FLASH REPORT #13 - COVID-19 MITIGATION AND RESPONSE

FLASH REPORT #13 - COVID-19 MITIGATION AND RESPONSE

1. Post Date:03/13/2020 5:00 PM

2. The following is information about the City of San José’s response to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and reduce the number of people infected.SOURCE:  City of San José Emergency Operations CenterContact: Rosario Neaves, Director of Communications/EPIO; 210-823-3908 City of San José Media Line: 408-535-7777Email:   rosario.neaves@sanjoseca.govOn March 13, County of Santa Clara Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody officially announced a new legal order imposing a mandatory countywide moratorium on gatherings of more than 100 persons, and a conditional countywide moratorium on gatherings of between 35-100 persons, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19; and statement on school closure. To stay informed, check the Santa Clara County Public Health's website, subscribe on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) or call 2-1-1.Read the County order and latest guidance.View the County of Santa Clara Public Health press conference.Updates on City of San José Services and/or OperationsCity of San José Update: The City of San Jose is providing telecommuting opportunities from now until April 3, to ensure the health and safety of our employees. Telecommuting may be an option to reduce density in the workplace, assuming work can effectively be continued from home. Additionally, it may be an option for high risk individuals or for employees who are symptomatic but may still be able to work, provided specific considerations are met and departments authorize working from home. In addition, this may be an option where an employee’s children are not able to attend school because of school closures. The City of San José and City Hall remain open.    San José Fire Department: The City of San José has confirmed that members of our San Jose Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19. As of this update, 8 sworn personnel have tested positive and we are currently tracking the status of 46 who may have been exposed. The City will continue to provide updates to these numbers. The Fire Department has been able to successfully backfill all temporarily vacant positions and we expect to maintain normal resource levels indefinitely. Assistance for Homeless Individuals: The City is coordinating with County Office of Supportive Housing, Destination: Home, Valley Homeless Healthcare Program, County Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect our homeless neighbors from COVID-19. Steps we are taking to assist this vulnerable group include:Suspending encampment abatements to avoid putting anyone at risk unintentionally;Providing handwashing stations, portable toilets, and water to encampments;Expanding shelter capacity and keeping seasonal shelters open;Sending outreach teams to encampments to help individuals understand how to protect themselves from COVID-19;Requesting faith-based shelter providers expand their services;Identifying individuals who are 50+ with chronic conditions who need to be sheltered or separated; and,Developing protocols for transporting individuals when isolation or quarantine is necessary. Housing Department: The City of San José Housing Department wants to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting residential renters. Later this month, the City Council is considering an ordinance that would place a temporary moratorium on evictions of residents who are unable to pay their rent due to the financial impacts of COVID-19. If you are a renter who has been affected by the pandemic, please contact City of San Jose Housing Department staff at 408-535-5621 or rsp@sanjoseca.gov. Environmental Services Department: Household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off appointments at the Environmental Innovation Center at 1608 Las Plumas Ave. in San José will be reduced to a maximum of 75 per day. The Tech Interactive: The City-owned Tech Interactive has decided to close to the public through March 31. All events have been cancelled or will be held virtually. There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus associated with The Tech at this time. All employees were given extra paid sick days and will be paid during the closure, even those who are unable to work remotely. Check thetech.orgfor updates. Office of Retirement Services: The Federated City Employees Retirement System (FCERS) Board has cancelled its March 19 meeting. Arcadia Ballpark Grand Opening: The Arcadia Ballpark grand opening scheduled for Saturday, March 28 is postponed. Department of Transportation: Traffic safety outreach scheduled for April 1 at the Willow Glen Branch Library has been cancelled. Park Closures: Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Lake Cunningham Action Sports Park are closed per the new County order. Youth School Based Services and Programs: R.O.C.K. and ASES afterschool programs, San José Recreation Preschool, Zoo Education, Teen Centers and Youth Intervention programs are cancelled. For a full list, visit bit.ly/prnscancellations. Clean Slate Tattoo Removal: Clean Slate tattoo removal services at Valley Medical Center are suspended.Subscribe to the News Releases eNotification list to receive City of San José Flash Reports, and follow us at sanjoseca.gov and @CityofSanJose on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor.Esta información está disponible en español en www.sanjoseca.gov.Thông tin này có sẵn bằng Tiếng Việt trên trang: www.sanjoseca.gov.這信息將以中文提供在 www.sanjoseca.gov A person’s risk for COVID-19 is not related to race, ethnicity or culture. City employees must abide by the Discrimination and Harassment policy, and treat colleagues and members of the public with courtesy and respect. Discrimination and/or Harassment of any kind is a violation of the policies and will not be tolerated.