06.03.20 COVID-19 Briefing Live Stream Transcript

The County of Santa Clara
June 3, 2020
Live Stream - Daily Briefing
10pm PT

David Campos: Good morning and welcome to Facebook live with the county of Santa Clara. My name is David Campos, I am a Deputy County Executive and I serve as the Public Information Officer for the County’s Emergency Operation Center. Uh, we are here this morning with James Williams, who is the county council to the County of Santa Clara and also the director for the emergency operation center. Uh, just so you know before we started uh we actually had our face covering on. Uh, and took them off so that the American Sign Language interpreter could interpret. So, thank you for tuning in. And let me begin by just giving the uh latest uh numbers on cases in terms of where we are today.

Uh, today as of yesterday there are two thousand eight hundred and nineteen cases of people that have been infected in the county. Uh, Two uh A hundred and forty-three. A hundred and forty-three deaths and we are sad to report one more death uh added to that number. And, and of course our thoughts and prayers go to the family of those that have died because of this virus. Uhm, so thank you for tuning in. And James we are here today to talked about this revised order. Uh, that was announced uh earlier this week. Uh, on Monday. And uh, its going into effect uh uh June fifth. Which is this Friday.
James R. Williams: yes

DC: In fact, tomorrow night at twelve midnight it goes into effect. And so, you again as County Council work with the health officer uh to write this, to put this in place.  So, let’s take this opportunity. What, what does this mean? What does this do? What is different about this order compared to where we were?

JRW: Well this order is uh significant. Because while we are still in shelter in place order. Uh, this represents a very substantial opening. And I think we are actually at a point now where there is uh more that is open than closed. Although, off course with uh appropriate social distancing protocols. And with appropriate other precautions in place. But I think that is an important milestone. And our community has done a phenomenal job with shelter in place. The results here in Santa Clara County has been extraordinary and its really because of that progress that this big shift uh has been made. You know with the openings at the beginning of May, May twenty-second with curve side pickup retail. And now on June 5th uh with so many categories opening up. Uh, it’s you know. It’s it’s a challenging shift of framework. Because in some ways uh the message is simpler when it was just the total shelter in place message. And now, we are in kind of a transitional phase. Uh, of the response where there is increasing focus on the testing and case and contact tracing. But like I said, a majority of businesses and activities are now open with modifications. And that means that there is a lot more that we can do uh out and about outside of our homes. Uh, and I can talk about some of those categories.

DC: Before we go into the specifics of the order. And I have here by the way a chart that was provided that includes all the activities that are open. Uh you have worked with the other counties.

JRW: Yes

DC: And so let me ask you. How do we compare to other counties when this order goes into effect on June 5th?
JRW: Yeah that is that is a great great question. Um and you know we are all counties in California operating under the framework of course of the state's own, Uh, stay home order. And so we are really in what the state would call you know expanded or extended uh stage two, uh under their road map. Uh, with respect to the other bay area counties. With the things that were already opened on the 22nd and the things opening this Friday, we actually have more things open in Santa Clara county than in many neighboring jurisdictions. And in terms of elsewhere in the state there's actually largely alignment in in what is open. And I think that is sometimes missed with uh some of the focus on some of the specific things um where there may be differences. That actually uh, for the most part there is there is alignment. And in Santa Clara County in particular some of these new categories like uh the outdoor dining and uh in-store retail uh are ones where uh we actually have moved forward ahead of some others.

DC: Yeah and I think that's a very important point. Because it seems to me just from looking at where we are compared to other bay area counties that we might be, perhaps with San Mateo the most open county in the bay area. I think that there is a very good uh argument for that. And so, let's go through through the the specifics. Okay, so one of the things that's mentioned is dining, outdoor dining at restaurants. So, can you talk a little bit about that? What does that mean?

JRW: Yeah, so the the assessment of the health officer and and her colleagues and others is that, you know outdoor activities in general are are less risky than indoor ones. And so outdoor dining is opening up for Friday. There will need to be you know distancing between tables and other appropriate safety precautions. And in fact, we are putting out uh guidance uh for uh restaurants and food facilities. It is actually a great opportunity for me to remind folks. That you know, we do, every business that's open essential businesses but even all the new ones opening you should see this sign is COVID prepared signed. And you should also see this social distancing protocol visitor information. And this is a summary sheet on what are much more detailed social distancing protocols that every establishment has to have in place. Uh, that are tailored to those particular establishments. And that is going to be true for outdoor dining. The other big category David, that is opening up is in-store retail. So, we had curbside retail opening, opened up on the 22nd of May. Now, we have in-store retail opening up with a density imitations. In other words, the number of people who can be in at one time with appropriate protections and safety precautions for employees and for customers. And so those are of course top of mind. But, all in-store retail opening also on Friday.

