Tag Archives: Solano County

Solano County’s about-face: Why officials resisted, then adopted coronavirus shelter-at-home order

San Francisco Chronicle, by Rachel Swan, March 21, 2020 11:34 a.m
People under quarantine at Travis Air Force Base wander through the facility. Robert Archer, who is there with his wife, said the common areas get very crowded and long lines form for meals.
People under quarantine at Travis Air Force Base wander through the facility. Robert Archer, who is there with his wife, said the common areas get very crowded and long lines form for meals. Photo: Robert Archer / Robert Archer

Solano County Supervisor Skip Thomson was livid.

Coronavirus was rapidly spreading in the Bay Area, and county health leaders were uniting in unprecedented orders to the public: stay at home.

It started Monday, with six of the nine Bay Area counties issuing orders — San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin. On Tuesday, Sonoma County joined, and Napa signaled it would soon join.

But Solano County was a holdout.

“I had a talk with our county administrator,” on Tuesday, Thomson said. “I told her my thoughts about sheltering in place. She said ‘We don’t want to alarm the public.’”

County administrator Birgitta Corsello called Thomson’s recollection inaccurate, but she did not elaborate, according to spokesman Matthew Davis.

On Tuesday, Solano County Health Officer Bela Matyas released a statement to the public about the coronavirus and the shelter-in-place orders other counties had issued. He conveyed the message via a YouTube video posted on the county’s official website.

In the video, Matyas sat at a desk with his sleeves rolled up and delivered a nine-minute monologue over looped guitar music. He dismissed the shelter-in-place orders as essentially just social distancing orders that mirrored guidelines the state and federal government already put out.

“For those of you who are familiar with the concept of ‘shelter in place,’ it’s used in situations when it’s dangerous to go outside because the air is dangerous, so if there’s been a toxic chemical spill or a fire with smoke,” Matyas said. He added that “shelter in place” was not the right terminology for what’s actually social distancing.

Over the next few hours, emails poured into Thomson’s inbox. Most of them came from perplexed or frustrated residents, questioning why Solano County was not taking action.

By the end of the next day, Wednesday, the county did an about-face, issuing an order instructing residents to stay in their homes as much as possible. By Friday, Matyas’ video was made private, so the public could no longer view it.

Board of Supervisors President Erin Hannigan said she asked that the video be taken down.

“It wasn’t helpful anymore,” she said. “It needed to be altered. There were some statements he made that were no longer true … and I couldn’t stand the music.”

Davis added that the video “understandably, wasn’t tracking well with the public.” It drew a string of comments on YouTube and the county Facebook page, some of which “were not supportive,” he noted.

Thomson said that after talking to the county administrator Tuesday, he emailed Hannigan requesting a special meeting to plan for the pandemic. He said Hannigan did not respond. When he complained to Assistant County Administrator Nancy Huston, she told him the county would not hold a special meeting. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for March 24.

“What kind of message does that send to our residents?” Thomson asked.

Hannigan said later that she did reply to Thomson, but that there was no need for the board to meet. Top county officials were already “having a conversation” behind the scenes “about an order we would put out,” she said. “We wanted to make sure the nomenclature was correct.”

In the meantime, constituents were flooding Thomson with emails that showed an overwhelming sense of confusion and a lack of confidence in the county government.

“I am shocked at the utter lack of proactive response that is being taken by our county health officer Bela Matyas,” Vacaville resident Heather Smolen wrote in an email shared with The Chronicle. “In the video he recently posted online he stated that a shelter in place would cause people to ‘overreact.’ I beg to differ, I feel that a shelter in place for Solano County would cause people to finally take the risk of coronavirus seriously.”

Thomson began forwarding the emails — probably 70 of them, he said — to Huston. Other supervisors said they were also getting slammed.

“I received a lot of calls from people asking why we weren’t adopting a shelter-in-place (order),” Supervisor Jim Spering said. “I passed that on to the county administrator.”

Matyas was not available for comment Friday. Davis said all the supervisors were feeling pressure from their constituents to issue orders, and that Corsello and Matyas were trying to act as quickly as possible.

Yet many residents sensed there was no urgency to act in their county. Some were baffled by Matyas’ reluctance to enact strict interventions, in part because Solano County was the first county in the nation to report a case of coronavirus that couldn’t be traced to overseas travel or contact with an infected person. It also houses Travis Air Force Base, a quarantine center for Americans repatriated from trips abroad, and for passengers of the Grand Princess cruise ship.

