Messsage from the County Health Director
For all of us caught in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, life has changed fundamentally. How we socialize, learn, exercise, dine and work has been reshaped entirely in the course of just a few weeks. That level of change, combined with the inherent health concerns related to COVID-19, has created levels of stress and anxiety typical of war zones. Combine all that with the frustration of not knowing when this might end, how we will all be impacted and what a post-COVID-19 world will look like and you might expect fractures in our community.
But we’re not breaking apart. In fact, as I look around, I see a community that is pulling together in many different and powerful ways. Yes, we’re all under immense stress, but Contra Costa County has risen to the challenge, showing a level of respect, cooperation and involvement that is simply remarkable. It’s too early to predict the future, but one thing I do foresee is Contra Costa County emerging from all this with pride for modeling a remarkable level of civility and leadership.
It’s these increased acts of community participation that make it possible for Contra Costa County Health Services to respond in a coordinated, science-based and thoughtful manner to this crisis. The health department’s purpose is to protect and preserve life. We prepare and practice for mass emergencies on a regular basis—earthquakes, fires, disease outbreaks and other disasters. It is our obligation to be prepared even for a once-in-a-century pandemic. And now, with COVID-19, our purpose inspires and drives us to balance the need for extreme caution with a respect for your need to live as normal a life as possible in the face of this crisis.
As one of the first states to see COVID-19 cases, California could well have faced the same catastrophic impacts that other states are now experiencing. However, because of the courage and foresight of health and government officials in Contra Costa County and the entire Bay Area, we took strong and immediate action. Issuing one of the nation’s first region-wide shelter in place orders, the Bay Area slowed the spread of this unprecedented threat to prevent the crushing demand on hospital resources, which prevented illness and death. None of this is possible without the understanding and cooperation of all of you. Your willingness to alter your lives in ways we know are disruptive is vital for the health and well-being of the entire community as well as the safety of our essential workers.
Part of what’s made our response effective thus far has been the cooperation and coordination of the entire county government apparatus. From our Board of Supervisors and County Administration to the multiple different county departments, we are seeing an unprecedented level of alignment and action. Separate departments are sharing resources, staff expertise and contacts to make sure that the county’s response is as comprehensive and coordinated as possible. By the same respect, the county’s 19 cities are partnering closely with all of these efforts to magnify our reach, impact and efficiency. This has been a true example of a whole government response to support and protect the people of Contra Costa County.
Rightly so, there has been a lot of focus on the amazing individuals on the front lines of this epidemic – our healthcare workers, medics, police, fire and many more. As the county’s health director, I have never been more inspired in my entire career than to work with doctors, nurses, clinicians, lab workers, disease investigators, community health workers, registration, administration and custodial staff and countless other essential workers who have never once questioned their responsibility. Instead, they come to work every day dedicated to protecting and preserving lives in our county. It is humbling to witness this level of commitment to others. And for every worker that is responding on the multiple front lines of this pandemic, there’s a team of support staff working to make sure they have the materials, protection, data, information, and expertise they need so they can focus their attention on the work of helping people get and stay well.
The other day, I was on my way to a field health care site we have prepared. As I was driving, I saw a gathering of people at a local school. With masks and gloves on, dozens of volunteers had shown up to distribute food to their neighbors, friends and strangers who are feeling some of the greatest economic impact of this pandemic. As I passed the group I was filled with gratitude. I believe this deep sense of community and connection is part of what makes us resilient and will take us forward to greet the days ahead.
Many thanks for all the ideas, feedback and information so many of you have shared with Contra Costa County Health Services. Your input is helping us to improve each day. Thank you for your continued support of our health department and each other.
Wishing you all safety, health and wellness
Anna Roth, RN, MS, MPH
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
As of Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is reporting a total of 25 deaths in the county from the COVID-19/coronavirus. There are 27 people diagnosed with the virus currently hospitalized, an increase of one from Monday, April 27 but an overall decrease of 17 from the high of 44 on April 14.
Total cases continue to increase with 842 people who have tested positive out of the county’s population of 1.14 million.
Richmond has the most cases of people who have tested positive for the virus at 103, followed by Concord with 78 cases, Antioch with 67, Brentwood with 55, Pittsburg and Pleasant Hill with 53 each, Orinda with 51, and San Pablo with 49 cases.
A total of 12,406 people have been tested for the virus in the county.
The largest category of those who have been diagnosed with the virus continues to be people ages 41-60 with 298 cases.
To see the all the statistics provided by CCHS, click here.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Friday, April 24, 2020, at about 7:52 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report that someone was shot at the 1000 block of Mariposa Avenue in Rodeo.
Deputies arrived finding a man on the street suffering from a gunshot wound. The fire department and an ambulance responded. The man was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been identified as 24-year-old Olajawon Walker of San Pablo.
