During a news conference and on his Twitter feed, Sunday afternoon California Governor Newsom issued the following: NEW: Those that are 65 and older or vulnerable to #COVID-19 must practice home isolation. Bars, night clubs, wineries, and breweries should close in CA. Restaurants — focus on takeout for those isolating. Maximize social distancing.”

Although not yet an order, “Newsom clarified that…he expects his requests on restrictions to be upheld,” according to a KTVU FOX2 news report of the press conference.

In addition, Newsom tweeted, “We’re working in real time to secure hotels, motels, and trailers to house our homeless safely and protect our communities and the spread of #COVIDー19” and “We must protect our most vulnerable to #COVIDー19 and ensure essential parts of our society can keep functioning like:
– our healthcare system
– grocery stores
– pharmacies
– social service providers
And that people who can continue to work safely & remain productive can do so.”

Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department to Continue Delivering Services While Taking Steps to Help Prevent Spread of Coronavirus

By Tish Gallegos, Community/Media Relations, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD)

Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) will close lobbies in seven buildings to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in its public spaces. Community members can still access the services and benefit programs the department provides, however EHSD is encouraging they do so in ways that limit exposure, such as through phone appointments or online applications. EHSD is restricting access to its public lobbies effective Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice, affecting programs such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal and General Assistance at the following locations:

During the temporary closure, limited in-person access will be available to individuals who meet these criteria:

• No access to a telephone or computer
• Pre-scheduled in-person appointment
• Emergency EBT card or check pick-up
• Scheduled CalWORKs or General Assistance mental health assessment
• Homeless mail pick-up

Applications will be available outside the lobby areas for all benefit programs, and community members may complete, sign and return documents for processing using a secure drop box during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EHSD staff will continue working to deliver all services, but away from the public spaces. Community members can visit www.EHSD.org to apply for benefits, email their worker, report changes, upload documents, obtain more information, as well as view updates and resources related to COVID-19. They may also get assistance from lobby staff by calling (925) 957-5647 or (925) 957-5648 (Spanish).

EHSD is committed to continuing to support families and individuals in Contra Costa County. The closure is a cautionary measure based on guidance from Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS).  EHSD is committed to ensuring the delivery of quality services while promoting the health and safety of all community members.

Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services

Employment & Human Services (EHSD) partners with the community to deliver quality services to ensure access to resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency.  Based on the core values of delivering an exceptional customer experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity, EHSD envisions Contra Costa County will continue to be a thriving community where all individuals and families can be healthy, safe, secure and self-sufficient.  More information about EHSD is available at www.ehsd.org.

Violation of or failure to comply is a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment in the county jail, or both. 25 cases of coronavirus currently in the county. 

By Allen Payton

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) has announced a mandatory order prohibiting public and private mass gatherings of 100 or more people. A new order from CCHS Health Officer, Dr. Chris Farnitano, posted at cchealth.org/coronavirus states, “Under the authority of Sections 101040 and 120175 of the California Health and Safety code, the Health Officer of the County of Contra Costa (“Health Officer”) orders effective as of 12:01 am on Sunday, March 15, 2020, and continuing through Tuesday, March 31, 2020, mass gatherings…defined as an event or convening that brings together 100 or more individuals at the same time in a single room or single confined or enclosed space, including but not limited to an auditorium, theater, stadium, arena, event center, meeting hall, conference center, cafeteria, or any confined indoor space of confined outdoor space.”

“Violation of or failure to comply with this is Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment in the County jail, or both. (California Health & Saf. Code, § 120295.),” the announcement also states. (See the complete order, here – HO-COVID19-01-Prohibiting-Mass-Gatherings-of-100-or-more)

Furthermore, in a Facebook Live video with Contra Costa Health Director Ana Roth (which can be viewed on YouTube), Dr. Ori Tsveieli, Contra Costa Deputy and Acting Health Officer said, “We are strongly urging what are called social distancing strategies. No gatherings of people, because the virus can spread when people gather together. So, we want to limit gatherings of people. Our strong urging is to cancel or postpone gatherings of 50 or more people coming together. People who are especially vulnerable, who are the elderly or people with chronic medical conditions, really try to stay away from gatherings of people, even as small as 10 people together can elevate your risks.”

