Solano Public Health Extends Shelter-at-Home Order to April 30

SOLANO COUNTY – Solano County Public Health officials have extended the County’s shelter at home health order and directive until April 30, 2020, to continue directing individuals to stay at home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care and to engage in essential activities and work. The County’s health order extension is in line with the Governor’s orders, and works to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the community.

“We extended the shelter at home health order and directive to re-emphasize the importance that everyone continues to follow self-isolation and social distancing best practices,” says County Health Officer Bela Matyas, M.D., M.P.H. “When everyone does their part, we help slow the spread of COVID-19 disease in Solano County, giving our health care providers the time, tools and capacity necessary to provide care to those who need it most in our community.”

The Solano County health order and directive, originally issued on March 18, outlines essential activities in our community that will remain open and operational, including government services, healthcare operations, grocery stores, agricultural operations, businesses that provide food, shelter and social services to needy individuals, media outlets, gas stations, banks and financial institutions, service industries, mail, shipping and supplies, laundromats, restaurants that provide delivery or drop off services, supply product companies, transportation industries, professional services and childcare.

All non-essential gatherings, including bars, nightclubs, wineries, gyms, movie theatres, hair and nail salons, entertainment venues and restaurants with dine-in options are to remain closed until further notice.

Solano Public Health recommends everyone follow these simple, daily social-distancing and hygiene best-practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and respiratory disease in our community, including: avoid public gatherings, avoid all non-essential travel, keep a six-foot distance between yourself and others, wash your hands often with soap and water, stay home when you are sick and get a flu shot. For a complete list of do’s and don’ts during the pandemic, visit https://Covid19.Ca.Gov.

For more information on COVID-19, including the shelter at home health order and directive, community resources, number of COVID-19 cases, essential vs. non-essential functions, food, employment, healthcare and frequently asked questions, visit www.SolanoCounty.com/PublicHealth, call the Coronavirus warmline, Monday – Friday between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. at (707) 784-8988, email Covid19@SolanoCounty.com and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH.

• Access the full order
• Access Stay at Home 101 Guidance and Tips

Friday, March 27, 2020

Gov. Newsom Issues Order to Protect Renters

Governor Newsom has issued an executive order protecting residential renters impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. If you are a renter of a residential property and have lost your job because of COVID-19, if you are caring for a loved one impacted by COVID-19 or are ill yourself with COVID-19 and cannot make your rent payment, you can take certain steps if you want to request an extension to pay your rent:

1. To qualify, you must have paid your landlord prior to March 27, 2020 all rent that is due and be current on your rent as of that date.
2. Notify your landlord in writing no later than 7 days after your rent is due that you need to delay all or some of your rent payment for COVID-19 reasons, such as the following:
   • You were sick with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 or were caring for a household/family member sick with suspected/confirmed COVID-19; or
   • You experienced a lay-off, loss of hours, or other income reduction due to COVID-19, the state of emergency, or related governmental response; or
   • You missed work to care for a child whose school was closed due to COVID-19.
3. You must retain written proof of the basis you are claiming and provide that proof in writing to your landlord. Examples of documentation include termination notices, payroll checks, pay stubs, bank statements, medical bills, or signed letters or statements from an employer/supervisor explaining your changed financial circumstances.

Governor Newsom’s Order DOES NOT allow you to stop paying rent in full if you are able to pay all or some rent and it does not relieve you from having to eventually pay all rent owed once you are able to do so.

Access the Executive Order and detailed information

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

STA Lyft Last Mile Program Expanded for Essential Travel

In response to the shelter-in-place orders issued by Governor Gavin Newsom and the Solano County Office of Public Health, Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) has reduced transit services, including the temporary elimination of Routes 2, 4, 5, and 8 (see FAST service advisory: https://fasttransit.org/service-advisory/).

To support mobility needs of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (such as healthcare workers and public safety employees), and to provide residents with transportation for essential tasks (such as medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, purchasing groceries, or ordering takeout meals), the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) is expanding the Lyft First/Last Mile Program to provide coverage for the eliminated FAST Routes, effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at noon.

