Weekly Update - July 24, 2021 |
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Contra Costa, Santa Clara County and San Francisco Public Health Officials Urge Employers to Consider Requiring Employee Vaccination to Promote COVID-Safe Workplaces |
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With COVID-19 cases rapidly on the rise, leaving unvaccinated individuals at risk for serious illness and death, the health officers of Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Francisco counties strongly urge all employers to consider implementing workplace COVID-19 safety policies that require their workforce to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
For any employees who are not yet fully vaccinated, employers must require and enforce masking under current state law. In addition, employers are encouraged to require frequent COVID-19 testing of unvaccinated employees.
“Workers who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 pose a substantial health and financial risk to the workplace,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County’s health officer. “Most importantly, workplace exposures have led to serious illnesses and deaths.”
The relaxing of community and workplace transmission protections since mid-June in California and the rapid spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, which is much more contagious than the original strains of the virus, have led to significantly higher case rates, and a higher risk of transmission at businesses and workplaces as a result.
Employers can play a critical role in ensuring a safe workplace environment and boosting vaccination rates among working-age individuals by requiring vaccination as a condition of employment, with very limited exceptions for medical exemptions or strongly held religious beliefs.
Local and national data show that fully vaccinated people are far less likely to catch COVID-19 or require hospitalization than people who are unvaccinated.
“A universal vaccination policy may benefit businesses because the quarantine requirements are different for vaccinated and unvaccinated workers,” said Dr. Susan Philip, San Francisco’s health officer. “Currently, an employee who is not vaccinated must quarantine for at least 10 days if exposed to someone who tested positive, whereas fully vaccinated workers do not need to quarantine unless they have symptoms.”
Requiring documentation of COVID-19 vaccination rather than self-attestation is recommended as a best practice for employers to ensure workers are adhering to the appropriate workplace protections.
Current state and federal employment law support employers requiring documentation of vaccination status, requiring vaccination as a condition of employment, and requiring additional safety precautions including masking and frequent testing for employees who are unvaccinated. Resources are available via the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
“Eight months since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered, COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be highly effective, and very safe, and are the most important tool we have for preventing COVID-19 illness, hospitalizations, and deaths,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer and Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Clara. “We encourage employers to take strong action to promote COVID-19 safe workplaces through vaccination and other workplace safety requirements.”
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Masking Indoors for Everyone is Recommended as a Precaution Against Increased Circulation of COVID-19 |
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COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations continue to rise across the Bay Area. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) recommends that everyone consider wearing face coverings whenever they enter indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status.
This extra precaution is not a requirement, but a healthy choice that Contra Costa and most other Bay Area counties endorse, including Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley.
Fully vaccinated people are well-protected from infections and serious illness due to known COVID-19 variants including Delta variants, and vaccinating as many people as possible, as soon as possible, continues to be our best defense against severe COVID-19 infection, and the harm it can do to our region. Vaccines are safe, effective, free, and widely available to everyone 12 and older.
Out of an abundance of caution, people are recommended to wear masks indoors in settings like grocery or retail stores, theaters, and family entertainment centers, even if they are fully vaccinated as an added layer of protection for unvaccinated residents. Businesses are urged to adopt universal masking requirements for customers entering indoor areas of their businesses to provide better protection to their employees and customers. Workplaces must comply with Cal/OSHA requirements and fully vaccinated employees are encouraged to wear masks indoors if their employer has not confirmed the vaccination status of those around them.
Bay Area Health Officers will revisit this recommendation in the coming weeks as they continue to monitor transmission rates, hospitalizations, deaths, and increasing vaccination rates throughout the region. Data can be monitored here.
People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. People with only one vaccine dose of Pfizer or Moderna are not fully protected. Completion of the vaccine series is necessary to provide full protection.
Visit the Contra Costa Health website to learn where you can find a vaccination site near you or call 833-829-2626. If you missed your second dose, please find a vaccination clinic near you.
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Masking and Social Distancing Changes:
Masks Required in Court Facilities Effective July 20
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The Court updated its masking and social distancing guidelines effective June 21, 2021, and in line with state guidance, to permit fully-vaccinated individuals to access Court facilities without facemasks and to eliminate social distancing.