DC: So, so that means that when you go to a retail store there are certain guidelines that have to be followed by the store and by the customer as well?

JRW: Yes, yes and some of the important ones for just to remind residents in the county. Face coverings are mandatory entering any open business facility, indoors or outdoors. And that is one very critical concrete safety precaution that we can all take in addition to maintaining social distancing having outstanding hygiene. And there are steps that each business has to take to facilitate that, including signage including the protocols that I outlined.

DC: So, James we we're getting some questions through the Facebook live. And one question was what about hair salons, barber shops, when when do those open?

JRW: Well if you have watched me in the last few Facebook lives, you can tell my hair has been getting longer. So, I understand the question very much. At this time in in Santa Clara County, uhm those kinds of direct personal services where there's direct extended contact between individuals, not openings. That includes hair, but it's something we all are very cognizant of. You know, the fact that people want to get a haircut. And hopeful that that is something that can happen soon. But, not this Friday.

DC: So, let's talk about some of these other things. So, you have manufacturing, warehousing, house cleaning, you have pet grooming, dog walking. And uh, anything else that that were leaving out?

JRW: Yes, I think there are some other significant uh categories. Um one is uh. You know, a lot of these non-personal services. So, not just retail for goods but also the ability to to access services. Things like, you know shoe repair; Or, you know getting items fixed. Things like that, that are, that are services but they are not direct personal services. Those will be opening up as well. All manufacturing, all child care, including summer camps. and there is guidance on that And I know that is something as a parent. That is something that many of us have been looking forward to having opened. Um, and so that is a category. Not just. You know child care was already open for essential workers, and workers, and other businesses that were open. And now that is opening up to everybody. So, that is a huge one. And then outdoor, other outdoor activities uh opening up as well. And with the wonderful weather uh out there. Um, you know that is that is another huge category where where there is some big expansion.

DC: Other questions So, going back to retail. You know, in in store retail with some restrictions is open. What does that mean for malls?

JRW: Yes. So, shopping centers are allowed. Again, there is you know criteria. So, density criteria and guidance that needs to be followed. But, does allow shopping centers to open as well.

DC: Uh, some someone asked. Can I, can I visit family uh within the county or other parts of the county? How does that work?

JRW: You know that is that is a great great question. Um, the outdoor activities uh are now extended to allow interaction between a couple households. But, again outdoors. Um, you know we are trying to encourage activities that are less risky. Um, and and so that is the framework right now. But, it is something that I know many many people are are curious about. Um. In addition, outdoor religious services uh up to 25 people with social distancing. And, and also drive-in or car-based gatherings. And so those are some other kind of important categories.

DC: Now I know that one of the questions that comes up is in terms of the guidelines that have to be followed. So, let us talk about summer camps. I know that we have been working very hard to outline some of the the suggestions that people follow. Can you talk a little bit about that?

JRW: Sure, so there is specific guidance for summer camps and it really revolves around this concept of creating a stable group, a stable group of no more than 12 children with you know with camp leadership or with an instructor or so forth.  And, and having that group have some stability for at least three-week periods of time. And the reason for that is, if there is an exposure, a COVID exposure. Trying to actually limit the number of different households that would be impacted, where there would be spread to those entire households. So that is kind of the the core piece to that. And there is detailed guidance, not just for summer camps but many other areas. I know people have questions you know with the weather for example. Opening up pools and some specific criteria are outlined for for swimming facilities and in many other areas. And one of the things we have tried to do and it's a slightly different approach than some other places have taken. We have tried to really keep those criteria focused. Not issued you know pages and pages and pages of guidance. But really tried to focus in on the most critical criteria. And then really ask people to take the time to have their protocols in place that are individualized to their specific facility or their specific circumstance. The state has guidance that that industries and and businesses and other open sectors need to follow. And so, we have tried to harmonize there to make things as friction less as possible. We know that it is a lot for people to sort through. So, we have really tried to keep it as broad-based and focused as we can. And where we need to have specific criteria based on the uh input from you know based on the decisions of the health officer. We have put those in place but kept them focused.

DC: Now pools I know that's a that's a really big deal you know with the summer. We are feeling the heat today. Uh and and we are opening pools.

JRW: yeah

DC: On Friday, and in fact I think we might be the only county in the bay area that that is doing that.

JRW: I think San Mateo as well but

DC: Yeah, as well so will there be rules that need to be followed if we have a public pool that is open? How does that work?

JWR: Yes. So, uh the we do have a few criteria for uh for pools. Um, focused on ensuring that there is social distancing between households. And you know for lane swimming, that there is one swimmer per lane. And a few other key criteria. Not having you know gatherings on pool decks, or you know use of of locker rooms. And so those kind of few criteria out there. Again, it is not pages and pages. it is really about six or so key points in in addition to each facility having its social distancing protocol.

