News At-a-Glance
We are happy to have heard from Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, that while many states across the country are facing a new wave of COVID-19 cases, California is NOT one of them at this time. However, during his October 20, 2020 update, he did share that short-term forecasts based on that day’s cases and hospital trends predict a 46% increase statewide in hospitalizations a month from now. As of yesterday, hospitals in San Joaquin County report having 24 COVID positive patients admitted for care. Demand for intensive care services in our county remains high with adult intensive care units (ICU) operating at 78% of licensed bed capacity. Watch Dr. Ghaly’s full update here.
In Statewide News: This week, Governor Gavin Newsom also provided an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic that includes information about the Scientific Safety Review Workgroup established to advise the State on COVID-19 vaccines. You can watch his full press conference here and read more about his plans to lead with data and science when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines here. The following day, San Joaquin County Public Health officials shared at the County Board of Supervisors meeting that they have “taken proactive steps to prepare for proper and effective storage and disbursement of a vaccine at the local level.” To learn more, check out their October 20, 2020 press release.
Update on Tracy Unified Schools: At the October 20, 2020 Tracy Unified School District (TUSD) Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees, they voted to continue Distance Learning for all TUSD K-12 schools through December 18, 2020. They look forward to reopening schools on January 4, 2021. For the parent letter and more updates from TUSD, please visit their website.
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New Guidance on Gatherings, Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Issued by the San Joaquin County Public Health Officer |
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On October 13, 2020, San Joaquin County issued an Order that integrates the State’s new gathering guidance easing Coronavirus restrictions to allow up to three households to socialize outdoors per the local Health Order.
The more we choose to implement COVID-19 safety precautions, the sooner we can move into a less restrictive tier and reopen more businesses and activities. If anyone has questions about the new guidance, or believes someone is violating the Health Order visit SJReady.org.
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The State also issued guidance for safer Halloween and Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Please consider these lower-risk activities to limit your exposure to the Coronavirus.
Safer Alternatives for Halloween
The safest way to celebrate Halloween is to spend time with people in the same household or to celebrate virtually. Some specific alternatives that are low risk but still capture the holiday fun include:
· Creating a haunted house or candy scavenger hunt in your home.
· Having a scary movie night and Halloween-themed activities (pumpkin carving,
face painting) at home.
· Participating in online parties/contests (e.g. costume or pumpkin carvings).
· Attending car-based outings where people do not leave their car including
drive-in events or contests or movies; driving through an area with Halloween
displays.
· Eating a Halloween-themed meal with your household (alone or with up to 2
other households, not including your own, for a meal outside following all other
gathering guidelines).
· Enjoying a Halloween-themed art installation at an outdoor museum with your
household.
· Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween-themed decorations.
· Giving treats at home only to those in your household.
· Send a curated playlist and/or themed treats (or tricks) to your friends ahead of
time.
· Designing face masks that reflect your children's Halloween costumes.
· Preparing a Halloween basket for your children or Halloween hunt in your
backyard.
*Trick-or-Treating is not prohibited, but highly discouraged.
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Safer Alternatives for Día de los Muertos
The safest way to celebrate Día de los Muertos is to spend time with people in the same household or to celebrate virtually. Some specific alternatives that are low risk but still capture the cultural celebration include:
· Altars: Consider placing and creating your altar in a front window or outside so others can view from a safe social distance.
· Virtual Altar: Create a virtual space to honor lost loved ones. Share with family and friends via email or social media.
· Cemetery Visits: If you visit the cemetery, only visit with those you live with, wear masks and maintain appropriate social distancing. Limit time spent to minimum necessary.
Read the California Department of Public Health's COVID- 19 Halloween guidance to learn how you can ward off unwanted germs and still have a spooktacular time.
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Curious to know which business sectors are currently operating? Visit the state's COVID-19 webpage to use their business activity search feature.
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State Blueprint for a Safer Economy: San Joaquin County Remains in the "Red Tier" |
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Governor Newsom's Blueprint for a Safer Economy is a statewide, stringent and focused plan for reopening more businesses and activities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Blueprint outlines four color-coded tiers that all counties fall under, based on their COVID-19 metrics.
As of October 6th, a county’s tier is now based on three factors:
- New cases per 100,000 population (calculated on a seven-day average)
- Testing positivity percentage (calculated on a seven-day average)
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Health equity metric - used for accelerating movement toward reopening more parts of our economy, learn more here).
On September 29th, San Joaquin County was moved into the Red Tier, or substantial category, which reflects between 4 - 7 new cases per 100,000 people per day, and between 5% - 8% positive test rate.
Currently, the County’s new case rate is 4.9 per 100,000 people per day, with a 3.3% positivity rate.
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Although we are showing progress, in order to move into the Orange Tier, San Joaquin County must have no more than 1 – 3.9 new cases per day per 100,000 population, and no more than a 2 – 4.9% positivity rate for two consecutive weeks. Our County can also move backwards by failing to meet the Blueprint criteria for 2 consecutive weeks, or if state officials see a rapid rise in hospitalizations.
The goal of the tier-based system, is for all counties to eventually move to the Yellow Tier; however, the Governor was very clear that moving to this tier will happen gradually, and will be driven by conditions in each county. So let’s continue to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19!