The Lyft First/Last Mile Program provides 80% off Lyft rides up to $25 dollars to and from local transportation centers in Solano County. Commuters can use the Lyft First/Last Mile Program for travel to and from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, the Suisun Fairfield Train Station, the Fairfield Vacaville Hannigan Train Station, and the Fairfield Transportation Center.

Residents also may use the Lyft First/Last Mile Program to perform essential tasks at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base (Main Entrance), FoodMaxx (Beck Ave), Smart and Final/Walmart (N. Texas St), and Green Valley Shopping Center (Green Valley Rd).

Access the full statement & detailed information

Monday, March 23, 2020

Garbage Collection, Street Sweeping Services Continue; Drop-Off Day Suspended

Solid waste collection and sanitation services are considered Essential Services under the current state of emergency so waste collection and street sweeping will continue on their usual schedules, according to Republic Services. 

Some scheduling may be adjusted to ensure workers do not congregate in groups to maintain social distancing requirements.

The following non-essential services will be closed until further notice:

•  BOPA (Batteries, Oil, Paint & Anti-freeze) Drop-off
• Buyback Center
• E-waste drop-off
• Public drop-off of recyclable materials
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events.

The Community Drop-Off Day scheduled for April 18 has been canceled.

Access the full statement & detailed information

Friday, March 20, 2020

 Assistance for Suisun City Seniors

The City of Suisun City has partnered with several churches and non-profit organizations to help Suisun City seniors facing higher risks from COVID-19 and the “Shelter at Home” order.

In coordination with Raley’s Ecart Pickup Service and the City, volunteers from local churches, such as The Building Christian Fellowship and Liberty Church Suisun, will deliver groceries to seniors living in Suisun City. Beginning Saturday, March 21, Raley’s will offer a fixed-price food bag for seniors who are At-risk Customers.

Volunteers from Super Fur-iends, a home based animal foster organization, will provide help in connecting pet services to seniors.

To access these services, email seniors@suisun.com or call 707-438-1714. The service is only available to seniors over 65 who live within the city limits of Suisun City.

“We have an amazing community spirit here in Suisun City and I am happy to have been able to coordinate these service for our seniors,” said Mayor Lori Wilson. “Our non-profits and churches are here to help during this crisis and seniors should know that they are not alone. As we learn of additional community needs, our partnership will expand to include additional types of services.”

Access the full statement & detailed information

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Solano Public Health Officer
Issues Shelter at Home Order

Solano County has issued a countywide Shelter at Home Health Order and Directive to continue protecting the health and safety of our community, clarify directive guidance in accordance with the Governor, and ensure consistent compliance across the County with social distancing and self-isolation measures. These mitigation measures are disruptive, but critical to curb the growing number of cases resulting from community spread, particularly given that most those infected show mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Effective immediately and will continue to be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 7, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Solano County Public Health Officer, the Order directs the public to implement the following:

• Gatherings of any size that do not allow for participants to maintain six feet of distance apart are strongly prohibited unless they are for “essential activities” as defined in the Order.
• Establishments serving alcohol such as bars, wineries, nightclubs and breweries must close. Movie theaters must also close.
• Establishments serving food may remain open with takeout and delivery options only. Dine-in operations must cease.
• All health clubs, tanning facilities, gyms and spas must close.
• Prohibits non-essential travel.
• Employers are required to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines and should implement teleworking where appropriate and feasible. Only employees performing essential duties that are not able to be done remotely should physically come to work.
• Employers that require a doctor’s note for a leave of absence due to illness must suspend those policies. Employers are strongly encouraged to allow employees flexible use of paid time off/sick leave.
• All people with fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms should stay home until seven days after symptom onset. Self-management of these symptoms is encouraged, but if difficulty breathing and lethargy develop, or symptoms suddenly become worse, they should contact their healthcare provider or urgent care center immediately. Calling ahead is strongly encouraged.
• Childcare centers may remain open if they strictly follow social distancing protocols in accordance with the guidance distributed and posted on the Solano Public Health website.
• Nonessential personnel are prohibited from entering hospitals and long-term care facilities, including patient visitation. All essential personnel displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until seven days after symptom onset, and hospitals are urged to delay elective procedures.
• Populations with higher risk of complications from infection should stay home and away from all gatherings involving people outside of their immediate families. These populations include: people with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes cancer, heart disease, lung disease, immuno-compromising conditions and those over 65 years of age. Pregnant individuals should also strongly consider self-isolating to the extent possible.
• All Solano County Residents, regardless of risk-level, should stay home to the extent possible, and continue practicing universal precautions of handwashing for at least 20 seconds, disinfecting commonly used surfaces, and covering coughs or sneezes with their elbow or tissue instead of hands.