So far 14 Solano County residents have tested positive for the virus, though none have died.

The notion that Solano County was still open for business troubled Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan. He said many Vallejo residents worried that people from other counties would flock in, causing the virus to spread more quickly. Residents were also mystified by the stark disconnect between Matyas’ video and the advisories that Vallejo was posting on its own social media channels, telling people to stay inside.

“I received concerned correspondences from constituents,” Sampayan said. “Folks were saying, ‘Look, the governor and the CDC are telling us one thing, and then we’re getting this’” other message.

He surmised that the public outcry caused Matyas to “rethink his stance.”

Spering defended Matyas. He was wary of the shelter-in-place edicts, since they force people to miss work and disrupt the economy. Although some people called him to demand more aggressive measures, others were distraught about losing their jobs.

“I’ve been getting calls from moms who have two kids, work in two restaurants, and 40% of their income is tips,” Spering said. “We have a lot of people living paycheck to paycheck.”

Still, as a longstanding politician, Spering knew he’d feel pressure to eventually deliver a shelter-at-home order.

Thomson remains frustrated. He never bothered to watch Matyas’ video.

“Once the first six counties announced that order, it seemed like we should follow suit really quickly,” he said. “But then it took us (three) days to figure it out.

“I’ve been vindicated,” he added. “But that’s not really my purpose.”

Covid-19 in Solano County – yet another one on Saturday, March 21

UPDATE: See today’s latest information


Solano County update on March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates and Resources

2019 Novel Coronavirus
**Please note: the situation changes often, and this page will be updated with the latest guidance. Solano Public Health is committed to consistently sharing all relevant information as we learn it.**

SOLANO COUNTY SHELTER AT HOME ORDER IS IN ALIGNMENT WITH GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S STAY AT HOME ORDER, WHICH WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Shelter at Home 101 Guide
Guia para el Refugio en Casa

3-18-20 
Shelter at Home Health Order and Directive
3-18-20 Orden y Directiva de Salud para El Refugio en Casa 

Frequently Asked Questions
Solano Public Health Coronavirus General FAQ
Salud Publica de Solano Coronavirus Preguntas Frequentes Comunes Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics (CDC)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information from the State (CDPH)

 Number of Positive Cases in Solano County: 14  – Updated daily at 2pm –

Situation Summary
Effective March 18, 2020, 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.

Solano County Coronavirus Warm Line
Solano County has a warm line to answer questions from the public about COVID-19:
Call 707-784-8988
Hours (subject to change): 7am-6pm Monday-Friday

Community Resources
Here is a list of community resources available for workers, small business owners, and community members in Solano County
For information, updates and resources from the State of California, visit COVID19.CA.GOV
Here is a list of County public services and programs impacted by COVID-19

Current Guidance and Recommendations for the Community
3-19-20 Guidance for Homeless Assistance Providers

3-18-20 Shelter at Home Health Order and Directive
3-18-20 Orden y Directiva de Salud para El Refugio en Casa

3-18-20 Guidance for Childcare Providers

3-17-20 Guidance and Directives from the State of California
These guidance documents include information for:
• Food, beverage and other services
• Self-isolation for older adults and those who have elevated risk
• Adult and senior care facilities
• Community care facilities
• Food industries
• Gatherings
• Homeless assistance providers
• Immigrant communities

How to Protect Yourself
Visit the CDC for information about how to protect yourself from coronavirus
Take these precautions to stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses:
• If your work is not considered an essential service, stay home as much as possible
• Practice social distancing measures when outside and maintain 6ft distance between yourself and others
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water and rub for at least 20 seconds;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing; and
• Stay home if you are sick

What to Do if You are Feeling Sick
If you develop a fever or have lower respiratory symptoms (cough, fever or shortness of breath), first call your health care provider.
Let the provider know that you are experiencing respiratory illnesses before visiting the doctor’s office or emergency room.

