Mar 20, 2020

13 min read

Staying Connected Through Information

Your Questions about Coronavirus, Answered

Continue to stay at or close to home as much as possible.

During this time of heightened public health risk and community concern, it is important to know you are not alone and there is help and resources available to answer your questions. As a community, we are in this together. We are encouraging our community to stay informed, be well, stay safe, and connect with one another virtually and by phone. Community connections are critical to keeping a sense of normalcy. One way to stay informed is by getting your questions answered. The City has established a Community Support Call Center and an online portal, a dedicated webpage with daily updates, and other ways to keep you in the know and answer questions you have.

This blog offers a series of questions and answers that will be updated regularly with new community questions with answers by category.

What’s happening now?

The Santa Clara County Public Health Office implemented the State’s Regional Stay at Home Order. It was put in effect on Sunday, December 6 and will remain in effect through at least January 4, with the potential for longer temporary restrictions based on hospitalizations and ICU capacity. Santa Clara County joined the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and San Francisco, as well as the City of Berkeley, in taking more aggressive action and not waiting for regional ICU capacity to fall under 15%, as mandated by California’s Regional Stay at Home Order. More information on the State’s Regional Stay at Home Order, including the limitations on businesses and activities, can be found here. The move to expedite the restrictions for most of the Bay Area is to ensure the health care system can provide care as it manages the extreme surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Santa Clara County has already fallen under 15% ICU capacity.

The Order prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes businesses and operations except for critical infrastructure, and requires face coverings and physical distancing in all other interactions 100% of the time. Retail businesses must reduce indoor operations to 20% capacity and restaurants must close all indoor and outdoor dining and may offer take-out or delivery. Indoor recreation facilities must close. The Public Health Officers noted that they aim to lift restrictions as soon as they can. The goal is to save lives and ensure that the health care system can support community members with other critical health care needs. If you need help and have a health care need, please contact your doctor or go to the hospital.

In Palo Alto, the shift for restaurants to only offer takeout and delivery triggers a temporary reopening of California Avenue, University Avenue, and Ramona Street to vehicular traffic to facilitate easy community access to retail and restaurant options. As a result, California Avenue and University Avenue, and Ramona Street will reopen to vehicular traffic as of Tuesday, December 8 at 8 a.m. The City is pivoting quickly to help restaurants with signage to connect community members to take-out, and curbside pick-up and delivery options. For a quick guide on the Public Health Order restrictions, go to the Santa Clara County’s Public Health Department Twitter post here.

For a list of what is allowed or not under each tier of the State’s framework, go here.

Most outdoor city services in Palo Alto remain open. For more updates on park services and availability in Palo Alto, please visit our Neighborhood Parks page here. The Palo Alto Art Center has closed in compliance with state requirements.

The Emergency Order requiring that face coverings be worn when out in public is still in effect. The City’s face covering order allows people to be outside without a face covering if they are engaged in outdoor recreation. Note that the order includes “walking” in its definition of outdoor recreation. Please consider this when deciding whether to call in a suspected violation of the order. The State has also issued new face covering guidance.

Anyone wishing to report a violation of the City’s face covering order is welcome to call the Police Department’s 24-hour dispatch center at 650–329–2413. The first goal of officers will be to provide education about the order. Officers will then ask for voluntary compliance, and we are confident that our community members will do their part to comply. While violation of this emergency order can result in an administrative citation, that is a measure of last resort for the Palo Alto Police Department and will be considered only after all education and voluntary compliance efforts have failed.

Helpful Links

Public Health Order

COVID-19 Capacity Limitations

New Mandatory Directive for Gatherings

New Mandatory Directive for Dining

New Mandatory Directive for Collegiate and Professional Athletics

Updated Community Support Call Center Hours

We understand the community is concerned during this time of uncertainty. Please as a reminder, only call 9–1–1 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. The City activated a new Community Support Call Center in March to connect the community with information. Call us at (650) 272–3181 with your questions about COVID-19. City staff will return your call within one business day. We can also be reached online here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TOP MEDICAL QUESTIONS

What can I do to prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep my family safe?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The City is urging our community to help slow the spread of respiratory viruses and safeguard our most vulnerable community members from getting sick by:

· Staying home. Only leave the house for essential business, including grocery shopping or receiving medical care.

· Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

· Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoiding the urge to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

· Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

· Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Visit the CDC’s “Steps to Prevent Illness” page for more in-depth resources.

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department released new guidance to help protect our most vulnerable populations. Visit the County’s Public Health Department site for more information. Go here if you think you have coronavirus symptoms.

What are the current rules on wearing face masks in public?

On May 11th, City Council approved an Emergency Order requiring that face coverings be worn when out in public.

The City’s face covering order allows people to be outside without a face covering if they are engaged in outdoor recreation. Note that the order includes “walking” in its definition of outdoor recreation. Please consider this when deciding whether to call in a suspected violation of the order.

My family and I are noticing that our stress levels are really high right now, with everything going on. What can we do?

It is certainly no secret that we are all living in stressful times. We are in this together and as we shelter at and near home, you are not alone. As we continue to lift up our community during this emergency, please remember to stay connected, be well, and stay safe. The City recently launched a new website focused on wellness, support hotlines, family fun and fitness, and more. Go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/bewell for more. The State of California has published a list of resources on their COVID-19 website here that are designed to address the secondary health impacts due to widespread stress and anxiety caused by the Coronavirus and compounded by economic worries, school closures, and social isolation. It includes guidance from the California Surgeon General on stress relief for caregivers and kids, and also includes tips on maintaining supportive relationships, exercise, sleep, nutrition, mental health support, and mindfulness.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has online resources to answer questions if you feel you have COVID-19 symptoms. Go here to learn more. The CDC guidance is that those who feel sick or have symptoms should contact their primary care physician for a referral to get tested.

Another option would be to use the new Project Baseline system to be screened online, and then referred to a mobile testing site. Go here for more.

Where can I locate testing sites?

California residents can locate COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state by utilizing the new tool to locate sites up to 100 miles from any zip code, city, or address that is inserted here.

Santa Clara County announced free COVID-19 testing is available for all county residents, asymptomatic or otherwise due to a collaboration between the state and Verily. Santa Clara County residents can sign up for a test at either location through Project Baseline by Verily here. Free testing is available twice per month at the Palo Alto Art Center. For more information, including dates and how to sign up for a test, go here.

POLICE ENFORCEMENT QUESTIONS

Who is enforcing the countywide shelter-in-place and how is it being enforced?

This order is being enforced by all police agencies in the County, including the Palo Alto Police Department. While public health orders can be enforced criminally, that is a measure of absolute last resort for the Palo Alto Police Department. Our patrol division continues to be out and about in the community, ready to respond to any calls for service that may come in.

To report a suspected public health order violation that requires an immediate response by law enforcement, you are welcome to call the Police Department’s 24-hour dispatch center at 650–329–2413. Personnel from the Palo Alto Police Department will respond, though the first goal of officers will be to provide education and seek voluntary compliance. We are confident that our community members will do their part to comply with the temporary restrictions. While violation of a public health order is a misdemeanor, making arrests continues to remain a measure of last resort for the Palo Alto Police Department, and will be considered only after all education and voluntary compliance efforts have failed.

To reported a suspected public health order violation that does NOT require an immediate response by law enforcement, please visit the County of Santa Clara’s COVID-19 reporting portal at www.sccCOVIDconcerns.org. You can fill out your complaint online, and a County-designated enforcement officer will investigate. For languages other than English, please call the County of Santa Clara’s Advice Line at 1–866–870–7725 to report your complaint.

Are the police citing or charging people for gathering?

Not currently. If you see a group of people gathering and wish to report a public health order violation, please call the Police Department’s 24-hour dispatch center at 650–329–2413. Personnel from the Palo Alto Police Department will respond, though the first goal of officers will be to provide education about the new order. Officers will then ask for voluntary compliance, and we are confident that our community members will do their part to comply with the temporary restrictions. While violation of a public health order is a misdemeanor, making arrests continues to remain a measure of last resort for the Palo Alto Police Department, and will be considered only after all education and voluntary compliance efforts have failed.

How do I report violations of the County Health Order (i.e. business complaints, social distancing, etc.)?

Is it okay to call or text 9–1–1 for a suspected health order violation?

No. 9–1–1 is intended for use in emergency situations only. We encourage you to report in-progress suspected health order violations to our 24-hour dispatch center at 650–329–2413 instead. Please help our hard-working public safety dispatchers by keeping our 9–1–1 lines open and available for emergencies only. They appreciate your cooperation.