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COVID-19 Numbers At A Glance
As of October 21, 2020
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•San Joaquin County: 21,436 Confirmed Cases, 20,186 Total Recovered, 24 hospitalized, 484 Fatalities (Source: SJC OES)
•Tracy: 1,829 Confirmed Cases (Source: SJC OES)
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CDC Health Guidance for Shared Mobility Devices |
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On October 13, 2020, Bird began deploying shared micro-mobility scooters, or e-scooters, throughout the City of Tracy. Electric scooters, such as those in the Bird fleet, have emerged in communities throughout the world as an alternative form of transportation and recreation.
To protect yourself and others from Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), users of shared bikes, scooters, skateboards and other micro-mobility devices should:
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on the device (e.g., handlebars, gears, braking handles, locks etc.) or shared equipment before you use it. Use disinfecting wipes, if available.
Avoid touching surfaces by using touchless payment when available and if applicable.
Practice hand hygiene - after completing your trip, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Practice respiratory etiquette and social distancing.
Wear masks.
Stay home when appropriate.
Have adequate supplies (e.g. sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol).
Protect people at risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
For more details on the CDC’s recommendations for protecting yourself when using transportation, please visit the CDC website.
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Ballots will now be accepted at the Tracy City Hall Ballot Dropbox THIS FRIDAY between the hours of 8 AM - 5 PM! Please enter through the doors facing the fountain, wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Here is a full list of ballot Dropbox hours and locations in Tracy:
Tracy City Hall
333 Civic Center Plaza
(Please enter through the main entrance facing the fountain.)
Ballot Drop-Off Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Four Corners Restaurant
7509 West Linne Road
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Closed Monday)
Website: www.fourcornerstracy.com
Phone: (209) 836-4035
Tracy Motorsports
3255 Auto Plaza Way
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Election Day: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Website: www.tracymotorsports.com/
Phone: (209) 832-3400
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In-person voting, same day registration and vote-by-mail ballot replacement are available at our Voter Service Centers. For more information, please contact the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters:
Direct: (209) 468-VOTE (8683)
Toll Free: 1-800-400-5009
Español: (209) 953-1052
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COVID-19 Test Sites Near You |
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Are you interested in getting tested for
COVID-19?
The Planned Parenthood pop-up COVID-19 drive-thru testing site, located at the Tracy Sports Complex parking lot (955 Crossroads Drive, Tracy, CA 95377) has changed their hours of operation to Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00am-12:00pm.
A new Tracy COVID Testing Site is currently at the West Valley Mall. This group does not have any ties with the City of Tracy. Operation schedule and appointment information can be found by visiting their website.
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If you do not have insurance or are only available to be tested in the afternoon, you can take advantage of the other free testing opportunities in our county:
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Make a free appointment in Lodi at OptumServe. If you do not have internet access, call 1-888-634-1123. Appointments available Monday-Friday.
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Unavailable on weekdays? Testing through Project Baseline is also provided free of charge Monday through Saturday near San Joaquin General Hospital. Complete the screening at Project Baseline.
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Mental Health Resources
As California communities grapple with widespread anxiety, it's important to know that you are not alone. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General, has put together a Stress Relief Playbook.
San Joaquin County
24/7 Crisis Hotline
209-468-8686
Outside S.J. County:
888-468-9370
Consumer Support Warmline
209-468-3585
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Suicide Hotline
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Institute for Aging Friendship Line
1-800-971-0016
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255
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Temporary Customer Service Modifications
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The following service modifications are being implemented at City Hall and Boyd Service Center to facilitate social distancing and remote customer service:
Development Services
Customers are encouraged to submit questions and service requests regarding building permits, zoning, city engineering, and economic development through the City’s GoRequest app. Download the app or make online requests.
Parks and Recreation Services
Virtual Recreation Center
A one stop recreation destination designed with you in mind! Although our classes, programs and facilities are temporarily closed, our goal remains the same and that is being able to serve you through creativity, play, engagement and interaction.
There's a new way to learn this year at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts! Beginning this fall, virtual classes will be offered to provide a safe learning experience for students and families.
The skilled instructors at the Grand will be teaching classes through the web application ZOOM. All classes will be accessible online via computer, tablet, or cell phone.
Registration is available online at www.tracyartsandrec.com and in-person at the Box Office ticketing window during normal business hours.
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COVID-19 Mobile Shower Program |
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Tracy Community Connection Center continues to serve our local homeless population through their Mobile Shower Program located at the former South San Joaquin County Fire Authority Station #96 (301 W. Grant Line Road).
The program operates Mondays and Thursdays from 9 AM until 3 PM and has been extended through the end of November.
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Lolly Hansen Senior Center Weekly Programming Schedule |
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Provided is an updated weekly calendar with all of our current programming at the Lolly Hansen Senior Center. Feel free save this image so you always have the schedule with you. Please call the Senior Center at (209) 831-6240 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.
*Calendar subject to change*
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The City of Tracy has approved 39 applications through the Small Business Forgivable Loan Program, totaling $225,000 in funding for local businesses. The program is designed to provide funding for small businesses to cover economic damages suffered as a direct result of COVID-19.
Eligible uses of the funds include lease or mortgage payments, utility payments, payroll for employees still employed and working at the business or employees rehired after a recent COVID-19 related lay-off, and other business needs as eligible under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding regulations.
Roughly $435,000 was budgeted for the Small Business Forgivable Loan Program, and currently there are 20 applications under review which could represent another $210,000 in funding for local businesses.
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Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing/shortness of breath. If you are experiencing symptoms such as these, stay home and call your healthcare provider. |
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Stay informed by regularly checking the following websites and their social media accounts for the latest information, tips and guidance:
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City of Tracy
333 Civic Center Plaza,
Tracy, CA 95376
www.cityoftracy.org
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