with strict requirements. Please see www.coricapark.com for updates on safety procedures.
Alameda’s dog parks remain closed per the County’s health order, as pets should not interact with people or animals outside of their household. You can walk your dog, but be sure to distance yourself from others. Please do not use the City's athletic fields for off-leash dog running and always pick up after your pets!
How to get tested for COVID-19
The State released a new website here that allows you to enter your zip code to find State testing facilities in our area:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Nearby/index.html?appid=43118dc0d5d348d8ab20a81967a15401
In addition to State testing facilities, the City and County are working together to explore additional testing locations here:
http://www.acphd.org/media/571443/alameda-county-covid-testing.pdf
May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month, a national movement to raise awareness. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to stay connected with our community. No one should feel alone or without the information, support, and help that they need. Please visit www.alamedaca.gov/calm for resources to self-calm. And take it one day at a time :)
Upcoming events
This week, the City made the difficult decision to cancel Alameda’s treasured 4th of July Parade. Stay tuned for more information about the festivities we are considering in its place!
Our continued gratitude
A continued note of gratitude to our community for wearing masks and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when you are out. Please reach out to someone if you need help or support. Alameda is stronger together.