July 12 Statement from Alameda County Health Care Services Agency
Published on July 12, 2020
ALAMEDA COUNTY – Alameda County is experiencing a continued increase in reported COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, indicating elevated disease transmission. The magnitude of the change is above what would be expected as a result of the County's substantial expansion of testing, and we have been placed on the State’s County Monitoring List. Counties placed on the Monitoring List receive targeted support from the State and, after three consecutive days on the Monitoring List, are subject to State-imposed restrictions and enforcement.
Factors driving increased case rates include increased interpersonal interactions without face coverings and physical distancing, and ongoing transmission among health care workers, within households, in frontline workplace settings, and in skilled nursing and other congregate living facilities.
Although Alameda County reopened more slowly, our epidemic is affected by accelerated reopening across the region and state, as our residents often live, work and recreate across county boundaries. While Alameda County has the highest number of cases among Bay Area counties, the County's case rate is 3rd highest in the Bay Area and less than half of California’s overall case rate at the time of writing.
FAQ
What does this mean for Alameda County residents and businesses?
Per State guidance issued on July 1, counties that are on the Monitoring List are required to close indoor activities in the areas listed below for a minimum of three weeks. In addition, all brewpubs, breweries, bars, and pubs must close, both indoor and outdoor activities. At this time, these activities are not permitted per Alameda County Health Officer Orders, and residents and businesses should not experience a change.
• Dine-in Restaurants
• Wineries and Tasting Rooms
• Movie Theaters
• Family Entertainment Centers
• Zoos and Museums
• Cardrooms
What does this mean for variance attestation?
We are continuing to move toward obtaining a variance approval from the State, and a letter of support for a variance is on the agenda for the July 14th Board of Supervisors’ meeting. Applying for a variance is a procedural action that would provide us with the flexibility to ensure that we can continue to allow the activities that the Health Officer determines are lower risk for our community. Approval of a variance is not an indication that we will pursue additional reopenings of other industries or sectors at this time.
What does this mean for outdoor activities, like modified dining and zoo operations, in Alameda County?
The state recently issued guidance and clarification that outdoor dining is not permitted in non-variance counties. At this time, outdoor dining and outdoor zoo operations would be permitted in Alameda County upon variance approval, even with monitoring county restrictions in place.
Who does the enforcement?
On July 1st, the State launched multi-agency strike teams to enforce compliance with COVID-19 restrictions in counties on the Monitoring List. These teams include the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), the Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CalOSHA), and several other State agencies.
What is the County doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19?
To address COVID-19 transmission rates, the County’s key actions include:
• continuing the pause on our reopening higher-risk activities,
• outreach and messaging campaigns for communities and workplaces regarding face coverings and physical distancing,
• continued ramp up of testing,
• continued expansion of case investigation and contact tracing staffing with trusted community partners,
• guidance and technical assistance to promote workplace safety for employees and customers,
• ongoing outbreak prevention and response efforts, and
• engaging with the State for technical assistance and collaborating with our regional partners.
CONTACT:
Neetu Balram, Public Information Manager, Alameda County Public Health Department
EOC-PIO@acgov.org