The current Omicron-driven COVID-19 surge is dominating conversations and news cycles as infection rates have skyrocketed throughout the Bay Area. Cases have increased and are extremely high – the total reported for the past week was the highest of the pandemic. It is now being reported that about 1 out of every 9 people in San Mateo County have tested positive. COVID-19 hospitalizations in the County saw a 440% increase from two weeks ago, and for the first time since the Criteria for Lifting County Health Officer Indoor Mask Mandate was established in October, the severity of COVID is too high to meet this metric.
We’re continuing to refine our strategies to protect employee and community health. Please see important updates about measures to help us serve the community below.
Building and Fire Inspections – Inspection requests may include longer wait times, and high-priority inspections may take precedence due to staffing impacts due to COVID-19.
City Hall – City Hall will remain closed to in-person services through the end of January. At that time, we will reevaluate in-person services based on the data available and guidance from health officials.
Libraries – Current in-person library hours will be observing our current restrictions on having no more than 25% of the building occupied at a time and other safety practices. For more information on Library services and hours, please click here. Virtual services will continue to be offered to the greatest extent possible.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services – Our indoor gym use will continue to be closed through the end of January, and we will not have private rentals at any of our facilities, as is our current practice. We have moved lunch programs outdoors or converted to pick up service. All classes/programs we manage will continue with current indoor masking requirements and small group enrollments.
“January is going to be a tough month,” said City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz. “This is an extraordinarily challenging time for our whole community. We believe these steps will help us continue to provide services during this surge.”
Your health and safety are very important and we thank you for your continued efforts to keep us all safe. Please visit www.redwoodcity.org/reimagined for more information or call (650) 780-7000.