Access the full statement & detailed information

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Solano Public Health Emphasizes
Social Distancing & Self-Isolation

SOLANO COUNTY – Solano County Public Health Officials support California Governor Newsom’s orders regarding social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community and are encouraging Solano County residents to review and implement these best practices.

Solano Public Health officials are encouraging vulnerable populations – older adults age 65 and older, individuals with compromised immune systems and individuals with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease – to practice social distancing and stay at home, except for essential needs, including to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care or go to an essential job. Solano Public Health is also advising these individuals to avoid group activities, making unnecessary trips and spending time in public areas (restaurants, gyms, entertainment venues, social gatherings, etc.).

“We are in full support of the Governor’s measures to promote social distancing and are reiterating this message to residents in Solano County,” says County Public Health Officer Bela Matyas, M.D., M.P.H. “When people implement these best practices, it helps our health care providers with respect to staffing and capacity necessary to provide care to those who need it the most in our community.”

Access the full statement & detailed information

Monday, March 16, 2020

City Declares Emergency
Closes City Hall & Community Center

•   Local Emergency Press Release - March 16, 2020 (137.2 KiB, 164 hits)
  

•   Declaration of Local Emergency - March 16, 2020 (68.4 KiB, 114 hits)
  

•   Local Emergency Directives - March 16, 2020 (93.5 KiB, 136 hits)
  

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a complex, fluid situation that the City of Suisun City monitors on an ongoing basis. Last week,

• The Solano County Public Health Department issued guidance for Social Distancing and Vulnerable Populations;
• Travis Air Force Base implemented an enhanced Health Protection Condition;
• The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the outbreak from a “public health emergency of international concern” to a “global pandemic;”
• Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order limiting non-essential gatherings to no more than 250 people and limiting gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 to no more than 10 people;
• President Trump declared a national emergency; an
• On Sunday, March 15th, Governor Newsom called for closing bars, wineries, and brewpubs, asked for everyone over 65 to stay home, and directed provision for the homeless.

Since testing kits have been extremely limited to date, once the testing kits are more available the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is expected to increase dramatically. Just today, multiple Bay Area counties have issued a “shelter in place” order directing everyone to stay inside their homes and away from others for the next three weeks. Solano County is not a part of that order.

The City of Suisun City takes the health and safety of our citizens and staff very seriously,  and City Manager Greg Folsom has declared a local emergency as of Monday, March 16, 2020, to provide the highest level of safety to our citizens and staff.

“I have declared a local state of emergency in order to allow the City to request funding, equipment, and supplies from both CalOES and FEMA,” Mr. Folsom said. “Further, the declaration will allow me, as Director of Emergency Services, to take extraordinary measures to ensure public safety. As such, until further notice, City Hall and other city facilities will be closed to the public effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and residents are encouraged to do any business with the City online or by phone.”

Access Services

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: City Hall will continue to be open for City Council meetings and accessible to the public, with doors opening fifteen minutes before the start of the meeting, but the meetings will be attended by Councilmembers online and citizens are encouraged to participate online rather than in person. The logon information is available on the front of the City Council agenda and will also be available on our website at www.suisun.com.

WATER SERVICE: Residents who need to pay their water bill may do so online or by dropping off payment at the drop box located near the front door at City Hall. Certain requirements for new water connections will be relaxed during this event, and water shutoffs will be put on hold until further notice.

BUILDING PERMITS: Residents who need a building permit can email permit applications to buildingpermit@suisun.com or fax to 707-429-3758.

OTHER CLOSURES:

• The Senior Center was closed as of Monday, March 16.
• The Joseph Nelson Community Center will be closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and all rentals and regularly scheduled classed have been suspended until further notice. Those enrolled in classes will be provided a credit on their account to use on a future class.
• The Harbormaster’s Office also will be closed starting March 17, 2020, but regular maintenance of the marina infrastructure will continue as scheduled. Clients that need to pay their berthing fees, they may do so by dropping their payment in the drop box at the Harbormasters Office, but please do not use cash for your payment. If you need to pay by credit card or speak to a marina staff member, please call (707) 421-7200.

