ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA – Today the State announced that Alameda County has met the requirements to move to the Orange Tier, and effective tomorrow, March 31, activities and businesses permitted in the Orange Tier per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy may resume operation. Alameda County has an adjusted daily new case rate per 100,000 residents of 2.6, a testing positivity rate of 1.1 percent, and a health equity quartile positivity rate of 1.9 percent. “Our metrics have improved, but this pandemic is not yet in our rear-view mirror,” said Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda County Health Officer. “Variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are circulating in our county, case rates are rising in other parts of the country and, while nearly a quarter of Alameda County residents aged 16 and older have been fully vaccinated, we aren’t at the levels required for broad community protection or immunity.” Alameda County must remain in the Orange Tier for at least three weeks before moving into the next, less restrictive color tier even though metrics might warrant. “The key to keeping newly permitted activities open and moving Alameda County closer to the Yellow Tier is to continue practicing the safety measures we know work against COVID-19: wearing masks whenever we leave home (even if fully vaccinated), watching our distance, washing our hands frequently, and limiting mixing with people from different households. When it is your turn, get vaccinated with the first vaccine made available to you,” said Dr. Moss. Businesses and activities permitted to open under the State’s Orange Tier must continue to comply with the State’s Industry Guidance: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/. Additional workplace resources can be found here https://covid-19.acgov.org/recovery and resources for Alameda County workers are available here https://covid-19.acgov.org/worker-resources. Businesses and activities permitted to open, with capacity restrictions and modifications: Bars: Outdoors with modifications, no meals required to be served Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries: Indoors at 25 percent maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer; No meals required to be served Family entertainment centers: Indoors for naturally distanced activities like bowling, escape rooms, and billiards; 25 percent maximum capacity Gyms, fitness centers and studios (including at hotels): 25 percent maximum capacity and indoor pools are permitted; Indoor hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms continue to be closed Movie Theaters: 50 percent maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer Museums, Zoos and Aquariums: 50 percent maximum capacity Offices: Indoors with modifications and remote work (telework) is strongly encouraged Places of worship: 50 percent maximum capacity Restaurants: 50 percent maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer Retail: Open indoors with modifications and food courts permitted with indoor dining restrictions Activities eligible to start on April 1: Outdoor sports and live performances with fans/attendees: In the Orange Tier, capacity will be limited to 33 percent and with advanced reservations only. Concession sales will be primarily in-seat (no concourse sales). Designated indoor seated dining area capacity will be limited to 25 percent. Attendance will be limited to in-state spectators and guests must attest their reserved seats are only for one household. Amusement parks: In the Orange Tier, overall park capacity and indoor capacity will be limited to 25 percent, including indoor dining. Small groups with a maximum of 3 household groups may attend together. Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors. Walk up ticket sales will be permitted, but park operators must collect name and contact information of the ticket purchases for necessary contract tracing.
W. Kamau Bell addresses vaccine hesitancy among Black people
Supervisor Keith Carson - "Alameda County COVID Relief Briefing
Community and Faith Based Organizations in Alameda County are invited to join Supervisor Keith Carson and representatives from CJ Lake, LLC for a briefing about the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that will provide much needed funding of our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you would like to send in your questions in advance, please email AskKeith@acgov.org by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
Alameda County COVID-19 Update
This week Alameda County moved closer to the Red Tier of the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy . If current COVID metrics remain steady or improve this week, we will be able to move into the Red Tier next week which would allow additional activities with limits on capacity. These include indoor dining, movies, gyms and fitness centers, retail stores, and museums. While trends are looking favorable, COVID-19 recovery is far from over. T he virus is still widespread and we have several cases of the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant and two reported cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant detected in our county. We must remain diligent about the use of face coverings, physical distancing, and continued avoidance of prohibited gatherings. We’re moving in the right direction, but as we’ve learned through past surges, relaxing too soon can very quickly halt our momentum.
Vaccine News Getting vaccinated will help protect all of us from COVID-19 and people should take the first shot they are offered since any of the COVID-19 vaccines will reduce severe disease.
Vaccine supplies remain limited in our County. Alameda County encourages residents to be patient and register to be notified when it is their turn. English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese forms are available on our vaccine webpage and we offer a video tutorial to help residents complete the COVID vaccine notification forms. When there is enough vaccine to expand appointments, we will share that information widely along with information on when and how eligible groups can get vaccinated.
Coliseum Vaccine Appointments More Coliseum appointments have been released for Alameda County residents who are 65+, working in health care, education/childcare, emergency services, food/agriculture. Reminder: Coliseum Vaccination Site Open 7 Days a Week. Visit the website myturn.ca.gov OR you can now call in to: 1-833-422-4255.
On February 3, Governor Newsom's announced that the State of California will partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to launch a mega Point-of-Dispensing (POD) pilot vaccination site at the Oakland Coliseum. The mega POD is scheduled to open on February 16, with additional details to be provided in the coming days. The infusion of vaccine is much needed in our community and will help us reach more people more quickly.
Neighborhoods surrounding the Coliseum are some of the areas most impacted by COVID-19 and we had begun planning for a mega POD at this location when we received the news about the State plan. The area is also home to many of our essential workers who have kept the economy open over the past year. We will continue robust outreach and engagement through our community partners to ensure that residents in surrounding neighborhoods have access to the vaccine. We understand that residents will be able to register for the Coliseum mega POD in the coming days.
