April 1, 2021
Today is a day of many changes on the COVID-19 front. Starting April 1:

  • Everyone 50 and older is now eligible to be vaccinated (appointment links here)
  • Theme parks can reopen for the first time in over a year
  • Sports stadiums can reopen (just in time for opening day, go Padres!)
  • Outdoor live entertainment with audiences is now allowed

Of course, all of these things come with caveats that will sound familiar – limited capacity, reservations required, keep up usual health precautions, etc. You can see the details here. Even with all the restrictions, these are big steps forward for our region!

Update on in-person city services
Like many organizations, the city is in the process of adapting our operations based on recent changes in health restrictions, including expanding our in-person services. I have been so proud of the city workforce for adapting quickly to different ways of working during the pandemic. I am particularly proud of the fact that we have been able to maintain all essential city services since day one.

When it comes to resuming more in-person services, we will be taking a phased approach starting with our public safety offices.
 
Opening April 1
Police and Fire Headquarters front lobby services
 
Opening week of April 5
Community centers (10% occupancy, not to include Senior Center or Harding Community Center)
Leo Carrillo Ranch Park’s historic structures and visitor center (25% occupancy)
Libraries (browsing materials and self-serve checkout, limited days and hours)
Cannon Art Gallery (50% occupancy, limited days and hours)
 
Opening week of April 12
Building, planning and engineering counter, by appointment only, 2 days a week
Faraday cashier, 2 days a week

Don’t worry about having to keep track of all this. We created a dashboard where you can quickly find out what is open for in-person services and when.
I appreciate your patience as we take this phased approach. As you probably know by now, I would rather err on the side of caution when it comes to health and safety than open everything all at once and risk an outbreak. Your safety and the safety of our employees continue to be the city’s top priorities. For example, in deciding to reopen community centers, we are not including the Senior Center just yet. That’s because seniors remain among the most vulnerable populations.

Safe reopening plans
The city is not just meeting the requirements of the county’s Safe Reopening Plans for all of our facilities, we are in many cases going above and beyond to make sure everyone feels comfortable. For example:
  • All buildings and work areas are being inspected by a third-party health and safety expert prior to opening
  • Staff are undergoing training on new protocols and procedures
  • You will be required to wear a mask when you enter a city building, and our staff will be masked up too
  • Signs will direct you where to stand to create enough social distance
  • Surfaces will be disinfected frequently, and hand sanitizer will be widely available

We created the video below showing how our facilities staff has upgraded our heating and cooling systems to provide more advanced air filtration – called a MERV rating. Bonus points if you already know what this stands for – if not, you can learn about it in the video.
The bottom line is this – we are here to serve you, our community. We are committed to delivering the high level of service you expect and deserve. I feel strongly that the quickest way we can add back more in-person services is to ensure we are being thoughtful and thorough. In other words, we are going to “go slow to go fast” as we welcome you back to city buildings.

Real-world vaccine research
Now that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been in “real world” use – rather than just clinical trials – more research has been completed about their effectiveness. The CDC released a new study Monday that shows they reduce the risk of infection by 80% two weeks after the first shot. Two weeks after the second shot – what is considered “full vaccination” – they were 90% effective at preventing infections.
 
Vaccines for teens
Clinical trials have started for those under 16 and, so far, the results are very promising. It’s still early, but yesterday Pfizer announced that those 12 to 15 years old showed a strong antibody response to the vaccine, even more than in adults. Moderna is conducting a similar study, the results of which are expected in the coming weeks. 

According to this Associated Press story, both companies have started trials in kids younger than 12, and those results could be available by mid-year. With almost a quarter of the U.S. population under 18, achieving herd immunity won’t be possible without a vaccine for children, and making it safe for kids to gather, go to school in person and resume other activities is so critical to returning to normal life. Plus, younger kids have a harder time following the basic health precautions, like hand washing, not touching their faces, maintaining distance and keeping their masks on.

Variant watch
As usual, good news about vaccines is paired with new information about COVID-19 variants. Prevalence of the B.1.1.7 variant – originally called the “British variant” is doubling about every week and is expected to be the dominant strain in the United States by May, according to a new study by San Diego-based researchers.

The increase of this more easily transmissible strain coincides with the reopening of many more activities, resulting in increased case numbers. That’s why the main message from health experts right now is “keep it up,” meaning continue to follow health precautions, including:
  • Wear masks when you go out
  • Avoid crowds
  • Stay 6-feet away from people you don’t live with
  • Wash your hands often
  • Limit gatherings to no more than three households and stay outdoors (in addition to following all the other precautions)
  • Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn

Update on local metrics
San Diego County’s case numbers are so far holding steady. Let’s keep up the good work, especially as more things open up!
Guidance on religious holidays
The CDC has released guidance for religious holidays coming in April, when families and communities tend to gather. The recommendations will sound familiar:
  • Enjoy traditional meals with those who live with you.
  • Practice religious holiday customs at home.
  • Watch virtual religious and cultural performances.
  • Attend religious ceremonies virtually.
  • If you plan to celebrate with others, outdoors is safer than indoors.
  • Travel may increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. CDC continues to recommend postponing travel and staying home, as this is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.
  • As much as possible, avoid crowds and indoors spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors.
 
In other words, don’t let your guards down. If you have been vaccinated, the CDC has guidance that applies to you and your family members, but even that is not a free pass to go back to normal … yet.
 
So, I’ll end where I started – we are making good progress, but it’s too soon to go back to normal. Please help us stay on a good path. Let us learn from what is happening in Europe and even states in our country that loosened restrictions before us.
 
We can look forward to warm weather this week, although drier than we might like. However, as we approach our annual May-gray and June-gloom, let’s enjoy it while it lasts, including the spectacular sunsets brought on by offshore winds.
 
I’ll be back Thursday with more updates.

Scott Chadwick
City Manager
City of Carlsbad | Website