News & Updates ∙ September 23, 2020
County Shares Updated Health Metrics, Information
The County Health Department continues to post updated information on its website highlighting current health metrics, allowable re-openings of businesses and activities, information on how to get tested for COVID-19, and much more.

Although the County remains in the "purple tier," the positivity rate is dropping and Contra Costa may be upgraded to the "red tier" as early as next week, according to health officials.

Since testing began, Contra Costa County has reported 16,236 positive cases, with 2,154 positive cases in Concord. To review a demographic and geographic breakdown of cases, please see the County's COVID-19 dashboard.

For more information, please visit the County website. Residents can also call the Contra Costa County Coronavirus Call Center at (844) 729-8410 daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Small Business Grants Awarded
On Sept. 17, the City of Concord released the results of the Small Business Grant Program which will provide $5,000 grants through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for local small businesses that have experienced financial hardship as a result of the global pandemic. The grant program, which closed on August 21, received 289 applications and awarded 130 grants. Of those, 32 were deemed priority businesses and automatically accepted, with the remaining 98 grants awarded by lottery. 

The Concord City Council approved the allocation of $1.6 million of the CARES Act to fund four programs: the Small Business Grant Program administered by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce; Rental Relief Program administered by Shelter Inc.; Distance learning support for Mt. Diablo Unified School District, and COVID-19 response and reimbursement, including sheltering people experiencing homelessness in hotels and support for food deliveries.  

See the list of businesses that were awarded with grants.
Free Flu Shots Available in October
Getting vaccinated is more important than ever this flu season. Vaccination will help keep hospitals from being overwhelmed by flu patients while they also care for those with COVID-19.

Vaccinations are available to everyone age 6 months and older. No appointment is needed, and all are welcome regardless of insurance or immigration status. Please wear a face covering!

Concord's flu clinics will take place:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Monument Crisis Center, 1990 Market St.
  • Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (drive-thru) at Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave

Please see the flyers (English & Spanish) for more information and to find additional locations outside of Concord.
Concord's Emergency Response Team Helps Residents Get Disaster-Ready
If there is one thing that we’ve all seen firsthand recently, it’s that disasters are unpredictable and can change lives forever. Being just a little prepared could help save you (and your family) in a sudden disaster.

Take the time now during Disaster Preparedness Month to get prepared. Our Concord Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has joined with the Governor’s Listos Campaign to help everyone get ready for disasters and stay safe.
 
Download the Disaster Ready Guide from Concord CERT’s web page to learn the five simple steps you can take to make sure you are disaster ready. The guide is available in multiple languages at: ConcordCERT.org
 
This webpage includes other useful links to disaster preparedness tools such as:
  • Registration for Contra Costa County’s Community Warning System;
  • Downloadable hazard maps for Contra Costa County;
  • Downloadable template to create your own Local Resource Guide;
  • Downloadable template to create a Health Guide for Individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who are part of your household. This Health Guide is an important tool to help first responders assist someone with IDD in an emergency.
 
Would you like to learn more about Disaster Preparedness? Want to see what to pack in a go-bag or stay-box? Join Concord CERT on Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m. when they will be livestreaming a disaster preparedness training from the City’s Facebook page.
Stay Informed
Stay up-to-date on news and information related to the local and state response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Information for businesses, frequently asked questions about City services, as well as City resources are available through our website.
City of Concord | www.cityofconcord.org