Weekly Update - February 4, 2022 |
|
Contra Costa County Reaches 80% Vaccinated and Sunsets Vaccine Verification Requirement
Proof of Vaccination or Recent Test No Longer Required at Restaurants, Gyms
|
|
With 80% of all county residents now fully vaccinated, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) today lifted its health order requiring certain businesses, including restaurants and gyms, to verify the vaccination status or recent negative test results of customers.
Other state and countywide health orders remain in effect, including workplace vaccine verification requirements for healthcare workers, first responders, and congregate care workers, and a requirement for most people to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces.
Though the county requirement may be lifted, private businesses may choose to implement their own verification requirements to better protect customers and staff, and CCHS encourages them to consider doing so as a safest practice during the pandemic.
Current state health orders still require proof of vaccination or a recent, negative test result in certain situations, including when visiting hospitals or long-term care facilities or attending indoor “mega-events” of 500 or more people.
CCHS continues to urge everyone 5 and older to get vaccinated for the best possible protection from COVID-19 – and especially to receive a booster dose when eligible, as growing local data show boosters provide substantially more protection.
Testing data show COVID-19 transmission, fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant, remains high in Contra Costa, but that the average daily number of new cases have likely peaked, and countywide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have also begun to decline.
“We believe now is the right time to loosen a requirement that made a lot of sense last summer, when a different variant of COVID-19 was dominant and there was less community immunity,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, acting Contra Costa County health officer. “But by no means are we back to normal. There are still many more cases of COVID-19 in our community now than there were in mid-December, so we need to continue to take precautions when we go out.”
The best protection against COVID-19 infections, and serious illness from infections, is to be fully vaccinated and up to date with a booster dose whenever eligible.
County data shows that the daily COVID-19 case rate for Contra Costa residents who received booster doses is more than three times lower than that of unvaccinated people, and about nine times more effective at preventing hospitalization due to the virus.
On Thursday, Contra Costa reached a new milestone, with 80% of all county residents now fully vaccinated. So far, 48.4% of eligible residents have received booster doses.
The verification order, which took effect last September, applied to businesses where people remove face coverings to eat or drink indoors, such as restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, and to gyms and other indoor fitness facilities, including yoga and dance studios, where patrons breathe more heavily due to exercise.
The order required these businesses to verify that indoor customers were fully vaccinated, or had tested negative for COVID-19 within the past three days. It also included a requirement for workers in indoor areas of these businesses to show proof of full vaccination or test weekly.
Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for updates regarding Contra Costa County health orders and the county’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
Free Expired N95 Masks Available for Pickup
During Select Hours at Our Danville Office
|
|
We have again received 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.
We may be able to receive future shipments and will keep you updated via this weekly e-Blast.
|
|
Join our Interest List for Free Covid-19 Home Test Kits
Available to those with the Greatest Need
|
|
We are still receiving with short notice small shipments of Covid-19 home test kits. We are taking names for the interest list. Once on the list, you will be notified by email when we have test kits available.
We are giving priority to:
- Those who need to be tested to visit elderly or immunocompromised family members.
- Those who have not previously received COVID test kits from our office and find it difficult to stand in line to get them.
- Those who may have been exposed to COVID but have no test kits at home.
- Those who are not eligible for testing at local schools. Students, their families, and school employees are eligible for free testing through their school district.
If you meet one of the above neediest categories, please respond to this email, or email us here, and we will put you on an interest list and let you know by email when you can come to our Danville office to pick up two kits (four tests). Please include your first and last name and address in the email.
We hope to continue receiving shipments, but they are dependent upon availability.
More reliable PCR testing continues to be available for free by appointment only at various County sites. The demand continues to decline and more appointments are now available. More information about where to get tested can be found here: coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested. |
|
Please Note: County and State Testing Sites Will Be
Closed Monday, February 21, 2022
|
|
Video Instructions on How To Use a Covid-19 Self-Test |
|
Types of Masks and Their Effectiveness |
|
Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to reduce their risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection.
How well a mask fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has are all important to consider when choosing which mask to wear. Wearing a mask around people who do not live with you or when someone in your house is sick continues to be important with the spread of COVID-19 variants, some of which spread more easily and quickly than the original virus that causes COVID-19.
|
|
Schedule Your Booster Today |
|
Throughout the pandemic, we are constantly learning more. It is now clear that the effectiveness of the vaccines declines over time. While the original series of vaccines do a great job protecting against severe disease from COVID, our data clearly show that boosters provide the best protection against COVID:
-
You are 2 times as likely to get infected with COVID if you haven’t gotten a booster
-
You are nearly 3 times as likely to be hospitalized for COVID if you haven’t gotten a booster
-
Unvaccinated people are almost 9 times as likely to be hospitalized for COVID than people who have been vaccinated and boosted
There are vaccine appointments available today at sites across the county. We strongly encourage you to get a booster, which is free to you. Schedule an appointment online or call 1-833-829-2626.
|
|
Get Free at-home Covid-19 Test Kits from
the Federal Government
|
|
To ensure that all Americans have access to timely COVID-19 testing, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Postal Service have launched COVIDtests.gov, a new site for requesting free home test kits by mail.