Press Releases
3-18-20 Solano County issues shelter at home health order and directive to clarify social distancing measures
3-18-20 El Condado de Solano presenta una Orden y Directiva de Salud para El Refugio en Casa
3-17-20 Solano County Public Health emphasizes the Governor’s measures to promote social distancing
3-15-20 Additional Solano County case of COVID-19 found at Travis Air Force Base
3-01-20 Alameda and Solano Public Health Departments confirm two cases of COVID-19
2-28-20 CDC confirms additional case of COVID-19 due to travel-associated exposure
2-27-20 County Public Health confirms case of COVID-19 through possible community transmission
1-30-20 County Public Health closely monitors novel coronavirus

COVID-19 Fact Sheets, Posters & Graphics
State of California: COVID-19 Videos & Graphics
CDC What You Need to Know About COVID-19 
(English) | (Spanish)
CDC Stop the Spread of Germs (English) | (Spanish)
CDC Life is Better with Clean Hands (English and Spanish)
CDC What to Do If You Are Sick (English) | (Spanish)
Visitor Sign/Post Outside Facilities serving Vulnerable Populations (English)

Information for Providers
Provider Health Alerts

Solano Public Health on Social Media
Facebook: @SolanoCountyPH
Instagram: Solano Public Health

Additional Resources
For the latest updates from the CDC, visit cdc.gov/covid19
For the latest updates from the White House, visit coronavirus.gov
For the latest updates from the State of California, visit covid19.ca.gov

Solano County Alert Email: Shelter At Home Order

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The County’s email alert differs from the official “Stay At Home” Order.  The County’s official order begins with a lengthy legal summary, some exceptions, and a warning that “Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.”  – R.S.]


Solano County Email Alert: “Shelter At Home Order,” March 18, 2020, 5:25 PM

This is an important message from Alert Solano

Solano County issues shelter at home health order and directive to clarify social distancing and self-isolation measures
March 18, 2020

SOLANO COUNTY – 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.

“We are taking this health crisis seriously and trying to protect our community while still ensuring that the essential parts of our County can function and attempting to lessen the substantial burden placed on workers and businesses,” says Dr. Bela Matyas, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.  “We trust our community to adhere to these directives, and we stress the importance of working together to get this through this difficult time.”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest updates about COVID-19, please visit cdc.gov/covid19. Solano Public Health will continue to provide up-to-date information about COVID-19 through their website at solanocounty.com/publichealth and on Facebook @SolanoCountyPH.

Instructions:

Effective immediately: Solano County Public Health has issued a shelter at home order for all residents. Visit https://bit.ly/2QqsC6L

For full details, view this message on the web.
Sent by Solano County, CA
530 Clay St, Fairfield, CA 94533

 

Solano County issues guidelines for childcare workers

COVID-19 Guidance for Childcare Providers

SOLANO PUBLIC HEALTH | MARCH 18, 2020

To limit the spread of COVID-19 disease, contact with infected or exposed individuals must be reduced as much as possible. Conventional school classes have been dismissed, but the Solano Public Health recognizes the need for continuity of childcare to ensure that essential services and wage-earning activities can continue.

Solano Public Health recommends the following guidance for childcare providers, effective immediately:

1. Childcare ideally should be provided in the child’s home, by non-elderly household members not living in the household or ill individuals.

2. Group childcare may be used for children for whom in-home care by household members is not available. It should be prioritized for use by essential service employees and those who would otherwise not be able to work.

3. Group childcare should:
a. Be in stable groups of 10 or fewer children (“stable” means that the same 10 or fewer children are in the same group each day). Children should not change from one group to another.
b. If more than 1 group of children is cared for at one facility, each group should be in a separate room. Groups should not mix with each other. For example: meals, playground time, and toileting activities should be separate for each group.
c. Childcare provider(s) should also remain solely with one group of children (providers should not move from group to group or room to room).

4. Infection control measures:
a. Screen children and staff for cold or flu-like symptoms or signs of a respiratory illness (i.e., fever, cough, shortness of breath) daily, before entering childcare.
b. Exclude ill children and employees (those with symptoms specified above) from the facility.
c. Children or staff who develop symptoms at childcare should be sent home immediately.
d. Ill children or staff should not return to work or childcare until they are well.
e. Children and staff should wash hands with soap and water for minimum of 20 seconds or use alcoholbased hand sanitizer (if hands are not visibly dirty) before and after eating, drinking, touching eyes/nose/mouth, toileting or diapering, and physical contact with each other.
f. Clean high-contact areas and surfaces frequently, using 10% bleach solution or EPA-approved disinfectant against novel human Coronaviruses: counters, toys, telephones, doorknobs, etc.
g. Staff and children should practice good respiratory hygiene including coughing/sneezing into the sleeve and covering coughs.