Stacey Grassini, Senior Deputy District Attorney, said the special protection unit assigned to enforce the health order consists of three deputy district attorneys, two senior inspectors, and one paralegal. The group was formed when the health order became active in March. He said most referrals come from the health services call center with a very small number from law enforcement. Every complaint is tracked from beginning to end. The unit prefers an educational approach to compliance with the order. Complaints are reviewed by a deputy district attorney and determinations are made whether the business is essential or not. Health Services assists in questions regarding the essential designation. An inspector is available if needed to verify that appropriate measures are being implemented in businesses that are operation. He notes that over 200 businesses have been contacted. The vast majority are in compliance, with a letter being sent to those who are not outlining the health ramifications and the consequences of non-complaince. They can file misdemeanor charges if necessary. To date, voluntary compliance has been excellent and no charges have been filed against any business.
Gary Koeppel, Deputy District Attorney, said the enforcement unit has agreed to be the contact persons for state agencies. They have been contacted by the department of industrial relations that oversees CalOSHA, the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, and Alcohol and Beverage Control. The Department of Emergency Services has acted as a sort of clearinghouse for the different agencies. He noted it is not a traditional type of task force. Different agencies are acting independently and operating within their own jurisdictions. For instance, the cosmetology board would direct their focus on the licensing of the hair salons and barbers to see if they are in compliance with closure orders as a nonessential business. Networking between the agencies is a work in progress. Feedback has been positive. He said people should continue to report violations to the Covid-19 hotline at Health Services or the non-emergency number for the local police force. A referral will be made to the protection unit for follow-up to the District Attorney’s office to facilitate action by the appropriate agency and inspectors.
The Environmental Health inspectors go to facilities such as restaurants, auto repair shops, and gasoline stations. They are creating handouts to assist the businesses. Their approach is to gain compliance through education. Those who refuse to comply will be referred to the District Attorney for follow up.
Mr. Twa, County Administrator, noted that funds for Covid-19 are received from the state, one fund from the Governor and one fund from the CARES Act. Receiving those funds requires being able to certify that the county is in compliance with state orders.
The Board expressed a desire to greater encourage compliance with the health order without charging violators with a misdemeanor. An ordinance to authorize administrative penalties (fines) would be such an avenue.
Anna Roth, Health Services Director and Chris Farnitano, Health Officer summarized changes since the last report on June 23 2020.
Cases across the state continue to rise, with over 7,000 deaths. Contra Costa County has been added to the state’s monitoring list. Yesterday the Governor updated the statewide health order:
No dine in restaurants, no wineries or tasting rooms, no movie theaters, no family entertainment centers, bowling alleys or miniature golf or batting cages
Museums are closed as well as card rooms, brew hubs and breweries must close all indoor and outdoor statewide unless they are offering sit down meals.
In Contra Costa, closed operations, based on the government's order is fitness centers, worship services indoor, protests indoor, offices for nonessential sectors, personal care services, body waxing tattoo parlors, Barber shops and indoor malls.
In three weeks there has been a nearly 100% increase in cases in Contra Costa. On June 23rd the total number of cases was 2586. Today there are 5023, an increase of 2497 cases - in only three weeks. 92 lives have been lost. There is growing evidence that there is widespread community transmission with the highest case rates in our low-income communities, the more diverse communities where we know people have to go out of the home working or for other reasons. The positivity rate (number of tests that are positive) has risen from 3% to 8%. The over 20% rise in hospitalization rate has placed the county on the state monitoring list.
While testing is steadily increasing overall, it continues to be a challenge. The current average wait on the phone to schedule a test is 22 minutes. County testing sites have slots open about 7 days out, state sites about 14 days out. Receiving test results is frequently in excess of five days. The laboratories need more staff to get testing turnaround faster.
Ms. Roth assures all that testing and results are completely confidential. Contact tracing is also confidential. This information will not be shared outside the health service agencies.
For the dashboard and information on Covid-19, please go to cchealth.org. For non-emergency questions and to schedule testing, please call 1-844-729-8410.