Public Safety

Our public safety staff have been reviewing staffing plans and implementing guidelines to mitigate risk to both our staff and to those they encounter. At this point in time, there has not been any impact to our staffing as a result of Covid-19 and first responders will continue to assist our community with any issue or emergency that may arise.

One of the ways public safety staff plan to remain ready to provide those services is to limit the amount of contact they have with our community on a daily basis. Police and Fire Department staff are doing this to lessen the possibility of not only having staff come into contact with the virus, but to also mitigate spreading the virus to anyone they might come into contact after an exposure.

Effective immediately, the Public Safety Dispatch Center will direct anyone in need of a police report to make a report by using the on-line reporting portal. Citizens can file police reports for things like fraud, harassing phone calls, identity theft, property theft and vandalism. This portal can be found by visiting https://police.suisun.com/report-a-crime/.

If you are having a non-emergency issue not listed, or do not have access to a computer, the Dispatch Center will have a police officer contact you to take a telephone report for crimes not needing an immediate, in person response. The non-emergency number for dispatch is (707) 421-7373.

“Rest assured, if you are having an active emergency, our officers will respond to assist you in an expeditious manner,” said Police Chief Aaron Roth. “However, there will be instances where an officer will not be meeting you in person if we feel it is not necessary to the investigation at the time of the police report. We want to be sure to do our part in ‘flattening the curve’ of this virus and mitigate the risks to those we are entrusted to serve.”

Fire Chief Justin Vincent added, “Please reserve 911 for true emergency calls. If you have questions regarding COVID-19 you can visit the Suisun City information page or you can visit the California Public Health web page .”

Mayor Lori Wilson stated, “I know that the measures being put in place by local, state, and federal officials to try to slow down the spread of COVID-19 are making life difficult for many people, but I ask that the citizens of Suisun City have patience and cooperate with officials as we all work to try to put our collective health and safety at the forefront of our decision making. We will do what we can as a community to weather this season of uncertainty.”

Suisun City staff will continue to monitor the situation and will update our website if there are any future changes to City Hall hours or availability. Solano County Public Health and the Center for Disease Control continue to stress that washing your hands, avoiding people who are sick, and staying home when you are sick are the most important ways to protect yourself and mitigate the spread of coronavirus and the flu.

Friday, March 13, 2020

After-school and Pre-school Programs Closed

After-school and pre-school programs operated by the City were suspended following a decision by the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District to shutter its schools from March 16-27 due to the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Recreation, Parks and Marina Department announced.

Impacted programs are after-school programs at Dan O. Root, Suisun, and Crescent Elementary Schools, and Crystal Middle School. The City extended the closures to its pre-school program, as well.

If your child attends a monthly fee-based after-school or pre-school program, you will receive a pro-rated credit onto your RecDesk account for the two-week period that will be missed in March.

Information will be emailed and posted regarded planned dates for re-opening as they become available.

The City regrets any inconvenience for affected families, but was compelled to prioritize family and community health at the highest level.

Employees assigned to those programs may be reassigned to other programs as possible or will see their work hours reduced.

President Declares National Emergency

President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency Friday to address the impacts on America of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The action, announced from the White House Rose Garden, authorizes the release of $50 billion to state and local governments working to address COVID-19 impact locally, loosens restrictions on hospitals to allow more aggressive treatment options and other necessary steps.

The declaration also directs state governments to open their Emergency Operations Centers to better coordinate state-level efforts to address the pandemic.

• Read a transcript of the announcement
• Read the formal proclamation

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Senior Center Operations Suspended

Read the City’s full statement here.

In response to the Governor’s March 12 Executive Order and to protect our residents, the City of Suisun City is instituting measures to implement social distancing and other safeguards to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The Suisun City Senior Center will suspend operations beginning Monday, March 16th until further notice. The Suisun City Senior Center routinely has more than ten people in close proximity for lunches and other programming and it is not practicable to continue the program while maintaining the congregation and social distancing limitations.

