Weekly Update - December 30, 2021
COVID-19 Test Kits Did Not Arrive This Week
Expecting a Shipment Next Week
Next week, we expect that our Danville Office will have a limited amount of Covid-19 at-home test kits to distribute to the community. Look for an email from this address to announce when the test kits will be available in our office.

The test kits will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Due to the high demand, we are limiting the test kits to two per family (four tests). We will continue to distribute the COVID-19 tests as long as supplies last.
 
More reliable PCR testing continues to be available for free at various County sites. More information about where to get tested can be found in the article below.
The Newest Quarantine Guidelines
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19:

Home Quarantine Instructions for Close Contacts
 
Unvaccinated: People who are not fully vaccinated and who have been identified as being in close contact with, or think they may have been in close contact with someone that has COVID-19, need to quarantine. Get tested right away and again 5-7 days later, or sooner if you start to feel sick.
 
Fully vaccinated: You should get tested 5-7 days after exposure to someone who has or might have COVID-19. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms of COVID-19Quarantine Guidance for Vaccinated Persons​.
 
Click here for home quarantine instructions.
If you tested positive for COVID-19:



Self-Isolation Instructions for Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
People with a positive COVID-19 test result need to isolate. After you test positive, you will receive a virtual automated survey from Contra Costa Health Services asking for information, such as places you’ve been or people you’ve spent time with. The survey will offer you an option to enroll in a text message virtual assistant program that will check on you and provide resources during your isolation. In some cases, you may be contacted by our contact tracing team if you were at school, work, or in a congregate-care facility while infectious.
 
Click here for self-isolation instructions.
Contra Costa Issues Update to Indoor Masking Order
Masks Now Required for Everyone in All Public Indoor Settings
With the highly contagious COVID-19 omicron variant circulating in Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) announced a health order today requiring masks in all public indoor places without exceptions for certain indoor settings. 
 
Previously, fully vaccinated public speakers and performers, and fully vaccinated groups of 100 or fewer people were allowed to remove their face coverings under controlled conditions. 
 
The order, which goes into effect on Dec. 29, 2021, now requires all people in Contra Costa, regardless of vaccination status, to mask in public indoor settings. 
 
Many other Bay Area counties already require everyone to mask in all indoor public settings. 
 
“The omicron variant is very contagious, and we now know that anyone, regardless of vaccination status, can spread this variant to other people,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Contra Costa County health officer. “We anticipate the case rate and hospitalization numbers to increase over the coming weeks. To reduce spread, cases, and hospitalizations, we all need to wear masks anytime we are in an indoor public setting.” 
 
The first case of the omicron variant was first identified in the county on December 18, and since then case rates and hospitalizations have significantly increased. The average number of daily new COVID-19 cases has increased 149% over the last week and hospitalizations have risen 31%. 
 
Because cases and hospitalizations involve both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people, CCHS strongly urges everyone to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as they are able.
 
COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses, continue to offer the most effective protection against hospitalization and death from all variants of COVID-19 circulating in the county.
 
Visit coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-vaccinated for information on healthcare providers, pharmacies, and clinics offering COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. No-cost vaccinations and boosters are also available through CCHS’ public clinics by calling 1-8-33-829-2626.
 
The requirements for lifting the indoor masking order will remain the same and progress can be tracked on our Indoor Mask Dashboard.
 
The text of the order is available at cchealth.org/coronavirus.
Appointments Now Required at Contra Costa Health Services COVID-19 Testing Sites
Due to a sharp increase in demand this week, appointments are now required at Contra Costa Health Services' (CCHS) community COVID-19 testing locations in Richmond and San Ramon.

CCHS is working to build COVID-19 testing capacity throughout the county. They expect the State to double capacity at the DVC testing site later this week. That site will perform as many as 520 tests per day. This site can be impacted by weather. Currently, they call patients with appointments to reschedule if the site does need to close.

The state will deploy one mobile vaccine team in Contra Costa County next week. This will allow CCHS to reassign county staff who are currently providing vaccinations to testing sites. The state team will be deployed in our county through the end of January.

CCHS previously offered testing to those without appointments as capacity permitted. Until further notice, appointments will be required for tests at the clinics, at 25th St. and Nevin Ave. in Richmond and 2600 Camino Ramon in San Ramon.

Appointments for testing at these locations are available online or by calling 1-833-829-2626. Appointments for testing at state-operated clinics in Antioch, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill, and San Pablo are also available online or by calling 1-833-829-2626.

