February 24, 2021
Watch the COVID-19 Community Update that was presented at the Regular Meeting of the Tracy City Council on February 16, 2021.

For more information about the local impacts of COVID-19, please visit sjready.org.

To learn more about the state's response to COVID-19, please visit covid19.ca.gov.
On February 23, 2021, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Received COVID-19 Updates and Took Actions:
The County is vaccinating all Phase 1B sectors; SJReady.org is the best regional information source for residents. To learn more, please see this press release.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations in San Joaquin County Decreasing

As of February 23, hospitals in San Joaquin County reported having 123 COVID positive patients admitted for care. Demand for intensive care services remains high with adult intensive care units (ICU) operating at 123% of licensed bed capacity. San Joaquin County hospitals reported three patient deaths due to COVID in the past 24 hours. Over the past week, the number of COVID hospitalizations has decreased by 8.9%. 

To view the most recent San Joaquin County COVID-19 hospitalization press release and related reports, please visit the San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency's website.
County Remains in Purple/Widespread Tier
The Regional Stay at Home Order ended on January 25 based on projected hospital capacity, and California counties returned to their appropriate tier under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

As of yesterday, the San Joaquin Valley Region's current ICU availability was 16.8% and the four-week ICU capacity projection was 41.6%.
Projected capacity depends on four variables:

  1. Current estimated ICU capacity available
  2. Current community transmission
  3. Current regional case rates
  4. Proportion of cases admitted to the ICU

Stay up-to-date on current regional ICU capacity by visiting this website.
San Joaquin County Metrics
as of February 23, 2021
Other state orders remain in place and our current tier status is Purple/Widespread.

San Joaquin County’s current adjusted case rate is 17.1 (per 100,000) and 6.6 % is our current positivity rate. In order for our County to move from the Purple to the Red Tier, our county’s daily new cases would need to come down to 4-7 (per 100k) and positivity rate remain between 5-8%. 
Curious to know which business sectors are currently operating? Visit the state's COVID-19 webpage to use their business activity search feature.

San Joaquin County COVID-19 Dashboard Update
The San Joaquin County COVID-19 Dashboard includes details by jurisdiction, including deaths and recoveries by city under the Maps tab. A vaccination tab was recently added to illustrate vaccine distribution in our county.
The dashboard also includes the number of total outbreaks and outbreaks by setting type: community, congregate and skilled nursing facility under the Epidemiology tab. 

For more information about skilled nursing facilities COVID-19 cases by county, check out this state dashboard.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
COVID-19 vaccines are being given in phases according to priority groups as directed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The advancement in tiers significantly increases the number of residents now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in San Joaquin County, however vaccine supply remains SEVERELY LIMITED.

The estimated timelines are being pushed out due to the limited number of doses that San Joaquin County is receiving and the State Guidance that changed, adding more people to specific groups.

If you are over 65:
  1. You should check with your primary care physician, doctor, or healthcare provider for vaccination opportunities first.
  2. Next, check with the network providers or community provider networks linked here.
  3. Finally, San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services will post additional vaccination events on their website (SJReady.org) as they become available.

Many folks are anxiously awaiting appointments and San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services is working hard to get as many people vaccinated as quickly and equitably as possible. Information about which local hospitals, pharmacies, and other health providers across San Joaquin are currently administering vaccines are posted on their website. Please note that the healthcare network providers are independent of San Joaquin County.

The second-dose of vaccine must be from the same vaccine manufacturer as your first dose and administered by the same provider you got your first dose from. For Pfizer, the second dose is to be given 21 days following the first dose. For Moderna, the second dose is to be given 28 days following the first dose. The information should be available on your vaccination card.

All updates on vaccine availability in San Joaquin County will be provided at sjready.org and you can also sign up with the state to be notified when it’s your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine at MyTurn.ca.gov.
Have a vaccine inquiry? Contact your primary care physician, select the “ask a question” on this website, or call 2-1-1. If you wish to reach San Joaquin 2-1-1 from another county, you can also call (209) 953-6223.


For more information, you may also check out the CDPH Allocation Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccine During Phase 1A.
CDC Expands Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement to All Air Passengers Entering the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States. Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19. This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more efficiently protects the health of Americans.

Before departure to the United States, a required test, combined with the CDC recommendations to get tested again three to five days after arrival and stay home for seven days post-travel, will help slow the spread of COVID-19 within U.S. communities from travel-related infections. Pre-departure testing with results known and acted upon before travel begins will help identify infected travelers before they board airplanes.

Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the three days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board.

If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel.
Federal Mask Mandate: Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel
The CDC implemented provisions of President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel and now requires the wearing of masks by all travelers into, within, or out of the United States on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares. The mask requirement also applies to travelers in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and seaports; train, bus, and subway stations; and any other areas that provide transportation. Transportation operators must require all persons to wear masks when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. Operators of transportation hubs must also require all persons to wear a mask when entering or on the premises of a transportation hub.

This action is to further prevent spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and to further support state and local health authorities, transportation partners, and conveyance operators to keep passengers, employees, and communities safe.

You can read more about the CDC's efforts here.
Wear a mask when you’re in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  When selecting a mask, you have many choices. Tips below:

• Choose a mask with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.