“If you are sick do not go to work or school,” he also stated. “Work from home if you can.”

“This is a key time,” Dr. Tsveieli continued. “We are trying to flatten the curve. Which means slow the spread down so that our healthcare infrastructure in our community can handle it.”

According to Contra Costa Health Services, as of Friday, March 13, 2020 at 9:30 a.m., in Contra Costa County there are 25 cases of residents with coronavirus/COVID-19 with zero deaths.

A press conference scheduled for 1:00 p.m. today. Speakers will include Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen and Contra Costa health officials. The health officer’s goal is to firmly establish the critical need to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by eliminating crowds.

For the latest update from Contra Costa Health Services, visit https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/.

Expect more information to be added to this report. Please check back later.

By Allen Payton

As of Friday, March 13, 2020, the schools in the Antioch Unified School District will close for the remainder of the month beginning Monday, March 16.

In a Facebook post Friday morning she wrote:

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT ANELLO REGARDING COVID-19 AND SCHOOL CLOSURES (3/13/20 @ 10:20 am)

Good Morning,

After careful consideration, the Antioch Unified School District will close all schools beginning Monday March 16th. School will resume following Spring Break on March 30th. However, we ask that families have a contingency plan for the week of March 30th should it be necessary to keep schools closed. At this time, we do not know if the missed days will need to be made up at a later date, but will keep our families informed once we confirm that.

Schools will remain open today. However, parents/guardians who feel more comfortable not sending their child to school and/or picking up their child can do so and the absence will be excused.

During the March 16th through March 27th closure of schools, students who receive free and reduced lunch can get meals Monday through Friday at any of the following locations and at the following times (please note the meals will be ‘grab and go’):

Belshaw Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Fremont Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Lone Tree Elementary: 11:30-12:30 pm

Marsh Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Muir Elementary: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:00-12:30 pm

Park Middle School: 8:00-8:30 am, 12:15-1:00 pm

Turner Elementary: 11:30 am -12:30 pm

We will provide an update to all families no later than Saturday, March 28th. At this time, please contact your child’s school should you have further questions. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Anello

Both Anello and Board President Diane Gibson-Gray were informed by this reporter Friday morning, before the decision was made, that the former director of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Dr. Scott Gottlieb recommended not closing schools.

“…closing schools has its own impact on social lives and an impact on public health that could be adverse and could potentially even worsen the epidemic,” he was quoted as saying by Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-2) in a post on Twitter. “…So broad preemptive school closures, I personally wouldn’t recommend.”

“That’s probably why all schools have not closed,” responded Gibson-Gray at 10:07 a.m. “Stephanie is working closely with the CDE (California Department of Education) before we make any decisions.” However, a short time later, Gibson-Gray sent a text with the message, “See my update on Facebook,” which was a post of Anello’s announcement

When reached for comment, later Gibson-Gray wrote, “Stephanie is the one whos been in contact with the CDC, so you should talk to her.”

When asked “who made the decision, you or the board and why,” Anello said, “I made the decision.”

When asked why, in light of the information shared with her this morning from the former director of the FDA, and what are the parents or guardians of the students who work are supposed to do with the children, Anello responded, “In light of the pace of the pandemic and as we continue to receive information regarding the spread of the virus, we do not want to risk having any children or staff members exposed to the health risks. We regret that this may have a negative impact on some of our families who may have child care issues, but we are doing what we believe is in the best interest of all students and staff at this time.”

She also shared Board Policy 3516.5 Emergency Schedules which gives the superintendent the authority to close the schools: “In order to provide for the safety of students and staff, the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent or designee to close a school site, change the regular school day schedule, or take any necessary action when hazardous environmental or weather conditions or other emergencies warrant.”

Following the decision by AUSD, leadership for Rocketship Delta Prep charter school in Antioch also decided to close their school, along with the rest of their schools nationwide, according to Marie Issa Gil, Rocketship Bay Area Regional Director. “Rocketeer Families – In alignment with our local districts, school will be closed as of Monday, 3/16,” was the announcement to parents, Friday morning.