On July 16, 2021, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) and health departments from surrounding Bay Area counties recommended that all members of the public remain masked indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Accordingly, effective July 20, 2021, and until further notice, anyone entering publically-accessible Court facilities – regardless of vaccination status – will be required to wear compliant facemasks at all times. Compliant facemasks must 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 facemasks upon request. As social distancing recommendations have not changed, the Court will not require social distancing in its facility.
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COVID Status of Contra Costa County
Cases per day per 100,000 for unvaccinated is
approximately 32 per 100,000
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The unvaccinated are getting sick at a rapid rate – 10x’s more than vaccinated. As of July 20, 2021 32 per 100,000 of unvaccinated individuals have come down with COVID, while only 2.8 per 100,000 of vaccinated people have contracted it. The cases experienced by the vaccinated are much less severe. The lower case count and milder symptoms indicate that vaccines are working.
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COVID hospitalizations have more than doubled since the June 15 reopening when only 25 COVID patients were hospitalized. |
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TRUTH Act Virtual Community Forum on July 27 |
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In 2017, the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act, or Assembly Bill (AB) 2792, went into effect in California. The legislation requires all law enforcement agencies in the state to follow specific protocols regarding undocumented immigrants and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Law enforcement agencies now must provide detainees a written consent form that explains the purpose of the interview; must clarify that an interview is voluntary; afford a detainee the ability to decline an interview; and also must notify the detainee of the intent of the agency to comply with ICE requests, among other stipulations.
The bill also requires local governing bodies, to hold at least one public community forum the following year where a local law enforcement agency has provided ICE access to an individual during the previous year. The purpose of the forum is to provide information to the public about ICE’s access to individuals and to take public comment.
At the Contra Costa County TRUTH Act Forum on July 27 Contra Costa County residents will hear from the Sheriff’s Office about civil immigration enforcement activities in 2020. The public will also have an opportunity to make public comments. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided. Participation will be available by phone, email, or Zoom. To watch online, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov, or tune into CCTV either on Channel 99 (AT&T U-Verse), Comcast Channel 27, or Wave Channel 32.
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
1025 Escobar Street
1st Floor
Martinez. CA 94553
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I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes Begin Tolling on August 20th |
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Students Can Receive Two Months of Free Rides
On County Connection
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Pass2Class offers free bus passes to Contra Costa students at the beginning of the school year to encourage the use of bus transportation to and from school. Pass2Class reduces traffic congestion and air pollution by reducing the number of cars being driven to school. Up to two months of rides are being offered for the 2021/2022 school year to help students as they return to in-person learning.
Passes are available while supplies last. Learn more by clicking on Apply Now in the image above or at 511 Contra Costa..
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San Ramon Chamber State of the County |
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Supervisor Andersen gave her annual "State of the County Address" to the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce at the Crow Canyon Country Club on Wednesday, July 21st.
The Supervisor updated the group on the COVID-19 economic recovery and other important issues currently facing our county.
Pictured, Supervisor Andersen stands with Stewart Bambino, President of the Chamber.
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Public Safety Power Shutoffs |
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GET ALERTS ON YOUR CELL PHONE
The Community Warning System can alert residents and businesses within Contra Costa County that are impacted by, or are in danger of being impacted by an emergency.
The CWS message will include basic information about the incident and what specific protective actions (shelter in place, lockdown, evacuate, avoid the area, etc.) are necessary to protect life and health.
CWS is generally not used for traffic notifications or other non-life threatening incidents.
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Back to School Under the Stars:
Join Dan Ashley of Channel 7
For a Celebration of
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley
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Building on the fun and success of last year’s gala, the Museum of the San Ramon Valley will again be hosting its signature fundraising event Back to School Under the Stars. This year it is scheduled for August 14, 2021, from 6-7 PM. This free event will be hosted by Dan Ashley, ABC Channel 7 news anchor. Join in for the fun and entertaining hour with a few surprises! The gala will be virtual this year available over Zoom.
There will be an exciting online auction that will allow you to bid, win, repeat on everything from vacation home rentals, fun experiences, restaurant gift cards to gift baskets filled with your favorite things. Starting on August 1st you can browse the exciting items. The auction will open for bidding on Monday, August 9.
To register to attend the event and bid, go to the museum’s website museumsrv.org. Once registered, you will be set to bid, and you will receive an email on how to attend the online program.
