Solano County posted a press release today recommending the use of cloth face coverings when social distancing measure are difficult to maintain.
“It is important to remember that while we are all working together to reopen retail shops, malls and dine-in restaurants, the coronavirus is still here in Solano County,” says Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H, Solano County Public Health Officer.
“Wearing a cloth face covering, as recommended by the CDC and CDPH, is an additional way to protect yourself and others and can help slow the spread of the disease. Also, we ask that people wear non-surgical, non-N-95 respirator face masks, as those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.”
Solano County encourages wearing a cloth face mask outside your home whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained, maintaining a physical distance of six-feet from others, practicing coughing and sneezing etiquette, using a hand sanitizer or washing your hands for at least 20-seconds and to stay at home if you’re not feeling well. Businesses that are permitted to reopen must abide by the social distancing requirements in the County’s and State’s Orders.
For more information about Solano County’s Roadmap to Recovery, social distancing protocol and frequently asked questions about the phased reopening, visit the Solano County website at www.SolanoCounty.com/COVID19 and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH.
Vallejo City Council asked to OK requirement that face coverings be worn in all public buildings
The Vallejo City Council will decide on Tuesday whether to ratify an order requiring persons in town to wear a face covering when entering a public building, and outside when unable to be six feet apart. Chris Riley – Times-Herald file photo.
Vallejo leaders will be asked Tuesday to ratify an order requiring the mandatory wearing of face masks when entering any enclosed space open to the public in the city of Vallejo.
The order, requested by the mayor and several other members of the Vallejo City Council, would extend to all persons entering grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, laundromats, dry cleaners, hardware stores, commercial office buildings, tobacco stores, restaurants, bars or pubs, any medical facility, senior care facilities, and any religious building in Vallejo.
The order also extends to all government buildings, police station, marina, and fire stations in the city of Vallejo.
“There is significant evidence that the wearing of face masks, especially in enclosed public places, reduces the risk of transmitting the Novel Coronavirus which causes the disease COVID-19,” city staff wrote in a report to the city council. “However, it is not a guarantee that someone will not contract the virus.”
Vallejo City Manager Greg Nyhoff, serving as the city’s director of emergency services, issued the order which stipulates persons are not required to wear a face mask when outdoors “unless it is not possible to maintain a distance of six feet from every other person.”
“In the event that a person cannot maintain the aforesaid six feet outdoors, then that person shall be required to wear a face mask,” the order states.
The order applies to individuals over the age of 5, and face coverings are not required to anyone “who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, anyone with a disability or medical condition for whom wearing a face mask is not recommended by their healthcare professional, and/or any other person exempted by any federal, state or local law or regulation.”
It also requires any person entering residential buildings consisting of at least two dwelling units to wear a face mask when in the lobby, hallway, stairwell, elevator, laundry room, garage or any other enclosed areas which are accessible to more than one dwelling.
Staff admitted that enforcement of the order may be problematic.
“Officers who are already spread thinly may receive multiple calls from the public about people who are not wearing masks,” staff added. “This, along with the current level of service calls, may increase work loads and potentially other more important calls.”
Solano County has not issued any order requiring the wearing face masks while out in public.
The emergency order will take effect at midnight on the day it’s signed by Nyhoff.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vallejo City Council will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, via teleconference. Those wishing to address the council on the emergency order can submit a comment via https://opentownhall.com/8868.
Over this past week, we are seeing a sudden and upward trend in confirmed cases among young persons in Solano County.
YOUNG PEOPLE! Please continue to stay safe! Observe social distancing, wash hands frequently and wear face coverings when out and about. It’s not time to let up yet!
The County reported 2 additional cases today and confirmed 3 youths yesterday and 1 each of the two previous days. Before that, in 9 of the 10 previous daily reports, the County reported no new cases in this age group. Last week there were no new cases. What’s going on? (See table below).
Solano County COVID-19
Recent surge in positive cases among youth 18 and under
2 cases were newly reported today of young persons under 19 years of age, total of 13 cases, up from 2.7% to 3.2% of the 410 confirmed cases.
The County adjusted the number of cases of persons 19-64years of age, totaling 1 less than yesterday at 286 cases, 70% of the total. 1 new death in this age group, total of 3. Note that only 36 of the 286 cases in this age group (12.6%) were hospitalized at one time. (It is unclear whether the 2 deaths were ever hospitalized.)
1 new case was reported as a person 65 or older, total of 111 cases, 27% of the total. 1 new death, total of 13. Note that 26 of the 111 cases in this age group (23.4%) were hospitalized at one time, nearly double the percentage in the mid-age group. (It is unclear whether the 12 deaths in this age group were ever hospitalized.)
At its May 12 meeting, the Solano County Board of Supervisors directed staff to more forcefully promote its longstanding recommendation for members of the public to cover their faces when out.
Solano Public Health was quick to respond. In short order, the County’s Coronavirus Information page had a new logo (above) and the following statement:
Strong Recommendation for Cloth Face Coverings Solano Public Health strongly recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores, clinics etc.), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
The link “strongly recommends” goes to a revised FAQ – Cloth Face Coverings page, with the opening statement:
Solano Public Health is strongly recommending community members to wear cloth face coverings when in public. This action will help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus in our community and reduce the number of people infected.
The Benicia Independent joins many residents of Benicia in thanking the County staff for its quick response. We also renew our call for the Board of Supervisors to adopt a mandatory face mask order.
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