COVID-19 Hospitalizations in San Joaquin County Continue to Rise
On December 6th, the CA Regional Stay Home Order was triggered for the San Joaquin Valley Region due to our region only having less than 15% ICU capacity remaining. It has since fallen to 0.7%.
Here in San Joaquin County, our hospitalization data reflects an even more dire situation: COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased 23% over the last seven days and our county’s ICUs are operating at 125% capacity.
This does not just affect patients who have COVID-19, it affects ALL of us.
"If any one of us gets hit by a car or has a heart attack or develops a severe pneumonia, there won't be a bed for us," said Dr. Burke Harris, California Surgeon General.
PLEASE do your part to help keep them and their families safe, help alleviate the impacts to our already-strained healthcare system and help our local economy reopen as quickly as possible by:
- STAYING HOME
- Wearing a mask
- Maintaining six feet of distance
- Washing your Hands
- Not mixing with other households
- Getting your flu shot
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Stay up-to-date on the latest data here.
Please continue to follow San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services at SJready.org and on their social media: @SJCOES on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date local information.
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COVID-19 Update Presentation Video |
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At the December 15, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting, San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park presented a general COVID-19 update. The presentation aimed to provide clarity on the impacts of COVID-19 in San Joaquin County, and highlighted issues such as ICU capacity, the current COVID-19 case surge, closed & operating business sectors (with modifications) and information on the Coronavirus vaccine. Please watch the video for more information.
To learn more about the recent Board of Supervisors update regarding countywide vaccine disbursement and approval of COVID-19 relief funds, please read the press release here.
For information about the local impacts of COVID-19, please visit sjcphs.org and sjready.org.
Visit covid19.ca.gov to learn more about the State's response to COVID-19.
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Throughout this pandemic, the Governor's office has tapped California’s talent pool to fight the Coronavirus which includes working with tech innovators like Apple and Google.
CA Notify will help slow the spread by alerting those who opt in to receive an alert if they’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The process is private, anonymous and secure, and is one of the many tools in the state’s data-driven approach to help reduce the spread.
View the full press conference here and read more about CA Notify here.
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City of Tracy Small Business Survey |
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The City of Tracy is working to better understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health orders on our local business community.
Responses are confidential, however, if you would like to participate in further discussions with the City on this topic, please provide your contact information. We appreciate your time and valuable feedback.
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The City of Tracy Economic Development Team is pleased to announce the release of $500,000 to provide immediate, flexible financial relief to Tracy small businesses in the form of one-time grants in the amount of $5,000 per eligible business. The goal of this program is to preserve local jobs and provide flexible assistance to vulnerable businesses that are experiencing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“We want our small business owners to know that we hear them and understand their desire to remain open so they and their employees can thrive,” said Mayor Nancy Young. “While we continue to explore all the ways we can continue to support our local businesses, it is our hope that this program provides some relief and assurance of our commitment to getting through this difficult time together.”
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California Vaccine Update |
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California anticipates getting approximately 327,000 doses of the Coronavirus vaccine in mid-December, with second doses likely to follow within three weeks. Those initial doses have been sub-prioritized into three tiers:
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- Acute care, psychiatric and correctional facility hospitals; skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, similar settings for older or medically vulnerable; paramedics, EMTs and others providing emergency medical services; dialysis centers.
- Intermediate care facilities; home health care and in-home supportive services; community health workers; public health field staff; primary care clinics, including federally qualified health centers, rural health centers, correctional facility clinics and urgent care clinics.
- Other settings and health care workers, including: specialty clinics, laboratory workers, dental/oral health clinics, pharmacy staff not working in settings at higher tiers.
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To review the COVID-19 vaccine for safety and efficacy, California formed a Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Joined by Washington, Oregon and Nevada, the Workgroup is comprised of nationally-acclaimed immunization and public health experts. They worked concurrently and independently to review the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccinations. This past Sunday, the Workgroup confirmed the Pfizer vaccine is safe for public use. They will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines following federal review processes.
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All Non-Essential Travel Temporarily Restricted Under Regional Stay at Home Order |
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On November 13th, the governors of California, Washington and Oregon issued travel advisories urging against non-essential out-of-state travel, asking people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country and encouraging residents to stay local.
Non-essential travel includes tourism or travel that is recreational in nature. The advisories define essential travel as travel for work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care and safety and security. It was also recommended that individuals limit their interactions to members of their own households.
Under the new Regional Stay at Home Order, all non-essential travel will be temporarily restricted. According to the Order, "Except as otherwise required by law, no hotel or lodging entity in California shall accept or honor out of state reservations for non-essential travel, unless the reservation is for at least the minimum time period required for quarantine and the persons identified in the reservation will quarantine in the hotel or lodging entity until after that time period has expired."
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California Department of Public Health Updates Guidance for Youth and Recreational Adult Sports
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Outdoor, physically distanced practice, skill-building and training may continue with modifications.
Competition play with modifications may not resume prior to January 25, 2021, and will depend on COVID-19 transmission rates in early January.
Read the CA Department of Public Health press release here.
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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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Regional Stay Home Order Still in Effect for San Joaquin Valley Region |
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Our region was one of the first to fall under the Regional Stay Home Order, which went into effect on December 6 and will remain in effect for at least three weeks.
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Our county’s case rate has increased to 24.4 new cases/day per 100k people, with a new higher positivity rate of 10.8%.
At the time of our last City COVID-19 update on December 1, the county’s case rate was 13.2 per 100,000 people per day, with a 5.6% positivity rate.
