Redwood City – The County of San Mateo continues to work to protect public health and safety in response to the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.
The County of San Mateo’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains open to coordinate countywide response and communications in response to the situation. The EOC’s Joint Information Center will provide daily status reports Monday through Friday until further notice. Today’s report:
Health Officer Issues Order Requiring Face Coverings
San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow has issued a new order requiring the public and workers at essential businesses to wear face coverings outside the home for certain activities and in places of business.
The order is another step focused on slowing the rate of spread of COVID-19. It will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on April 17, 2020 but will not be enforced until 8 a.m. on April 22, 2020. Read the order https://cmo.smcgov.org/document/april-17-2020-health-officer-order-requiring-face-coverings
Face coverings can be purchased or home fashioned from a variety of materials. They must cover only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas and should be secured to allow breathing and not require constant adjustment. Medical grade and N-95 masks are in short supply and should be prioritized for health care workers.
Any child aged 2 years or less must not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation. The order does not require any child aged 12 years or less wear a face covering.
The order details requirements for businesses and drivers or operators of any public transportation, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.
Expect Delays at County Center Parking Garage Beginning April 22
Beginning April 22, vehicle access to County Center from Middlefield Road, near the cross street of Veterans Boulevard, will be delayed as underground utility work begins in connection with the construction of the new parking structure. Drivers should be prepared to stop and follow lane reconfigurations and traffic flaggers for the next four to five weeks.
The project is managed by San Mateo County’s Project Development Unit and is designated as an essential government function.
County Manager’s Media Briefing on YouTube
Today’s media briefing on San Mateo County’s response to COVID-19 hosted by San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy can be watched at https://youtu.be/jW8Dumz1f4s
Subscribe to the County’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/sanmateocountygov
San Mateo County COVID-19 Cases
San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 797 as of April 16, 2020.
County Health provides detailed information on cases by age group and date and deaths by age group. Learn more at https://www.smchealth.org/coronavirus
Call Center
Residents with non-medical, non-emergency questions about the coronavirus can call 211 at any time, day or night. Callers from landlines and cellular telephones located within San Mateo County are connected with a trained service professional from 211, a confidential service available in 180 languages.