News at a Glance
California health officials announced a Regional Stay at Home Order triggered by regional hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity falling below 15% capacity. The Regional Stay at Home Order will take effect at 12:59 PM tomorrow, December 5th, but will NOT yet apply to the City of Tracy and San Joaquin County (the San Joaquin County Region). Our local public health officials are looking closely at local data and planning the next steps.
When the San Joaquin Valley Region does reach the threshold of having 15% or less of their ICU beds available (we are currently at 19.70%), we will have 24 hours to implement the Regional Stay at Home Order. Once triggered, our region will remain in that status for at least three weeks. Several sectors will be required to close or modify services, including:
- Indoor and outdoor playgrounds
- Indoor recreational facilities
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Personal care services
- Museums, zoos, and aquariums
- Movie theaters
- Wineries
- Bars, breweries, and distilleries
- Family entertainment centers
- Cardrooms and satellite wagering
- Limited services
- Live audience sports
- Amusement parks
The following sectors will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing:
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Outdoor recreational facilities - Allow outdoor operation only without any food, drink or alcohol sales. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.
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Retail - Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
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Shopping centers - Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
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Hotels and lodging - Allow to open for critical infrastructure support only.
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Restaurants - Allow only for take-out, pick-up, or delivery.
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Offices - Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
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Places of worship and political expression - Allow outdoor services only.
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Entertainment production including professional sports - Allow operation without live audiences. Additionally, testing protocol and “bubbles” are highly encouraged.
The following sectors are allowed to remain open when a remote option is not possible with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures including 100% masking and physical distancing:
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Critical infrastructure
- Schools that are already open for in-person learning
- Non-urgent medical and dental care
- Child care and Pre-K
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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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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California Vaccine Update |
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California anticipates getting approximately 327,000 doses of a Coronavirus vaccine in mid-December, with second doses likely to follow within three weeks. Those initial doses have been sub-prioritized into three tiers:
- 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.
More information about vaccines is expected to come from the State in the coming weeks.
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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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New Industry Guidance Issued for Wineries, Breweries, Restaurants & Bars
On November 24th, the California Department of Public Health updated industry guidance for bars, restaurants and bars.
Summary of the changes:
- Separated the Restaurants, Wineries, and Bars guidance into three separate guidance documents.
- Added Tiers language.
- Included information about performances/performers in these settings and references forthcoming live performances guidance.
- Added language about ventilation.
- Revised Face Coverings section to reference CDPH guidance.
- Includes consideration for employers to provide a second barrier (e.g., face shield or safety goggles) to workers who consistently come within six feet of customers and co-workers.
- Includes physical distancing between tables measuring from the backs of the chairs.
On November 25th, the California Department of Public Health also released guidance regarding the use of temporary structures for outdoor operations that clarifies the appropriate types of structures for outdoor operations as set forth in the California Blue Print for a Safer Economy.
The guidance provides a uniform definition for outdoor operations as used in CDPH-Cal/OSHA industry guidance related to the prevention of transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the document defines outdoor operations to include operations that are conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter, as long as no more than 50% of the structure’s perimeter has impermeable walls, allowing sufficient, unrestricted outdoor air movement resulting in cross-ventilation.
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National Handwashing Awareness Week
This week is National Handwashing Awareness Week and yes, we know it has felt more like National Handwashing Awareness YEAR! Hand hygiene has been SO important when it comes to staying healthy and keeping those around us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next time you wash your hands, take a moment to see how you’re doing when it comes to the commonly missed hand washing and sanitizing areas. For more info, click 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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State Blueprint for a Safer Economy:
San Joaquin County Remains in the
"Purple/Widespread 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:
- 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
San Joaquin County has been back in the purple or widespread tier since November 17, 2020; 99.2% of our state's population is now in this tier.
Shortly after the "pulling the brake" announcement, the Governor and the State Public Health Officer issued a "Limited Stay at Home Order," effective in counties in Tier One (Purple/Widespread), which includes San Joaquin County.
The Order prohibits non-essential businesses and gatherings with members of other households between 10 PM and 5 AM and is currently in effect until December 21, 2020.
The thought behind the State's Limited Stay at Home Order is to decrease the number of hours individuals are out in the community and mixing with people from outside of their household. Thus, reducing the chances of COVID-19 transmission. The State believes that any intervention to decrease the mixing of households is critical during this time, given that case rates rose 50% during the first week of November and we are facing a surge that may overwhelm our healthcare system.
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. Current state projections show that hospitalizations could increase 2-3 times the current amount in one month.
As of December 3, 2020, hospitals in San Joaquin County reported having 169 COVID-19 positive patients admitted for care. Demand for intensive care services remains steady, with adult ICUs operating at 113% of licensed bed capacity. San Joaquin County hospitals reported one patient death due to COVID in the past 24 hours.
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Our county’s case rate has decreased to 13.2 new cases/day per 100k people, with a new lower positivity rate of 5.6%. At the time of our last City COVID-19 update on November 17, the county’s case rate was 16.4 per 100,000 people per day, with a 7.4% positivity rate.
In order to move back into the red tier, San Joaquin County must have between 4 - 7 new cases per 100,000 people per day, and a positive test rate of 5% - 8%.
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COVID-19 Case Numbers
As of December 4, 2020
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On Monday, California ranked 39th in seven-day average case rate per 100,000 residents in the United States. Another large increase in cases within the coming weeks is anticipated from Thanksgiving activities and gatherings. Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 numbers by checking out:
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In an effort to prevent a "twindemic" of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, all Californians six months of age and older are encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu . Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. A bad case of the flu can result in hospitalization or even death. Older adults and those with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated.
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Where to Get Vaccinated
Check with your doctor first before trying these options:
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You can help move our county back into the Red Tier 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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Get connected to mental health resources and other services in San Joaquin County by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211sj.org.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so does the associated anxiety, stress, and fear. For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them. To aid individuals and communities, Mental Health America has compiled a range of resources and information that can be accessed by visiting mhanational.org
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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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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. Watch the December 2, 2020 Tracy COVID-19 Response and Community Update here.
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. Even though the weather is changing, the Downtown Tracy Streatery on 10th will continue and remain in effect through April 30, 2021.
The Tracy City Center Association (TCCA) and local merchants have worked together to develop an approach for the upcoming weather change - you may notice tents being erected on 10th street. The tents will be strategically located to allow for fire breaks and improved retail visibility.
Staff is working to expedite the amendment of permits while businesses purchase or rent tents and other needed fixtures. In the interim, staff and TCCA will work on the development of parklets for 10th street, similar to what you might see in downtown Livermore and other jurisdictions as a longer term solution.
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For those that aren't familiar with parklets – they are a built structure that allows for outside dining in the parking area in front of individual restaurants.
Our goal is to ensure a uniform look and feel that will enhance downtown.
Small Business Forgivable Loan Program
The City began accepting applications for its Small Business Forgivable Loan Program in June. Roughly $435,000 was made available for Tracy small businesses that are experiencing significant business interruptions due to COVID-19. To date, the City has awarded 45 recipients, which collectively totals $245,000. Staff is currently evaluating a second round of applications valued at $180,000.
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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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