Every address in the United States is now eligible to receive four free tests by signing up at the site, which is also a helpful resource for finding nearby COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics, and information about insurance reimbursement for purchasing home test kits.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Learn more about how to get home test kits, or make a testing appointment in Contra Costa, on the Get Tested page.
|
|
COVID Status of Contra Costa County |
|
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. |
|
Because so many people are now being diagnosed with home test kits, and those cases are seldom reported, these numbers are likely higher. |
|
Employer Survey for
Contra Costa County Businesses
|
|
The Workforce Development Board has launched a survey inquiring about employer hiring practices in 2022. The survey is short – about 2 minutes – and would provide valuable information to assess the hiring situation in Contra Costa County in the coming year.
|
|
National Blood Crisis - Donations Needed |
|
The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. Your donation is desperately needed. One donation may help save more than one life and healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients. You can donate blood, platelets, or plasma at a Red Cross Blood Donation site near you.
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Blood products cannot be manufactured, they can only come from the generosity of volunteer donors. Schedule an appointment and help give more life to patients in need now.
Click here to schedule an appointment. See below for a list of upcoming blood donation sites in your area.
- February 12 St. Joan of Arc Parish - Gym 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon
- February 12 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 2949 Stone Valley Rd, Danville
- February 17 SR Regional Medical Center - South Bldg 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon
- February 17 Alamo Women's Club 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo
|
|
You May Qualify for the California
Earned Income Tax Credit
|
|
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.
|
|
Three Ways for Commuters to Earn Some Extra Money |
|
Get back on BART and save time and money on your commute. 511 Contra Costa will even help you Jumpstart your return to BART with a special one-time $50 incentive. Use it to reload your Clipper card and you’re ready to ride!
Since the arrival of Covid, BART has improved the rider experience in many ways. The air in BART cars is replaced every 70 seconds, the new Clipper app makes it easy to pay fares with your smartphone, and parking is plentiful at most stations. Learn more about BART’s improvements which make returning to transit a great choice for commuters.
|
|
If you have the option to work from home, choosing at least one commute-free day each week is an easy way to drive less. Better yet, make work-from-home days completely car-free. The less you drive, the more you help improve our air quality. The sweatpants are just a bonus!
If you live or work in Contra Costa, shifting from a drive-alone commute to working from home or biking, carpooling, walking, vanpooling, or taking transit could qualify you for a $25 Drive Less Incentive. Choose from a variety of $25 gift cards or multiply the effect of your emissions-reducing commute by choosing to plant 25 trees through One Tree Planted.
|
|
It's no secret why e-bikes are popular – they offer all the benefits of standard bicycles without the sweat or sore muscles. Plus, you can zoom up hills with a smile on your face. Enjoy all this, plus a cash rebate of $150-$300, when you buy a new e-bike. There’s no easier (or more enjoyable) way to shrink your carbon footprint than by swapping some of your local car trips for e-bike rides.
|
|
Painting Workshops for Veterans and Their Families |
|
ABOUTFACE is building Veterans’ self-understanding through self-expression.
The Arts and Culture Commission is offering ABOUTFACE to encourage arts learning and the artistic expression of Veterans and contribute to public understanding of, and appreciation for, the diverse range of Veterans’ experiences.
The workshops will be held virtually through zoom due to the recent COVID spike in our county. Technical assistance is available.
Workshop 1: March 5, March 12, March 19
Workshop 2: April 30, May 7, May 14
|
|
Pet Foster Families Urgently Needed |
|
Can you open your heart and home to a shelter dog? Contra Costa Animal Services is FULL and needs your help spreading the word. In order to continue to provide the best care for every dog that comes into the shelter, they need foster homes for some of the larger dogs.
Getting dogs out of the overstimulating shelter environment can make a huge difference in their stress levels. It’s also a great way for them to get some much-needed mental and physical exercise while having a great time with new people. There’s no pressure to find an adopter or adopt the dog yourself, but hopefully, by inviting a dog into your home, you can provide information about the dog’s preferences and maybe some great photos to help promote them for adoption.
Animal Services will supply you with everything you need - food, leashes, etc. You just need to provide the love and a home! We do ask that you are a resident of Contra Costa County.
You can find out more and complete the foster application by going to:
|
|
2022 Contra Costa Point-in-Time (PIT) Count |
|
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.
|
|
Enhancing Danville’s Downtown Spaces
Danville launches public outreach efforts for its Downtown Plan Update
|
|
While so much has changed in the past few years, one thing remained the same in our community - the innate desire to gather in our well-loved public spaces. The Town has begun the process of updating the Downtown Plan and has partnered with urban design firm SWA to reimagine how we might use some of the public spaces within our downtown to provide essential connection, interaction, and engagement.
The goal is to create ‘activated’ public spaces that are visually coordinated and balance the need for adequate public parking, drainage facilities, accessibility to all businesses, and essential services such as trash pick-up.
The Town is seeking community input through a survey that will focus on how businesses and residents envision improvements to Danville’s treasured downtown spaces. The survey is expected to take about five minutes and will be available from January 7 to February 14. Other intercept events will be held around town and at the Danville Farmers’ Market.
|
|
Family and Children's Trust (FACT) Committee
Seeking Applicants
|
|
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
|
|
Contra Costa Commission for Women & Girls has Openings |
|
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.
|
|
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)
1 Alternate Seat
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)
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
