Weekly Update - February 18, 2022 |
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Contra Costa Lifts Most Indoor Mask Mandates |
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The indoor mask mandate ended on Wednesday, February 16th in Contra Costa County for vaccinated people. The State still requires face masks in some settings; inside healthcare facilities and long-term care facilities, K-12 school campuses, childcare settings, and on public transportation. To learn more, go to CDHP.
The move comes as cases and hospitalizations have begun to rapidly drop around the state and region.
Unvaccinated individuals over age 2 will continue to be required to wear masks in all indoor public settings. Businesses, venue operators, and hosts may determine their own paths forward to protect staff and patrons and may choose to require all patrons to wear masks.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to require masking in K-12 school settings but has indicated adjustments to the state’s policies will be shared in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that on February 28 the State will announce when masking for students will be lifted. For early education programs, such as preschool and childcare settings, CDPH continues to require masking for children older than age two. Workplaces will continue to follow the COVID-19 prevention standards set by CalOSHA.
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Free Expired N95 Masks Available for Pickup
During Select Hours at Our Danville Office
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We have a large supply of expired N95 masks. They can no longer be used for medical purposes per the FDA but can still be used in non-medical settings as regular disposable masks. We can distribute 10 masks per family.
They are available for pick-up from our Danville office, 309 Diablo Road, Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. until the current supply is gone. No appointment or reservation is needed.
Please do not park in the spaces marked "Diablo Physical Therapy" and be courteous to our neighbor businesses.
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Free Covid-19 Home Test Kits |
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We have a shipment of Covid-19 home test kits. If you have a need for tests, please respond to this email, or email us here, and we will let you know by email when you can come to our Danville office to pick up two kits (four tests). They will be available as long as our supply lasts. Please include your first and last name and address in the email.
More reliable PCR testing continues to be available for free by appointment only at various County sites. More information about where to get tested can be found here: coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested. |
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Please Note: County and State Testing Sites Will Be
Closed Monday, February 21, 2022
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Schedule Your Booster Today |
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Everyone should stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination by getting boosted when they are eligible. Boosters give critically important added protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
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COVID Status of Contra Costa County |
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It is estimated by our Deputy Health Officer that approximately 50% of COVID hospitalizations are for patients who have been admitted for COVID, and the other half were admitted for something else and then found to be infected during intake screening. For more data and information about current COVID rates in California, please go to coronavirus.cchealth.org. |
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Because so many people are now being diagnosed with home test kits, and those cases are seldom reported, these numbers are likely higher. |
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Masks Required at All Public Court Facilities
Regardless of Vaccination Status
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The Court’s primary mission is the administration of justice, and its facilities must remain open to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals alike. A public masking policy that distinguishes based on vaccination status would require Court staff to check the vaccination status of everyone entering its facilities and thereafter monitor unvaccinated individuals to ensure that they do not remove their masks. Directing Court resources to that effort would severely impact other operations, result in delays to the public, and compromise the Court’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Accordingly, and in the interest of public safety, the Court will not change its masking policy. Specifically, anyone entering publically-accessible Court facilities, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask at all times.
Compliant masks must be clean, completely cover the nose and mouth, and do not include neck gaiters (regardless of double-layering), masks with valves or other holes, bandanas, or face shields. The Court will provide compliant masks upon request.
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Contra Costa County Public Works to Install Shade Structures at Hemme Station Park in Alamo |
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The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will be installing new shade structures at Hemme Station Park in Alamo. Work will take place through Thursday, March 3, 2022, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. The playground portion of the park will be fenced off and closed to users during the installation for safety. Restrooms and drinking fountains will remain open during this time. These shade structures are designed to improve visitor experience and safety for users of the park.
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Seeking Nominations for Contra Costa Youth Hall of Fame |
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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between the ages of 12 and 18.
Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of five categories:
- Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
- Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
- Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of the team
- Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
- Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success
Submit your nomination by completing the form and sending it with your letter of recommendation by email to [email protected] or mail to Lia Bristol, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, 2151 Salvio Street, Ste. R, Concord, CA 94520.
Nominations must be received or postmarked by March 4, 2022. Recipients will be recognized at the March 29, 2022, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ Cesar E. Chavez Celebration.
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Join a Workshop for Parents to Better Communicate
With Their Teenagers
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You May Qualify for the California
Earned Income Tax Credit
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The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) provides critical support to working families across the state, helping them cover bills, pay for groceries, and other daily expenses. It is an annual tax credit for working people making between $1-$30,000. As of tax year 2021, both individuals filing with a Social Security Number OR an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) are eligible to receive the credit. More than 4 million families may be eligible for the credit in tax filing year 2022.
Community members can learn more about getting tax help at org/taxhelp.
Information about EITC is also available on ehsd.org.
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2022 Contra Costa Point-in-Time (PIT) Count |
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Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services needs your support for the 2022 Contra Costa Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. They are seeking volunteers to help identify people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
- They are requesting volunteers to sign up in teams of two or three people and walk/drive their assigned route from approximately 5 AM - 10 AM.
- Similar to previous years, the morning of the PIT Count will be observation only and data collection will take place on your smart phones using a downloaded app.
- Due to safety considerations in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, all trainings will be conducted virtually and volunteers will be self-deploying to their assigned routes on the morning of February 24th
For more information about the PIT Count and to register as a volunteer, please fill out the short survey using the "Register" button below. More information about safety considerations, training materials, and your route assignment will be emailed to you shortly after registering.
Please consider participating and encourage your colleagues, staff, and friends to register as a volunteer.
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Family and Children's Trust (FACT) Committee
Seeking Applicants
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The FACT Committee was established in 1985 to make funding recommendations for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect and supportive services for families and children. The Committee is also responsible to provide oversight of the use of those funds.
Applicants should be committed to promoting the safety and well-being of children and families in our community. The following seats are available:
3 At Large Seats available – Education and/or experience in the following fields are highly desirable, but not required: child abuse and neglect, childcare, out-of-home placement, homelessness, substance abuse services, family systems, multi-ethnic services and/or program planning, analysis, and evaluation
3 Sector Seats available to individuals from the following fields: Child Development/Early Childhood Education field, Mental Health, School Representative. Experience could include, but is not limited to, Mental Health Commission, Local Child Care and Development Planning Council, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council, First Five Commission
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Contra Costa Commission for Women & Girls has Openings |
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Contra Costa County Commission for Women & Girls is looking for interested community members to fill vacant At Large Seats.
The Commission’s mission is to improve the economic status, social welfare, and overall quality of life for women in Contra Costa County. The number one piece of actionable work the Contra Costa County Commission for Women & Girls is primarily dedicated to advising the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors as well as assisting with potential legislation or relevant topics.
The Commission also conducts educational events for the community, which is where the commission has its primary impact.
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District 2 Volunteer Opportunities |
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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 Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.
2 Alternate Seats
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo community for police services.
In-Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee (IHSS)
1 Seat
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