UPDATED MONDAY, april 16 @1520
List of local, State, Federal Health & Safety Updates; Health & Safety Guidelines for Employers & Small Businesses; Food Access Resources; Housing, Utilities & Internet Assistance; School Closure Info & Support for Students & Youth; and Emotional Support & Physical Wellbeing.
Provided by Richmond Main Street.
Six Bay Area counties, including Contra Costa County, have ordered residents to begin a “shelter in place,” beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and lasting at least until May 3, 2020, to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
HERE’S THE FACTS ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING
You can go outside
This is not a lockdown. You can leave your homes to handle essential business, like buying groceries or getting your prescriptions. When you do leave, authorities are requiring you stay at least six feet away from other people and wash your hands as often as you can. No shaking hands. No covering coughs or sneezes with your hands — only your elbow.
Social distancing means more than just standing six feet apart. It means staying indoors and away from people unless absolutely necessary, and when you must be around others (like grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions), stay at least six feet away from others at all times.
Limit your exposure to “high touch” areas like ATM machines and credit-card readers. If you must go outside, use a face covering like a mask (sewn masks are okay) or, if no mask is available, a bandana will do. Use sanitizer gel frequently when out, and when you return home, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds (palms, backs, between fingers, fingertips, and each finger including thumb) before touching anything inside your home.
Grocery stores will be open
You do not need to hoard groceries. Stores will be open during the shelter-in-place order, and you will be able to go out to shop when you need. Please respect “senior hours” that stores have set aside for those with disabilities or members of the “vulnerable population.” If you are not a senior or disabled, do not use stores during senior hours. Check the websites of the stores you intend to use to determine their senior hours before you leave your house.
Restaurants can be open with restrictions
Restaurants can remain open, but only for take-out and delivery. In-room dining is banned. That being said, many restaurants have chosen to close or converted to take-out and delivery only during this outbreak — including the Up & Under, which is delivering meals three times a week. Details at www.theupandunder.com.
Hospitals & pharmacies will be open
Hospitals are open. However, doctors’ offices will cancel or reschedule routine medical appointments. Many offices are planning on converting to appointment-by-phone where possible for routine medical appointments. If you have an appointment to pick up a physical prescription as required by law — for example, for pain medications —requirements to present a physical prescription have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak and your doctor will be able to phone it in to your pharmacy.
Banks will be open and mail will be delivered
Operations of both banks and mail are strictly controlled by federal law, and they are not affected by this county order. Your mail will arrive and banks will work — as will ATMs.
Police and Fire Departments are operating
Both police and fire personnel are still on the job and will be working throughout the shelter-in-place order.
Airports, BART, taxis, and public transit will be open
While public transportation will remain open, it is only for essential travel and services have been limited due to reduced ridership. Riders are expected to keep a six-foot perimeter around themselves and in some cases, the number of passengers on vehicles may be limited. Check the website of the transit method you use before you leave the house to find out what service limits are being implemented and any passenger restrictions are required.
The Richmond Ferry has been suspended entirely.
Other services will be closed or be open with restrictions.
Bars and nightclubs are closed.
Public events are cancelled.
Gyms are closed.
Daycare centers remain open for front-line workers (e.g., hospital personnel and grocery workers).
Veterinarians remain open with some restrictions.
Dog parks, golf courses, soccer fields, and recreational-activity areas have been closed. Open-space areas like hiking trails may be open, but barbeque areas and restrooms within those parks are closed. Check the websites of any park you intend to use before you leave to determine whether it is open and what facilities within these areas are closed.
Are cops going to bust me for being outside?
The shelter-in-place order is not a mandatory lockdown, but this public health order does make provisions for law enforcement to “ensure compliance.” That means we’re not sure how strict law enforcement will be. Your best bet: Keep your outside trips to only essential needs.