Community healthcare providers may also offer testing services to their patients and members.

Last week CCHS distributed about 14,000 no-cost rapid antigen test kits into the community through the district offices of Contra Costa County’s Supervisors, community-based organizations, testing sites, and other venues. About 14,000 more home test kits are expected this week from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), however, we do not know exactly when to expect them.

Home test kits may also be available for sale at drugstores and online commercial sites.

CCHS’ two testing sites, as well as state testing sites operating in Antioch, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill, and San Pablo, will be closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

For more information, including site locations and hours, visit coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested.
Free Covid Booster Clinic on January 11th in San Ramon
For People Ages 16+ Who Need a Booster Shot
Contra Costa Requires COVID-19 Booster Verification for Workers in High-Risk Jobs
To better protect the county’s health system from becoming overwhelmed by the highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) enacted a health order this week requiring county first responders and workers in homeless shelters to verify they have received a booster dose of vaccine.

This requirement applies within the county to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel who work in or may respond to emergency calls at high-risk facilities such as hospitals, jails, nursing or congregate-care facilities, as well as all workers in homeless shelters. It also applies to non-emergency ambulance workers who provide medical transport for such facilities. 

The order, which takes effect on January 10, requires unboosted workers to test weekly with either a PCR or antigen test for COVID-19. 

"The omicron variant is much more infectious than previous strains of COVID-19," said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County health officer. "Boosting is necessary for the best protection from omicron infection and transmission. Our hospitals are at risk of being overwhelmed if a large number of our most vulnerable residents get sick. Our goal is to ramp up the protection around places where there is an elevated risk of exposure, and people who are at high risk of serious illness if they become infected." 

The order requires applicable workers to test weekly for COVID-19 and provide the results to their employers, or if fully vaccinated, provide proof that they have received a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine within one month of becoming eligible. Employers are required to keep vaccination records for these employees.

Anyone 16 or older is eligible for a booster dose six months after they become fully vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two months after they receive a dose of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. 

On Dec. 22, California added a similar statewide requirement for healthcare workers, home care workers, and employees of congregate care and detention facilities.

Omicron is already the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S. The average daily number of newly detected COVID-19 cases in the county has risen about 156% in the past week with an average of 313 new cases per day, a trend expected to continue and potentially accelerate throughout California this winter. 

Contra Costa identified the county's first patients infected by this variant last week - two of the three initial cases were fully vaccinated, but none of them had received booster doses. 

About 36% of Contra Costa residents age 16 and older have gotten a booster dose, which reduces the risk of infection from the omicron variant and dramatically reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization or death from all variants of COVID-19. 

Visit coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-vaccinated for information about healthcare providers, pharmacies, and clinics offering COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. No-cost vaccinations and boosters are also available through CCHS' public clinics by calling 1-833-829-2626. 

The text of the order is available at cchealth.org/coronavirus.
Bay Area Health Officers Urge Boosters to Protect Against Omicron Variant
Public health agencies across the Bay Area urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated and, if eligible, get a booster shot right away to protect against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.

Widely available via appointment or drop-in sites, boosters maintain the power of vaccines to strongly protect against severe illness and death from COVID-19. Everyone should get one when eligible, but particularly those over 50 or those with significant underlying health conditions.

Get one if you are at least 16 years old and:
  • 6 months have passed since your second dose of Moderna (for 18+)
  • 6 months have passed since your second dose of Pfizer (for 16+)
  • 2 months have passed since your Johnson & Johnson Dose (for 18+)

Public health officials in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma counties as well as the City of Berkeley encourage anyone eligible who needs a booster dose to get one as soon as possible.

To find a booster shot appointment or drop-in booster location in Contra Costa County, please go to coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-vaccinated. Appointments at Contra Costa Health Services' (CCHS) no-cost vaccination clinics are available online or by calling 1-833-829-2626.

Currently, just 36% of eligible Contra Costa residents have received a booster, and approximately 246,000 residents who are 50 years and over have yet to get their booster shot.

Evidence suggests that Omicron spreads more rapidly than other variants, and more is being learned every day. Although some evidence suggests that a lower percentage of people infected with Omicron may be hospitalized and die if a surge causes many thousands of new cases per day, even a small percentage of that total entering our hospitals will overwhelm healthcare delivery systems.