DC: I know something that many of us are wondering about, gyms. I know gyms are not included in this list uh. How does that work? I mean when do you see that happening? I know that a lot of people are asking that on Facebook

JRW: So, you are you are right. There are gyms and other places where um there is greater risk associated with interpersonal interaction or use of shared equipment that are not opening at this time. And I know very much that we all hope to be in a place soon where those activities can open as well. And so, we need to together as a community continue to make progress, stay stable in combating COVID. So, that all of those things can can return too. But, but know those kinds of places where there is a lot of shared equipment, where there is greater concerns about being able to actually maintain social distancing and appropriate hygiene and cleanliness are not places that that can open quite at this time.

DC: Driving theaters, are those allowed?

JRW: Yes

DC: Okay, so I know that uh there is a chart that actually I think is very useful. That has all of the activities. Uh that are allowed and I think people might be surprised by how much is actually allowed. But, one question that I have and this is something that Dr. Cody said yesterday. Uh that uh because we are opening up so much right now, that we are gonna wait you know I think three weeks before we make the next change. Can you talk a little bit about that?

JWR: Uh, sure. You know I think I think that what uh you know what Dr. Cody shared with the board of supervisors yesterday was that you know this is significant. And it is important to take a measured  approach and that is that is something that she has outlined, actually for quite some time. You know, we have the indicators that are shared among the bay area health officers. But you cannot really see what is happening without waiting at least an incubation period. And so, in order to make data-based decisions and in order to make thoughtful decisions. You have to have that little bit of space. And also in order to ensure that we can have the right types of guidance and criteria in place too where people can actually be in a position to implement the appropriate protocols. And so, I know she has made that commitment and has signaled that with this significant opening that happened on the 22nd, followed by this even more significant opening happening this Friday. Uh, that that we will need to have that pause. And um, you know make that assessment and I know that she looks at the data every single day. Um and that that will be something that will be closely monitored.

DC: last question about process. In terms of future I know that we are working very hard to provide more information about you know sort of what might be next. Uh, not necessarily a timeline, but at least some idea for folks. Uh and can you just talk a little bit about that so that people know that you know we are always thinking about how we can get more information.

JWR: Yeah, absolutely. You know, I think that um you know you know and I know there is been some places that have tried you know put out some timelines with specific dates. Here is one thing that I can say from having worked on the very front lines in dealing with this virus for months now. Every day is different and we keep learning a lot of new things about how the virus itself impacts us and also what is going on uh in the community. And, and so I think that you know it is important that when we share things about what is going to happen that you know it is not false precision. Um and and so you know, putting out specific dates I think is uh is a challenge. When so much is changing so quickly. Uh And so the you know we the framework has been shared. I absolutely encourage folks to look at the public health website with detailed FAQs, detailed information, that chart that you were showing. The social distance protocols, the guidance that is available. As well as the data, out, you know data dashboards that are updated uh daily. And you can see all of that. But but you know I think that having you know trying to map out some very specific dates in the future when there is so many moving pieces can give people a false sense of precision that being said. I think a concrete thing that every business can do is to think now about what modifications would need to happen to accommodate the social distancing protocols and guidance. And that base that framework and those protocols and the broader guidance is on the website, is available, is something that everyone can look at. Even if there are some more specific criteria for a specific type of sector that might come later.

DC: And I know that we will continue to provide information to businesses. I think one of our next Facebook lives will focus specifically on outdoor dining so that we can give you more specifics, including the guidance that was provided. But a lot is opening up, so we want to provide a couple of pieces of information. First, to folks who want to report any concerns beginning with workers. There is a number that they can call if for some reason as a worker you find yourself working in a place where you do not feel it's safe. The number is 1-866-870-7725. 866-870-7725. And then for members of the public that would like to just report any concern around COVID-19. Please go to the following email, you can email at [email protected] [email protected] and again we we are going to continue to provide more information as as this process uh proceeds.
Uh, one other thing and we have said this before is that we know that uh it is a very difficult time. There is a lot of protesting that is going on and we understand the pain that is leading people to do that. We obviously respect the right that people have to peacefully protest. And simply remind them that as they do that to please take precautions, make sure that you are protecting your own health and the health of others by using a face covering to the extent possible. So please keep social distancing I know that is difficult when you are in a protest situation.

And then if you have been part of a large gathering to please make sure you are tested. And you can go to sccfreetest.org sccfreetest.org.

James thank you very much for being with us. I hope this was useful and please be safe. Stay cool, it is hot out there and again thank you to all the residents of Santa Clara who are working with us to eradicate this virus.
Thank you.