If you have any questions, please contact the museum at [email protected] or call 925-837-3750
Sign up and attend to enjoy a fun and entertaining evening in support of the museum.
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Contra Costa County Library Increases Hours at 17 Libraries |
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Contra Costa County Library increased their open hours at 17 community libraries on July 1, 2021. Nine libraries have increased hours thanks to funding from city partners. The County has also increased the number of base hours it funds at each library from 35 to 40, allowing for an increase in hours at eight libraries. In total, libraries will be open an additional 121 hours per week, 16.5 hours more per week than before the pandemic began.
For the complete list of library locations and hours, click here.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email [email protected] or text questions to (925) 290-7627.
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BART Continues Limited Late Night Service for
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
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BART will run interim limited late night service after regular BART service ends at 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The limited late night service aims to give late night workers and patrons enjoying San Francisco nightlife more options to return home.
BART will run four trains departing from either Embarcadero or Civic Center at 11:30pm serving eight stops in San Francisco and the East Bay: Civic Center and 16th Street Mission in San Francisco along with Daly City and West Oakland, MacArthur, Pleasant Hill, El Cerrito del Norte, and Bay Fair stations in the East Bay.
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The limited late-night service will be available July 22-24 and July 29-31. The service will be replaced on Monday, August 2, when BART extends its operating hours to midnight on weekdays and Saturdays. The limited late night plan was announced after BART determined it can accomplish this late night option as it readies staff for the much more robust schedule change on August 2.
The limited late night service will be in addition to the special service for A's night games and the limited service provided for Giants' night games.
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Danville and Alamo Summer Concerts, Movies and
Other Activities in the Park
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Experience a great family film under the stars at the Town Green in Danville, but not before participating in some creative crafts and activities.
Moonlight Movie - Danville Town Green, 420 Front St.
Friday, July 30: Onward
Crafts & activities start at 6:30 pm;
Movie starts at 8:15 pm
Town Green, Danville
Admission is FREE
In Alamo, enjoy great live music, family movies, and the open spaces of Livorna Park to create a memorable summertime experience. You won’t want to miss these movie classics and a trio of talented bands, so pull up a chair or a blanket and enjoy the summer evening.
Alamo Movies Under the Stars - Livorna Park at Livorna Road & Miranda Ave.
8:15 pm
Friday, July 23 • Toy Story 4
Alamo Summer Concert - Livorna Park at Livorna Road & Miranda Ave.
Select Fridays in July 2021
6:30 – 8:30pm
July 30 • Fog City Swampers
Livorna Park, Alamo
Admission is FREE
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Wildfire Risk to Communities Website |
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Wildfire Risk to Communities is a free, easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and data to help communities in the United States understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. Maps and data are available at the community, county, and state levels. Wildfire Risk to Communities is a project of the USDA Forest Service, under the direction of Congress in the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 1625, Section 210).
On the website, wildfirerisk.org, you can see information that allows you to understand risk, explore risk (including an easy-to-use mapping tool); and, learn about ways to reduce risk. |
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Measure X Community Advisory Board Seeks Public Input |
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Measure X, Contra Costa’s new countywide, half-cent sales tax, is expected to raise $112 million for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.
The Measure X Community Advisory Board was formed to identify unmet community needs and recommend spending priorities to the county Board of Supervisors.
Each meeting features a panel of presenters who have expertise in the need or issue being discussed. Panel members include county staff, community-based organizations, and residents.
Community members are welcome to provide public comments verbally after each panel presentation. Comments can also be submitted in writing to [email protected]. If you submit written testimony by noon on Friday prior to the following week’s meeting, it will be included in the agenda packet that is published for Advisory Board members and the public.
Schedule of issues and needs to be discussed:
July 28 - Library, arts & culture, agriculture, environment, transportation
August 4 - Develop draft priorities & recommendations
August 11 - Finalize recommendations to submit to Board of Supervisors
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Middle and High School Youth Submit Art and Poetry |
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Winners will be announced by 8/23/21. Youth are invited to submit photos of their original art or poetry that shares what’s good in their lives that helps them stay substance free.
Prizes will be awarded for both the art and poetry contests
1st Place $100 2nd Place $75 3rd Place $50
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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 is continuing well into 2021. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people are able to 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)
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-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.
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