Who do I call to report a business still operating, when they should be closed?

To reported a suspected public health order violation of this nature, please visit the County of Santa Clara’s COVID-19 reporting portal at www.sccCOVIDconcerns.org. You can fill out your complaint online, and a County-designated enforcement officer will investigate. For languages other than English, please call the County of Santa Clara’s Advice Line at 1–866–870–7725 to report your complaint.

Are essential businesses required to post a “Social Distancing Protocol Document?

Yes. The updated health order still requires that all essential businesses prepare and post a “Social Distancing Protocol” document using the template here (see Appendix A to this file). This document is required to be posted at or near the entrance to the business and shall be easily viewable by the public and employees. The full requirements appear in Section 13h of the health order. Go here for the Santa Clara County Public Health Order.

My neighbors are continuing to employ their gardeners/landscapers. Is that legal?

Gardening and landscaping services are allowed, where social distancing of at least six feet can be maintained between all people.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES QUESTIONS

Where can I get more information on the ban on tenant evictions in California, Santa Clara County, and Palo Alto?

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning eviction of renters for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19, through February 1, 2021. The order prohibits law enforcement and courts from enforcing evictions for nonpayment of rent due to COVID-19. It requires tenants to declare in writing, no more than seven days after the rent comes due, that the tenant cannot pay all or part of their rent due to COVID-19 and to keep documentation. Palo Alto City Council unanimously passed an eviction moratorium in March. Santa Clara County also passed similar restrictions. All three of these regulations apply in Palo Alto. Renters can qualify for protection from eviction by satisfying the requirements of the State, County, or City regulation. Go here for more information on the County’s eviction moratorium.

What parks and outdoor spaces are still open?

City parks, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces in Palo Alto are open. For more updates on park services and availability in Palo Alto, please visit our Neighborhood Parks page here.

Where can I get relief from utility bills?

The City announced a series of utility rate-relief programs to support customers during this difficult time. Programs and actions include implementing a temporary ban on shut-offs for non-payment, lengthening repayment plans, and expanding the medical rate and financial rate assistance programs. Residential customers who are experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for a 25 percent discount on gas and electricity charges and a 20 percent discount on storm drain charges. Details on these programs can be found here.

The City also has the ProjectPLEDGE program to support residents with one-time bill assistance funded by customer donations. To apply for this program, go here.

For both residential and commercial customers, a Proclamation of Local Emergency (PLE) has instituted a moratorium on Palo Alto residential and commercial customer disconnections for non-payment, late payment, and full-bill payment requirements. Customers can make partial payments, without penalty and without risk of Disconnection for Non-Payment. The total of missed payments (except Late Fees, which will be waived) will continue to be owed to CPAU, but be eligible for an extended payment plan, at the end of the emergency proclamation period. Additionally, payment arrangements for CPAU residential and commercial customers will be extended to a maximum of 18 months from the termination date of the Proclamation of Local Emergency (PLE). There is no need for a Payment Arrangement until the PLE is lifted. For more information, please go here.

Business owners seeking further information or needing assistance can call (650) 329–2161.

Utilities Customer Service can help with questions associated with these programs. Customer support is available through the call center and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) at (650) 329–2161, online customer account service at mycpau.cityofpaloalto.org, or email at UtilitiesCustomerService@cityofpaloalto.org. This includes paying bills.

I own a business, are there State or Federal resources to help me during this difficult time?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) manages funds available to help small businesses in California affected by the economy due to the coronavirus outbreak. More information is available at www.sba.gov. The SBA provides information on Economic Injury Loans as well as the SBA’s disaster assistance offices’ Preparedness and Recovery fact sheets. The CDC has also put out guidance for businesses to help prevent exposures to respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

The Paycheck Protection Program is a Small Business Association loan that helps businesses (including certain non-profits, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals) keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

HELPFUL LINKS

Connecting You and Your Family With More Resources

Go here for the City’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage.

Go here for our Daily Coronavirus Reports and sign up.

Go here to get connected with Palo Alto community based organizations, resources and ways to volunteer and help.

Go here for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Frequently Asked Questions.

Go here for the State of California Department of Public Health.

Go here for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department Frequently Asked Questions.