Weekly Update - February 25, 2022 |
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COVID-19 Case Numbers and Hospitalizations Continue to Decline in Contra Costa |
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With cases and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 continuing to decline, Contra Costa County is expected to reach pre-omicron surge levels soon.
The average number of new cases per day over the past week is 226, down 42% from a week ago. The number of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 in Contra Costa is 86, down 34% from one week ago.
With the omicron surge ending, many safety measures were modified in the past week because the data supports it. However, there’s no reason to believe we’ve seen the end of the pandemic. As a community, we need to be flexible, adaptable, and prepare for future waves of COVID.
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. 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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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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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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It is estimated by our 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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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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Community Invited to Attend Forum on March 4 to Discuss How Contra Costa Is Spending Over $50 Million in Mental Health Services Act Dollars |
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WHAT: Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services, a division of Contra Costa Health Services invites any interested person to participate in a community forum as part of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Program Planning Process.
Participants will learn about the MHSA with particular focus on the innovation funding component. We’ll discuss new project ideas and participate in small group break-out discussions.
WHO: Anyone may attend this free event remotely via Zoom. Use this link to register:
WHEN: Friday, March 4, 2022, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHY: Contra Costa County’s MHSA budget provides over $50 million in support of more than 80 mental health and wellness programs. Forum goals include sharing resources, identifying service needs, and providing input to inform future planning of the MHSA Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan.
The forum will include an overview of the MHSA in Contra Costa County.
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Painting Workshops for Veterans and Their Families
Deadline to Register is Today
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Contra Costa County Public Works Installing 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 10, 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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Opportunity to Serve on the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority Advisory Committee
IHSS Public Authority Poised to Fill Several Vacancies
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The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority Advisory Committee currently has four (4) volunteer vacancies for individuals who are current or past users of IHSS or Personal Attendant Services. Individuals who are in the following categories can fill the vacancies:
- Consumer 60 or Older - Two (2) vacancies
- Consumer Any Age - Two (2) vacancies
Additionally, there are two (2) District volunteer vacancies representing Districts II (Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, and Canyon), and District V (Hercules, Martinez Pittsburg, Antioch). Individuals residing or working in either of these two (2) Districts, with professional experience in the following categories, may apply:
- Senior Advocate
- Advocate for Younger Persons with Disabilities
- Representative from the Developmental Disability Community
- Social Worker
- Nurse
- Representative from a Community Based Organization
- Representative from a Home Health Agency
- Current or Previous IHSS Provider
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors established the IHSS Public Authority Advisory Committee in March 1999. The IHSS Public Authority Advisory Committee provides advice and assistance to the Board of Supervisors and the staff of the IHSS Public Authority regarding the IHSS program and policies of the IHSS Public Authority. The Public Authority recruits and screens home care providers, maintains a registry of providers, refers providers to consumers and enrolls all IHSS providers on the State Payroll.
The Advisory Committee is comprised of eleven (11) members, six (6) who use, or have used, IHSS or Personnel Attendant Services, and five (5) who have professional experience in the health and human services fields.
Individuals who reside or work in Contra Costa County who are interested in applying for these Volunteer Vacancies on the IHSS Public Authority Committee can obtain an application from Monique Rodriguez by calling (925) 363-6670 or emailing [email protected].
Applications should be returned to the IHSS Public Authority as soon as possible. All applicants will receive acknowledgement in writing. Following the review of applications, the review committee will forward recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for appointment.
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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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The Economic Opportunity Council is Currently
Seeking Applicants
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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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