Chris Farnitano, Public Health Officer, noted that the number of confirmed cases is expected to rise as testing is rolled out and testing becomes available through private labs. Several private labs are offering tests through their healthcare providers, and the county is working to acquire additional data on the testing.  At this time, the total number of tests given and number of negative tests is not being reported. A health order will be issued today that will mandate that these private labs report all tests through the standard electronic testing mechanisms to both the state and local authorities, to better understand testing capacity and ascertain the rate of positive tests.   The labs are testing those with symptoms.  The County is not recommending testing those without symptoms at this time.  The County will participate in a joint press release in cooperation with all the Bay Area counties, as it works on lab reporting requirements. 

The County’s Public Health lab has performed over 450 tests to date.  Results of the tests are arriving within a day.  Some private labs can achieve this time frame and some cannot.  Testing criteria is being loosened in line with the capacity to process them, and the County would like to increase the level of testing.

While essential work still continues, Dr. Farnitano stressed the importance for those at high risk to stay home.  He noted it is important to physical and mental health to go outside and exercise, while being vigilant in maintaining social distance of six feet or more between persons. 

Dr. Farnitano stressed the importance of following the health orders as the healthcare staff prepare for an expected surge in cases.  Staff is exploring additional locations for care of the ill, requesting and receiving supplies for the state and federal government.  He expects that more gloves, masks, gowns (personal protective equipment or ppe) will be needed, and starting today, will be asking for donations from the public.  Details can be found at the website CCCGOV.org/coronavirus.   PPE is being prioritized for healthcare providers and first responders.

The County is setting up a mobile staff hospital with federal resources, and looking at a facility as a lower level care facility; every possible solution to expand care capacity is being examined. Several clinics have set up drive-through testing capability.  The data from cases in New York City will be tracked carefully in addition to our own, to ascertain the effectiveness of the shelter in place on preventing the spread of the disease. 

Ms. Roth provided a brief summary of some of the work being performed in the health department and county.  Staff are observing social distancing guidelines.  The County’s Emergency Operations Center is open and assisting with virtualizing functions.  Staff is delivering healthcare, running lab tests, investigating cases, answering the call lines, ensuring restaurants are in compliance by operating as take out establishments, and coordinating with community organizations.  Health services is partnering with the Sheriff to meet the needs of the incarcerated, and the Housing and Homeless Director to serve the unhoused.  Employment and Human Services is providing outreach to the community to how to get food and manage finances.   The County has a one-stop website cchealth.org and has opened a coronavirus hotline (Monday – Friday 1-844-729-8410).  Those feeling anxious are encouraged to call 211 for someone to talk to.  Supervisor Gioia noted that there is a stay on all eviction orders.  The Sheriff has stopped serving eviction orders in all 19 cities and the unincorporated area until May 31^st. Supervisor Burgis noted that as the science and data changes, orders may be modified.  David Twa, County Administrator, said the County has expedited the purchasing process to acquire critical equipment and supplies for healthcare workers and first responders.  The County has purchased laptops and virtual private network (VPN) devices to allow as many employees as possible to work from home or a remote location;  procured some hotel rooms for off-duty healthcare workers and first responders to rest in isolation and prevent exposure of family members to COVID-19; and provides pay and benefits to all employees through April 6, 2020. 

The Families First Act passed by Congress provides 80 hours of sick leave to most employees to address the illness, to use for sick leave and for child care due to school or daycare closures. 

The County met with labor leadership via conference call on March 24^th for an informational session to address issues and concerns, and will continue to have daily contact with them.  Additional meetings will be scheduled as plans are developed. The first priority is to provide personal protective equipment to the employees on the front line, and then to work toward getting essential personnel back to work to continuing serving the public.

Supervisor Gioia requested that Dr. Farnitano continue to keep in touch with the school district superintendents and continue providing guidance.  Public Health has been in touch with the superintendents and having regular calls with Officer of Education in each of the counties and jurisdictions for a consensus across the board and is working on providing them with written policy guidelines.  Many documents have been placed on the cchealth.org website for easy access by schools, farmers markets, child care facilities, senior facilities, and others on how to operate safely.  More documents will be added.