According to his Facebook page and an internet search, he attended Pinole Valley High School and John Swett High School. According to friends, he leaves behind one child. In addition, Walker was arrested multiple times by Richmond, Oakland and Pinole Police Departments and the Contra Costa, Solano and San Bernardino Counties Sheriff’s Departments between 2016 and 2020 on charges of pimping, loitering with intent to commit prostitution, false imprisonment/human trafficking, spousal/cohabitant abuse, petty theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identification, failure to appear, resisting arrest and probation violations.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit and personnel from the crime lab responded to the location. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreWill include limited easing of some restrictions for small number of lower-risk activities
MARTINEZ – April 27, 2020) – Later this week, the Public Health Officers of the Counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara as well as the City of Berkeley will issue revised shelter-in-place orders that largely keep the current restrictions in place and extend them through May. The new order will include limited easing of specific restrictions for a small number of lower-risk activities.
The shelter-in-place orders in effect across the seven jurisdictions are set to expire on May 3, 2020. Thanks to the collective effort and sacrifice of the 7 million residents across our jurisdictions, we have made substantial progress in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus, ensuring our local hospitals are not overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases, and saving lives. At this stage of the pandemic, however, it is critical that our collective efforts continue so that we do not lose the progress we have achieved together. Hospitalizations have leveled, but more work is needed to safely re-open our communities. Prematurely lifting restrictions could easily lead to a large surge in cases.
The Health Officers will also release a set of broad indicators that will be used to track progress in preparedness and response to COVID-19, in alignment with the framework being used by the State of California. Future easing of restrictions requires that each jurisdiction and various sectors continue to rapidly build critical infrastructure and systems to respond to and control the spread of coronavirus infections and to ensure the health care system’s ability to meet demand.
This global pandemic of COVID-19 is still in its early stages. The virus spreads easily, testing capacity is limited and expanding slowly, and vaccine development is just beginning. We expect to be responding to COVID-19 in our communities for a long time. As effective as our efforts have been, if we move too fast to ease restrictions, the potential of exponential spread could have grave impacts to health and wellness of our residents as well as the economy.
The Health Officers of these seven jurisdictions have been working closely together in leading a unified, regional approach, to protect the health and safety of our residents. Details regarding this next phase will be shared later in the week, along with the updated order.
Read MoreLess highway congestion during stay-at-home orders not a license to speed
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Another excessive speeding citation on I-80. Driver stopped on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Photo by CHP – Contra Costa.
SACRAMENTO — Caltrans announced on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 a joint effort with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to urge drivers in the state to slow down given a recent 87% increase in citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph that coincides with decreased traffic volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From March 19 when the state’s stay-at-home order began to April 19, the CHP reports issuing 2,493 citations statewide for speeding more than 100 mph, as compared to 1,335 during the same period last year. This increase in citations occurred as Caltrans has measured an average decline in traffic volume on state roads of approximately 35% as compared to this time last year.
“Excessive speed and unsafe driving threaten everyone using our highway system,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Viewing less congested roads as an invitation to drive dangerously jeopardizes the safety of construction and maintenance crews who are working to maintain reliable access to our highways when people need it most.”
“It is alarming to see the number of citations officers are writing for excessive speeds on California roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Higher speeds can lead to much more serious injuries and significantly increase the chance of death should a crash occur. Keep yourself and those on the road around you safe. Slow down and drive at a safe, legal speed.”
California’s “Move Over” law continues to be in effect and requires all drivers to move over a lane or, if unable to do so safely, slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and tow trucks.
“Fewer cars on the road doesn’t give drivers the green light to travel over the speed limit,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Driving at a safe speed when you must go out is one way to keep you and your family safe during this pandemic.”
California’s more than 700 electronic highway signs will also soon display the following types of safety-related messages:
IF YOU MUST TRAVEL DO NOT SPEED
KEEP ESSENTIAL WORKERS SAFE DO NOT SPEED
During the COVID-19 emergency, Caltrans continues to provide the general public with a safe and reliable transportation system. The department is maintaining all critical functions during this crisis, including ensuring roadway access to medical facilities and the convenient transport of essential goods and services throughout the state. Some non-essential work has been deferred to limit spread of the COVID-19 virus, but maintenance and construction crews are still addressing hazards, safety concerns and other critical functions on the highways.
Please slow down and Be Work Zone Alert.
For more information about COVID-19 https://covid19.ca.gov/
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Decision based on progress – one of California’s six indicators to gradually modify state’s stay-at-home order
State also announces plans to add at least an additional 80 testing sites, mainly in underserved communities; train up to 10,000 contact tracers
SACRAMENTO — Wednesday, April 22, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to allow hospitals and health systems to resume delayed medical care for Californians – such as heart valve replacements, angioplasty and tumor removals, and key preventive care services, such as colonoscopies – which were deferred as the state’s health care delivery systems prepared for a surge of COVID-19 patients. The decision was based on progress toward preparing California hospitals and health systems for a surge in COVID-19 patients – one of the six critical indicators the governor unveiled last week as part of the state’s framework for gradually modifying California’s stay-at-home order.