Directs Californians to follow public health directives including canceling large gatherings more than 250 people

Order removes waiting period for unemployment and disability insurance for Californians who lose work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak

Readies state to commandeer hotels & medical facilities to isolate & treat COVID-19 patients

Allows local and state legislative bodies to hold meetings via conference calls while still meeting state transparency requirements

SACRAMENTO (March 12, 2020) – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a new executive order further enhancing California’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor’s order:

• Waives the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19;
• Delays the deadline for state tax filing by 60 days for individuals and businesses unable to file on time based on compliance with public health requirements related to COVID-19 filings;
• Directs residents to follow public health directives and guidance, including to cancel large non-essential gatherings that do not meet state criteria;
• Readies the state to commandeer property for temporary residences and medical facilities for quarantining, isolating or treating individuals;
• Allows local or state legislative bodies to hold meetings via teleconference and to make meetings accessible electronically; and
• Allows local and state emergency administrators to act quickly to protect public health
• The full executive order can be found here.
• Last night, Governor Newsom and state public health officials announced that gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March. Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.
• “Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease,” said Governor Newsom in announcing the state’s new policy last night. “Not holding that concert or community event can have cascading effects — saving dozens of lives and preserving critical health care resources that your family may need a month from now. The people in our lives who are most at risk – seniors and those with underlying health conditions — are depending on all of us to make the right choice.”
• State Efforts to Assist California Workers
• California will continue acting swiftly to help workers hurt by COVID-19. Affected workers can visit the Labor & Workforce Development Agency’s website to review what benefits are available to them. For instance,
• If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 you may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL).
• If you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness, you may qualify for Disability Insurance. Those who have lost a job or have had their hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19 may be able to partially recover their wages by filing an unemployment insurance claim.
• If a worker or a family member is sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine, workers may use accrued paid sick leave in accordance with the law.
• If workers are unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of their work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. All information and resources can be found at Gov/Coronavirus2019

All Community Guidance Released from CDPH:

The California Department of Public Health has consolidated state guidance on how to prepare and protect Californians from COVID-19 in a single location. This includes guidance for:

• Health care facilities, including long-term care facilities
• Community care facilities, including assisted living facilities and child care
• Schools and institutions of higher education
• First responders, including paramedics and EMTs
• Employers, health care workers and workers in general industry
• Health care plans
• Home cleaning with COVID-19 positive individuals
• Gathering Guidance
• Guidance for Using Disinfectants at Schools and Child Cares
• Laboratories
• Health care facilities from Cal/OSHA
• Homelessness Providers

What to Do if You Think You’re Sick:

Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

All 26 Contra Costa County libraries will remain open for regularly scheduled hours

By Brooke Converse, Library Public Information Officer

Beginning tomorrow, March 13, the Contra Costa County Library will cancel all library programs and events, including community use of meeting rooms in County-owned facilities, through March 31. Additionally, we will be working with our partners to determine plans for city-operated community rooms. This comes in response to the recommendation by the County health department strongly urging the cancellation of any gathering that may include 50 or more people and in an abundance of caution for the cross-section of populations who visit the libraries.

All 26 community libraries will remain open for regularly scheduled hours.

“Our first priority is the safety of our patrons and staff,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “Canceling programs will allow the library to focus on core services which include keeping our facilities open, lending materials and making computers and the internet available.”

All programs including storytime, author events, Lego clubs, knitting circles, book clubs and all others will be canceled for the remainder of the month. The situation will be re-evaluated on a regular basis.

For the latest information about COVID-19 in Contra Costa County and tips on staying healthy, visit contracostahealth.org.

The Library offers a number of services online including access to eBooks and eAudiobooks with Overdrive/Libby, streaming movies through Kanopy and Video Storytime.

For library hours and more information about library services, please visit ccclib.org.

Martinez, CA – As more cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are identified in California, the Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) has provided additional guidance to its three colleges, two centers and District Office in an effort to protect students, faculty, employees and visitors. To date, there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus at any CCCCD location.

Consistent with guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health and Contra Costa Health Services, CCCCD confirmed that all colleges and centers will remain open, and instruction and operations will continue, with modifications, as listed below.