In addition to vaccinations and boosters, masking, testing, ventilation, and distancing remain an effective multi-layered defense against COVID-19. As the holiday season is upon us, people should stay mindful of risks and take steps to decrease them.

If people must travel or gather for the holidays:
  • Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate themselves and get tested as soon as possible.
  • Get tested before gathering or traveling, upon return, and again 3-5 days later.
  • Have everyone ages 5+ get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster if eligible.
  • Take advantage of quick and easy home test kits available in pharmacies and stores.
  • Wear a mask indoors and in crowded settings.
  • Keep group gatherings small. Gather with close family units.
  • Outside gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings.
  • Be particularly cautious around elderly or immunocompromised individuals and consider COVID-19 testing before such interactions.

Parents of very young children and those who have not been vaccinated should make sure to take all advised precautions. Avoid large gatherings. Always wear a mask in indoor public settings (unless under age 2).

Vaccinations are available at no cost to the public, insurance is not required, and there are no immigration requirements. Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to learn more.
Keep Yourself, Family and Friends Safe
Dashboard Shows Progress Toward Lifting
Indoor Masking Order in Contra Costa County
COVID Status of Contra Costa County
(This chart reflects total population, earlier charts showed vaccination rates for those who were 12 and older).
For more data and information about current COVID rates in California, please go to coronavirus.cchealth.org
Community Crisis Initiative Virtual Event
We've worked with representatives from across the 
county to find new solutions and resources for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. 

A lot has happened to get us to this point, and we're thrilled to share some exciting highlights:

  • Learn the significance of the Miles Hall Community Crisis Hub
  • Hear from community partners and advocates
  • And find out what's in place now and what's next for this important initiative
We look forward to seeing you virtually on 
Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 4 p.m.

No RSVP required.
It's Not too Late to Donate to the Holiday Food Fight - Don't Let Families Go Hungry
Once again, in 2021 Contra Costa and Solano counties will compete to raise funds for the Food Bank. This friendly competition, spearheaded by individual county departments, has raised nearly $1.6 million since 2003.

The county that raises the most funds per employee will win the Big Apple trophy. The trophy and bragging rights pass back and forth annually, but the real winners are the recipients of the funds you raise: those that go hungry in our communities. To donate go to District 2 Food Bank donate.
Coping with Stress During The Holidays and COVID-19
The holiday season usually is a joyful time. Worries and anxiety increase and the impact of COVID-19 can be overwhelming, especially at what is supposed to be a happy time of year. 

The Contra Costa Crisis Center manages an extraordinary database of useful resources and information for County residents. You can access social service and health information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the three digit, toll-free number "211" from any phone. Nearly 700 agencies and organizations contribute to provide more than 1,600 services and programs to County residents in need via the 211 database.

Each month, 211 Contra Costa receives more than 3,500 calls from County residents who need help.

In addition to calling 211, you can access their information on the 211 Contra Costa website, and even launch a live chat session if you'd prefer. The site also has important Contra Costa County Resource guides available in English and Spanish.

District 2 Volunteer Opportunities
Now is a great time to consider ways you might want to give back to your community. 2020 saw our advisory bodies pivot to virtual meetings, which has continued throughout 2021 and into 2022. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people can participate than ever before.

If you are interested in participating in government, then perhaps one of these volunteer opportunities are of interest to you:

Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC)
To advise on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within Alamo, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation.

Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)
Alternate Seat
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.

County Service Area, P-2A Citizen Advisory Committee (Blackhawk)
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The County Services Area, P-2A Citizens Advisory Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Blackhawk community for extended police services which shall include, but not be limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code, crime prevention, litter control, and other issues.
 
You mOust reside within the Blackhawk community to serve on this board.
 
Police Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM, at the Blackhawk Police Service District Office at 1092 Eagle Nest Pl.

County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (Roundhill Residents only. One alternate seat available)
The P-5 Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.

Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) The purpose of the Contra Costa County Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) is to advise the Board of Supervisors on matters relating to the identification and preservation of historical resources within the County, including identifying eligible sites and places to be listed in the County's Historic Resources Inventory (HRI). For more information, please contact HLAC staff, Dominique Vogelpohl

In-Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee (IHSS) Public Authority has an Advisory Committee whose membership is composed of individuals who are current or past users of personal assistance services paid for through public or private funds and professional representatives from the Community https://ehsd.org/elderly-disabled/public-authority/ihss-public-authority-advisory-committee/.

Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418. To apply online go to www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/.