As part of the Western State’s Pact, California will work with Washington and Oregon to share best practices on how our states can allow hospitals and medical providers to resume delayed medical care in areas that have sufficient hospital capacity, while ensuring the safety and health of our health care workers and patients. The Western states had previously announced a shared, science-based vision for gradually reopening their economies and controlling COVID-19 into the future.
“From the beginning, I have said California’s decisions will be guided by science, not politics, and that Californians’ health comes first,” said Governor Newsom. “Thanks to the work our health care delivery system has done expanding hospital capacity and reducing the rate of spread of COVID-19, hospitals and health systems can consider resuming medical care that residents have delayed during this crisis, such as heart valve replacements, angioplasty and tumor removals, when such care can be delivered safety and with appropriate protections for health care workers. It’s in the best interest of the overall health of our state to allow these procedures to resume when they can be done safely.”
Last week, Governor Newsom announced six indicators that would drive California’s decision to gradually modify portions of the state’s stay-at-home order. They include:
- Expanding testing and contact tracing to be able to identify and isolate those with the virus;
- Preventing infection in people who are most at risk;
- Being able to handle surges in hospitals and the health care delivery system;
- Developing therapeutics to meet demand;
- Ensuring businesses, schools and child care facilities can support physical distancing; and
- Determining when to reinstate certain measures like the stay-at-home order if need be.
Also today, Governor Newsom announced that President Trump has personally committed to sending the state 100,000 testing swabs next week and 250,000 swabs the following week.
Health officials also outlined progress toward the first indicator: expanding testing and contact tracing to be able to identify and isolate those with the virus.
To that end, the state announced the expansion of community testing in underserved areas. The state is contracting with Verily, an Alphabet company, in partnership with Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and with support from Rockefeller Foundation and an anonymous donor, to establish six new community testing sites focused on underserved communities such as farmworkers and communities of color. Additionally, the state is contracting with OptumServe, to establish an additional 80 community testing sites, which too will be focused on underserved communities.
“We know that communities of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “We must ensure that we are deploying testing equitably in an effort to reduce the higher death rates we are seeing in African American and Latino communities.”
In addition, the state is:
- Accelerating equitable COVID-19 testing by aiming to deploy 25,000 tests per day by April 30; establishing an additional 80-100 testing sites; and identifying five new high-throughput testing hubs.
- Establishing a contact tracing workforce by surveying counties on their capacity; developing a statewide training academy; and training 10,000 public health connectors to conduct contact tracing.
- Developing isolation protocols and supports by identifying regional alternate isolation sites and building private-public partnerships to support those who are isolated.
- Deploying data management system and tools by publishing a symptom-check app; deploying a data management platform; and establishing a data dashboard for the public.
Now that testing has become more widely available across the state, California updated its testing guidance earlier this week to become the first state to recommend testing of some asymptomatic individuals such as health care workers, first responders and correctional workers. This action will better protect Californians and prevent COVID-19 spread in high-risk settings such as congregate living facilities and correctional facilities.
Read MoreWill remain in custody while awaiting trial
By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney
Martinez, Calif. – On April 21, 2020, the Honorable Patricia Scanlon found there to be enough evidence against defendant Ramon Pruitt (63-years-old) during his preliminary hearing for his case to proceed to trial. In total, Pruitt is facing eight felonies counts for sex crimes against children. Judge Scanlon agreed with our Office’s request to keep Pruitt in custody as he awaits trial. He is in custody on $500,000 bail. (See related article)
Pruitt of San Geronimo, California is a local karate instructor and operated Danville Karate International. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is working closely with the Danville Police Department on the case.
The criminal investigation into Pruitt’s activities associated with Danville Karate International is ongoing. There may be additional victims in addition to the two victims associated with the criminal charges in this case. Anyone with information should contact the Danville Police Department Detective Daniel Lynch at 925-314-3711.
Pruitt’s alleged offenses occurred as far back as 2013 and as recently as January of this year. The preliminary hearing conveyed evidence involving two male victims, both minors at the time of the allegations.
Case information: People v. Ramon Pruitt, Docket Number 01-193129-4.
Read MoreAssistance available at (833) 320-1919 starting today, April 23
Concord, CA (April 23, 2020) – The Workforce Development Board (WDB) and Board of Supervisors are pleased to announce the opening of a new call center to meet the needs of Contra Costa businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The call center, created with the support of the county’s Economic Development arm of the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) and Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), will offer information and resources to help businesses navigate the current economic climate. The WDB COVID-19 Call Center will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting Thursday, April 23, 2020.