Effective immediately, and through April 30, 2020, unless otherwise noted, CCCCD is taking action in the following areas:

Travel – CCCCD is curtailing all non-essential travel for students, faculty and employees.

Events – CCCCD locations will cancel or postpone gatherings of 50 or more people, especially events attended by older adults and people of all ages with compromised immune systems.

Employee Leave – CCCCD is encouraging students, faculty and employees to stay home if they are sick and adhere to any quarantine guidance provided by a physician in consultation with county health services.

Instruction – CCCCD, in consultation with the Academic Senate and United Faculty leadership, is reviewing remote instruction options for lecture-based classes targeted for March 16, 2020, with evaluations and adjustments made accordingly thereafter.

Student Services – Student Services will continue on-site at campuses, and CCCCD is reviewing technologies and tools to provide remote access as necessary.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide updates to our campus communities when any new relevant information warrants a change in our response to this issue,” said Eugene Huff, Interim Chancellor. Additionally, a centralized District Coronavirus web page is now available at www.4cd.edu/covid19 and will be updated regularly to reflect the latest public health guidance.”

Was scheduled for Friday, March 13

By Alexandra Rubin, Director of Communications, Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

After careful thought and deliberation, we are postponing the Grand Opening Celebration at our new East County Cancer Support Center in Antioch, which was scheduled for this Friday, March 13. We will instead hold the event later in the year, when there is more clarity about public health and the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The center is located at 3505 Lone Tree Way, Suite 3 in Antioch.

We have much to celebrate in Antioch. In just our first two months, over 50 members have made over 1,000 visits to our beautiful new community center. However, as public health officials are currently advising to cancel or postpone nonessential public events, we feel it is best to exercise an abundance of caution right now.

We believe our mission is essential for our members. Please know that we are continuing to offer all scheduled programs and services for our members at our Antioch and Walnut Creek centers. And we will continue to maintain the healthiest and safest possible environment at both locations, while closely following recommendations by Contra Costa Health Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control.

CSC began providing support groups, workshops, meals, social activities, and yoga classes at the new center on Tuesdays and Thursdays in January. By the end of March, CSC will add many other programs, workshops, and social connections. In addition, Charlotte Maxwell Clinic plans to provide free integrated medical services, as CSC’s first nonprofit partner to bring additional services to the center.

“Cancer doesn’t just affect us physically,” said Cancer Support Community CEO James Bouquin. “It affects us psychologically, financially, and socially, increasing stress and feelings of isolation. That’s why we don’t just provide the best therapist-led counseling, educational workshops, and exercise classes; we create a community where patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members are all welcome and encouraged to participate. And best of all, we do all this entirely free of charge.”

The National Cancer Institute has estimated that 38.4 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. East Contra Costa County suffers from disproportionately high rates of cancer morbidity and mortality, while simultaneously lacking some of the critical care and services available in more affluent areas. And, as science turns more cancers from fatal diseases into chronic conditions, living with cancer is something nearly every American will have to learn to do, whether as a patient or survivor, or as a caregiver or loved one of someone with cancer.

The new center’s program manager, Zenaida Burgos, is a long time East County resident and is eager to make people feel welcome. “People feel happy here. If they have a good experience, they’ll come back,” she said. “We are a community here where anyone affected by cancer can belong.”

Research shows that cancer patients who use programs like those provided by CSC live longer, are better able to manage their stress and anxiety, feel more in control of their treatment, and express a higher quality of life. In addition to the programs that have been offered for 30 years in its Walnut Creek center, in East County CSC will be offering emergency financial assistance grants to low income cancer patients, assistance with transportation to the center, and a light lunch for participants on days the center is open.

About Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

Celebrating 30 years in the East Bay, Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care—including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, and patient education programs—for people with cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Our evidence-based services enable cancer patients to partner with their medical teams to manage their treatment and recovery most effectively, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life. We never turn anyone away, and all of our services are always provided free of charge. With services provided at our Walnut Creek center, in local medical centers throughout the Bay Area, and now in Antioch, we

serve more than 2,200 people annually.

For more information about our ongoing programs at Cancer Support Community Antioch and Walnut Creek, please visit our website at www.cancersupport.net/calendar or call us at (925) 933-0107.