• Choose a mask that covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of your face.

• If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or one that has a nose wire to limit fogging.

• Wear a gaiter with two layers, or fold it to make two layers.

Learn more about masks here.
COVID-19 Case Numbers
As of February 23, 2021
California Department of Public Health has loosened rules for youth sports. All outdoor sports can resume when COVID-19 case rates are at or below 14 people per 100,000 – our adjusted case rate is currently 17.1.

To learn more about the new youth and adult sports guidance and see which sports will be allowed to return to play in which tiers, click here.

You can help us reopen by getting tested!
COVID-19 Testing
Temporary Cap Placed on Fees Charged by Third-Party Food Delivery Services
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors meeting voted 5-0 to establish an Urgency Ordinance imposing a temporary cap on the fees that may be charged by third-party food delivery services. The ordinance also prevents the reduction of per-order compensation of delivery workers until health guidelines allow for 100% indoor seating capacity in restaurants, or until the end of the declared County health emergency due to COVID-19. The Ordinance applies throughout the County and its cities to support restaurants, which oftentimes get charged excessive fees to have food delivered to customers, especially during the pandemic when seating capacity is limited and delivery may be the only option.

For more information, check out the full press release.
Legislation Signed to Extend Eviction Moratorium and Assist Tenants and Small Property Owners Impacted by COVID-19
Governor Newsom signed SB91 to extend the eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021 and create a State Rental Assistance program for struggling tenants and small property owners to pay their bills. The Act's extended protections include the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 (AB 3088). These protections were originally set to expire on February 1, 2021. The Act includes the same eligibility and program rules as before, including:

  • Prevents evictions for nonpayment of rent by tenants experiencing a COVID-19 hardship.
  • Available to any tenant who attests under penalty of perjury in a timely manner that he/she has not been able to pay full rent due to COVID-19-related circumstances.

If a tenant pays at least 25 percent of his/her rent owed between September 2020 and June 2021, they are permanently protected from eviction for not paying their full rent during this period; however they will still owe their landlord all unpaid rent. Landlords may still proceed with certain other types of “just cause” evictions unrelated to a tenant’s failure to pay rent. Learn more by visiting www.housingiskey.com. You can also read the full press release here. 
Mental Health Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on all of our lives. Fear of the disease and loneliness from social isolation and decreased contact could negatively affect those with mental health conditions.

Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community more resilient.

Learn more here or get connected with the resources below.
Get Connected
San Joaquin County
24/7 Crisis Hotline
209-468-8686

Outside S.J. County
888-468-9370

Consumer Support Warmline
209-468-3585

Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211sj.org
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
Temporary Customer Service Modifications
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
The Development Services counters at City Hall are closed to the public, however, permitting services are available online.


Online service for plan review is available through CRW E-Track-It. For additional information, please go to: [email protected] or email [email protected].

Customers are encouraged to submit questions and service requests regarding building permits, zoning, city engineering, and economic development through the City’s GoRequest appDownload the app or make online requests.

Parks and Recreation Services
All Park and Recreation service questions and inquiries will be addressed by phone or email only. For information, call (209) 831-6200, visit www.tracyartsandrec.com or email [email protected]

Virtual Recreation Center
A one-stop recreation destination designed with you in mind! Although our in-person classes, programs and facilities are temporarily suspended, our goal remains the same and that is being able to serve you through creativity, play, engagement and interaction.

The Virtual Recreation Center can be accessed through your desktop, tablet or smart phone. Click here to get started.

There's a new way to learn this year at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts! Virtual classes are being 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.

  • 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.
  • Customers who wish to enroll in the online access system may do so at here.
  • For additional information or assistance, please call (209) 831-6800 or e-mail [email protected] or f[email protected].

COVID-19 Mobile Shower Program
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.
Lolly Hansen Senior Center Weekly Programming Schedule
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*
Social Bridging Project
The Social Bridging Project is the State of California’s 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 every call, the Social Bridging Project assures Californians facing adversity: “You Are Not Alone.” Learn more here.
 Governor Newsom Signs Legislative Package Providing Urgent Relief to Californians Experiencing Pandemic Hardship
Yesterday, the State took action to provide California families & businesses urgent relief from the COVID-19 recession. The package of immediate actions included $7.6B:

✅Relief for small businesses
✅Direct cash support to individuals & households
✅Child care
✅Community college financial aid & more...

Check out the press release for details.
Business & Unemployment Resources
Main Street Small Business Tax Credit
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.
On November 24th, the Tracy City Council established a COVID-19 Strategies Committee. It is comprised of citywide business stakeholders and city staff to develop solutions to COVID-imposed challenges.

Updates are provided to Council during the COVID-19 Response & Community Update presentations that take place at Regular Council Meetings.

The City's Economic Development Team has proactively worked with the Chamber to collaborate on virtual trainings for businesses and development of the Shop Local campaign, communications about funding opportunities, and coordination of other resources to support small businesses.
City of Tracy GORequest App
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.
Stay Informed
Stay informed by regularly checking the following websites and their social media accounts for the latest information, tips and guidance:

City of Tracy
333 Civic Center Plaza,
Tracy, CA 95376
www.cityoftracy.org
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