December 18 COVID-19 Update
Published on December 18, 2020
City of Alameda COVID-19 Update
December 18, 2020
COVID-19 cases are surging. With each new week, we are experiencing the worst we have seen during the pandemic. In Alameda County, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 and in intensive care units (ICU) is five times higher than one month ago.
On Wednesday, December 16, the Bay Area region’s ICU bed availability dropped below 15%, which means that the Statewide Stay at Home Order has been extended to the entire region. Private gatherings of any size are prohibited, non-essential operations except for critical infrastructure and retail must close (view a list of what's open and closed here), and masks are required at all times. The health order will remain in effect for a minimum of three additional weeks, or until January 7, 2021, if at that time the projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%.
Statewide, ICU availability is just 3%. Here’s a look at availability by region:
- Bay Area: 13.1%
- Southern California: 0%
- San Joaquin Valley: .7%
- Greater Sacramento: 11.3%
- Northern California: 25.8%
https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/#regional-stay-home-order
In the City of Alameda, 22% (192) of our cases to date (889) have been in the last 14 days. There have been 18 COVID-19 deaths in the City of Alameda.
City of Alameda COVID-19 new cases per day: https://www.alamedaca.gov/c19
City of Alameda COVID-19 new cases per month: https://www.alamedaca.gov/c19
In Alameda County, we reached the milestone of more than 40,000 cases yesterday and 574 deaths. Statewide, we have had 1,764,374 cases and 22,160 deaths.
Across the country we have had 17,293,160 cases and 311,993 deaths. Globally, we have now had more than 75 million cases, and there have been 1,669,033 COVID-19 deaths.
These numbers are sobering, scary, they do not have to be this bad. We will protect ourselves and each other if we wear a mask at all times when outside our home, use more than 6 feet of physical distance, wash our hands frequently, and do not get together with people that you do not live with.
Emergency Rent Relief
Are you unable to pay your rent because of the effects of COVID-19 (loss of income, reduced hours and wages, caring for a household member, illness)?
If so,apply to the Emergency Rent Relief Program, which assists low-income families and individuals who are suffering a temporary financial set back due to the COVID-19 public health emergency and need help with unpaid rent to avoid eviction and prevent homelessness.
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The deadline to apply is this Sunday, December 20, at 11:59 pm.
Learn more about this program here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
This week, with the terrible surge in cases, we also heard the positive news of a COVID-19 vaccine beginning to be administered, starting with hospital workers and 911 first responders at highest risk for exposure to COVID-19.
Last week, Eileen Ng with the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency was the Mayor’s guest at her weekly Town Hall (watch the recorded meeting here). Ms. Ng shared the County’s 4-phase vaccination plan, with movement through each phase depending on vaccine supply and demand. We are currently in Phase 1a and will continue with Phase 1b in December and January. The timeline for Phase 2 is estimated to be spring 2021, Phase 3 by the summer, followed by Phase 4.
New Exposure Notification Tool
CA Notifywill send alerts to your phone when you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. All you need to do is activate it on your phone and keep your Bluetooth on.
Your privacy is protected, your identity is not known, and your location is not tracked. By using the tool, you will help slow the spread of COVID-19.
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On an iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down to Exposure Notifications, make sure Exposure Notifications are turned on, and select United States > California.
On an Android, download CA Notify in the Google Play Store.
Stay Alameda Strong
With the holidays upon us, it is the hardest time, and the most important time, to stay Alameda Strong. Earlier this week, Governor Newsom said the vaccine brings us light at the end of the tunnel, but we are still in the tunnel. Traveling and getting together with people you do not live with is not safe. If we all do our part, the current restrictions will work and we will save lives.
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And even though we are staying home, you are not alone. If you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
Here are additional resources:
- Alameda County Crisis Support Services Suicide Prevention: 800-309-2131, or text “safe” to 20121 between 4pm and 11pm 7 days a week
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 for 24/7 support
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support
- 24-hour National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)
- 24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or text 838255
- 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
- Local support from Alameda Family Services