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COVID-19 Case Numbers
As of December 17, 2020
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It is estimated that 12% of the current COVID-19 cases will end up being hospitalized, with 10-30% of hospitalizations requiring ICU care and respiratory support.
As of December 17, 2020, hospitals in San Joaquin County reported having 329 COVID positive patients admitted for care. Demand for intensive care services remains high with adult intensive care units (ICU) operating at 125% of licensed bed capacity. San Joaquin County hospitals report 12 patient deaths due to COVID in the past 24 hours.
Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 numbers by checking out:
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As the San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency executes a patient surge plan that addresses expanding capacity within each of our hospitals, you can do YOUR part to help our healthcare system from being overwhelmed by getting a flu vaccine. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it can save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19, as well has reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.
To learn more about the benefits of flu vaccination, please click here.
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Where to Get Vaccinated
Check with your doctor first before trying these options:
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You can help reopen our local economy by getting tested.
Even if you feel well, knowing your status will help ensure you take appropriate action to stop the spread if you are positive and asymptomatic. If you are negative, you are helping drive our positivity rates down!
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 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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The holiday season can be very difficult for some. The San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services Consumer Support Warm-Line is a friendly phone line staffed 24/7 with Mental Health Outreach Workers available to give support and share experiences of hope and recovery. You and your family can obtain referrals, share concerns, receive support, and talk with a Mental Health Outreach Worker who generally understands what you may be going through, and is willing to listen and talk.
The Consumer Support Warm-Line is available 24/7, 365 days a year. To access this service please call (209) 468-8686 and ask to be connected to the Consumer Support Warm-Line. For more information and other mental health resources, please click here.
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San Joaquin County
24/7 Crisis Hotline
209-468-8686
Outside S.J. County
888-468-9370
Consumer Support Warmline
209-468-3585
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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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City Hall and Boyd Service Center remain closed to the public and the following service modifications have been implemented to facilitate physical 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.
Finance Customer Service Information
Please note that City Hall is closed until further notice and cash payments are no longer being accepted in-person.
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Utilities Billing Division is offering customers relief by suspending shut-offs for non-payment and waiving late fees. Please see press release for details.
- Customers are strongly encouraged to use the City’s online and telephone payment options and other resources for self-service and 24/7 account access.
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Customers who wish to enroll in the online access system may do so at here.
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For additional information or assistance, please call (209) 831-6800 or e-mail [email protected] or f[email protected].
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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 beginning of March.
Click here for more info about the program.
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Lolly Hansen Senior Center Weekly Programming Schedule |
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Here 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 Social Bridging Project is the State of California’s pioneering public health and safety outreach campaign. By re-engineering tech and tools usually used for voter engagement, this project counters social distancing through direct phone calls to people at risk from COVID-19 and natural disasters. The callers, known as Bridgers, connect the most vulnerable Californians with government resources, emergency alerts and other life-changing—and lifesaving—referrals. With innovation and heart, these Bridgers are rising to meet 2020’s historic confluence of pandemic, economic and wildfire disasters. With every call, the Social Bridging Project assures Californians facing adversity: “You Are Not Alone.” Learn more here.
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Business & Unemployment Resources |
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Main Street Small Business Tax Credit |
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Governor Newsom announced a new Main Street Small Business Tax Credit and other tax relief for those impacted by COVID-19.
Read how business owners needing financial assistance can receive tax relief assistance in the form of automatic filing extensions, interest-free payment plans, and a hiring tax credit of up to $100,000 to offset income or sales and use taxes.
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California Medical Professionals for Immediate Hire |
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*ATTENTION MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS*
California is urgently calling on healthcare professionals to support COVID-19 pandemic response and patient care needs throughout the state.
- For immediate hire
- Long and short-term deployments
- Serve locally or statewide
Visit
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Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19 |
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Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on December 14 addressing a variety of issues in response to the pandemic, including extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers, providing a 90-day extension on tax returns and tax payments for small businesses and updating Cal/OSHA requirements related to quarantine guidelines. Read more here.
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On November 24th, the Tracy City Council established a COVID-19 Strategies Committee. It will be comprised of City staff and citywide business stakeholders to adopt a procedure for businesses to submit their specific challenges and brainstorm possible solutions. Updates will be provided to Council during COVID-19 Response & Community Update presentations that take place at the Regular Council Meetings.
The City's Economic Development Team has proactively worked with the Chamber to collaborate on virtual trainings for businesses, and is actively promoting several of the County's microloan opportunities to support small businesses.
Council also authorized a waiver of Temporary Use Permit fees to help facilitate outdoor business activities.
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We are confident that through our City of Tracy Economic Development Team’s proactive business outreach and our public education efforts in coordination with local public health officials, our Tracy residents and businesses will continue to help fight the spread of COVID-19 by voluntarily complying with the State’s Public Health orders.
If someone in our community suspects the orders are not being complied with or has a question about them, they are encouraged to visit COVID19.ca.gov, SJReady.org, submit an inquiry via our GoRequest app or call (209) 831-6300. Inquiries and submissions will be reviewed by City staff to determine the appropriate response. In many cases, educating community members on the best ways to assure their safety and the safety of the community is all that is necessary. If voluntarily compliance is not achieved through these educational measures, then further investigation may be required.
It is our hope that by having the public share their concerns directly online, we can help keep our public safety dispatch lines open for emergencies and more efficiently address the concerns of those we serve.
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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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