According to the Solano Public Health, vulnerable populations at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness include people over 60, especially those over 80, and people of any age with underlying health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, chronic lung diseases, or severely weakened immune systems.

Additional First Responder Precautions

Public safety staff have acquired additional personal protective equipment and have enacted enhanced protocols to protect first responders in the event of exposure to persons with known or possible COVID-19.

“Don’t be alarmed if you see our first responders in face masks, gloves, eye protection, and other personal protective equipment when they are responding to medical emergencies,” said Fire Chief Justin Vincent. “These protocols are in place so that we do not lose our first responders to quarantine after a potential interaction with a COVID-19 positive patient as several other fire departments in California have already.”

Take Common Sense Health Precautions

“Our grocery stores, shops, and restaurants are still open for business. Enjoy them as your health permits and always take the necessary precautions,” said Mayor Lori Wilson. “Solano County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control continue to stress that washing your hands, avoiding people who are sick, and staying home when you are sick are the most important ways to protect yourself and mitigate the spread of coronavirus and the flu. I highly encourage everyone to take this advice.”

Governor’s Order Enhances State COVID-19 Response

Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order today (March 12, 2020) enhancing the State’s ability to response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The order

• Waives the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19;
• Delays the deadline for state tax filing by 60 days for individuals and businesses unable to file on time based on compliance with public health requirements related to COVID-19 filings;
• Directs residents to follow public health directives and guidance, including to cancel large non-essential gatherings that do not meet state criteria;
• Readies the state to commandeer property for temporary residences and medical facilities for quarantining, isolating or treating individuals;
• Allows local or state legislative bodies to hold meetings via teleconference and to make meetings accessible electronically; and
• Allows local and state emergency administrators to act quickly to protect public health

Read the full order here.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Updated Guidelines for People at High Risk for Severe COVID-19 & Social Distancing

Solano Public Health issued updated Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines for people more than 60 years old or with underlying health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease or chronic lung diseases, like COPD.

In summary, people who fall into these risk groups should avoid crowded social gatherings or situations in which people are within an arm’s length of each other. This would include bingo gatherings, concerts, church gatherings, long flights and cruises.

• March 11 Guidelines in English (effective through March 31, 2020)
• 11 de Marzo Orientaciones en Espanol (efectiva hasta el 31 de Marzo de 2020)

Travis to Support Grand Princess Passengers

State and Federal agencies are working together to care for hundreds of passengers aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship who were exposed to COVID-19.

Nearly 1,000 passengers from California who need to be quarantined will be housed at Travis Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

For the official announcements, use the following links:

• Travis Air Force Base announcement – March 9, 2020
• Health & Human Services Notification – March 8, 2020

Governor Newsom Declares State Emergency March 4, 2020

As part of the state’s response to address the global COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Gavin Newsom today (March 4, 2020) declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19. The proclamation comes as the number of positive California cases rises and following one official COVID-19 death.

• Read more about Governor Newsom’s declaration.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 are like the flu, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or up to 14 days after exposure.

If you are presenting symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or had recent travel to countries with apparent community spread, contact your health care provider. Before seeking medical care, consult with your provider first to prevent possible transmission in the health care setting.

Precautions to Avoid COVID-19

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash hands often with liquid soap and water; rub for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get a flu shot to protect yourself and others from flu, which has similar symptoms to COVID-19.
• At this point, wearing a face mask is not a necessary preventative measure.

Suisun City Response

The City of Suisun City is prepared to ensure public health and safety for all it’s residents through internal services and regional partnerships. The Suisun City Fire Department has the appropriate medical training and protective gear to respond to any and all types of medical emergencies in Suisun City.

The recently adopted Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) ensure a continuity of government services to respond and protect all of Suisun City during this regional and national emergency.

The CDC suspects that more cases may be identified in the coming days and weeks, including more cases in the United States and possibly in Solano County. Person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 in the United States could translate into large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time.

The CDC is closely monitoring the local situation and will advise on measures that are most appropriate to address the spread of the virus. Schools, childcare centers, workplaces, businesses and other places of mass gatherings in Suisun City will be informed if the situation changes through multiple outlets in order for those locations to make appropriate adjustments to business hours and operations.

•   SCFD Coronavirus Information Pamphlet (352.3 KiB, 271 hits)