“As part of our #BounceBackContraCosta campaign, WDB’s staff is prepared to provide helpful information and resources to assist callers in accessing various federal, state and local programs that are available during this time,” explained Donna Van Wert, WDB Executive Director. “We recognize our local business owners and their employees are dealing with critical concerns, and may want extra support as they work through this unprecedented economic predicament.”
Businesses and workers facing an unanticipated decrease in the demand for certain goods and services, can reach WDB staff members who are equipped to provide information and resources for dealing with lay-offs, insurance needs, federal small business loans, and payroll subsidies. The WDB call center team can also assist with tapping into programs to reduce utility costs, access online career training, payroll protection, and other business services.
The WDB COVID-19 Call Center is reachable at (833) 320-1919. WDB staff are highly trained and knowledgeable, and have extensive experience supporting business leaders and job seekers with education, training, resources, partnerships and public programs.
Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County
Part of the Employment & Human Services Department, Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) brings together leaders from business, economic development, education, labor, community-based organizations, and public agencies to align a variety of resources and organizations to enhance the competitiveness of the local workforce and support economic vitality in our region. The WDBCCC designs its programs and services to help job seekers, employers, small businesses and youth. Visit www.wdbccc.com or follow on social media #BounceBackContraCosta.
Department of Conservation and Development
The Economic Development office within the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) works to encourage investment and job growth within the unincorporated communities of Contra Costa County, and supports efforts of its cities to grow business within their boundaries. The Workforce Development Board is among several Contra Costa County divisions that work closely with Economic Development to support our businesses.
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 promoting organizational excellence, 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.
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County health orders in Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, and San Mateo now require all riders to wear face coverings inside BART stations and on-board trains. The orders also require BART to take reasonable measures to remind the public that they need facing coverings and “must take all reasonable steps to prohibit any member of the public who is not wearing a face covering from entering and must not serve that person if those efforts are unsuccessful and seek to remove that person.” Failure to comply with the emergency health order is a misdemeanor. Enforcement begins on Wednesday, April 22.
Prior to the order, most BART riders were already wearing face coverings while riding. BART will take the following steps to be compliant with the new orders:
Public Communication
- Signs with pictograms and translations will be posted in all stations.
- PA announcements will be made inside stations and on-board trains.
- Platform digital signs will rotate a message.
- Website and social media posts will be made.
BART Police Deployment and Enforcement Strategies
BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez recently shifted deployment to focus police resources to the entrances of stations and near the faregates. This strategy was put into place to improve safety for our employees and riders and to prevent illegal behavior from occurring. Continuing this deployment will help BART enforce the new orders.
BART Police will be responsible for reminding riders of the new requirement. Consistent with BART’s current operating procedures, Station Agents will not be used to enforce the new public health emergency orders as they are not trained law enforcement personnel.
BART Police will give verbal reminders of the requirement to riders without face coverings when police encounter someone not covering their mouth and nose. Police personnel will remind the rider they have the option to use any material to cover their face. Only upon refusal to cover their face with any material will an officer ask the person to leave the system.
Riders should not confront others without a face covering. If someone isn’t wearing a face covering, riders should move away from the individual.
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings that can be fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
Read More$6 Tolls At All Times Until Toll Plaza Congestion Returns
SAN FRANCISCO, April 22, 2020 . . . In light of the steep drop in vehicle traffic across the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges due to state and local shelter-in-place mandates during the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) today voted to suspend weekday congestion pricing — also known as time-of-day pricing — at the Bay Bridge toll plaza. Effective at midnight tonight, tolls for regular two-axle vehicles on each of the state-owned toll bridges will be standardized at $6 on all days and at all times.
Congestion pricing originally was implemented at the Bay Bridge in 2010. Currently, weekday Bay Bridge tolls are set at $5 from midnight to 5 a.m., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to midnight; and rise to $7 during the traditional peak hours of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The current $6 toll rate at the Bay Bridge on Saturdays and Sundays will remain unchanged, as will the $3 toll rate for three-person carpools and qualifying clean-air vehicles.
The volume of weekday traffic across the Bay Bridge and the six other state-owned toll bridges has fallen about 50 percent below 2019 levels since the Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order went into effect on March 17, while weekend traffic has stabilized at about 65 percent below last year’s levels.
Caltrans and BATA encourage all toll bridge customers who do not already have FasTrak accounts to open accounts online at www.bayareafastrak.org or by phone at 1-877-229-8655 (BAY-TOLL). Customers who may be leaving their homes to buy food or medicine at a Costco or Walgreens store may obtain a FasTrak toll tag at these stores and then activate their new accounts online. A map of retail locations at which FasTrak toll tags are available may be found at https://www.bayareafastrak.org/en/howitworks/retailmap.html.
BATA administers all toll revenues from the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges. In addition to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, these include the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. Caltrans owns and operates the state highway system, including the seven Bay Area toll bridges.
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