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The Bay Area had zero COVID-19 related deaths for two connective days (May 16 and 17), according to health officials in the nine-county area. It was the first time since March 10-12 that the Bay Area reported consecutive days with no coronavirus deaths. Bay Area COVID-19 mortality rates are four-times lower than Los Angeles and five-times lower than the national average among major U.S. metropolitan areas.
Many Bay Area doctors are in favor of partially lifting shutdown orders based on the numbers. Dr. Mike deBoisblanc of John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek told ABC-7 that it's time to end shelter-in-place. He said the curve has flattened and hospitals around the Bay Area are fully equipped to handle a potential influx of patients.
The City of Berkeley has it's own independent health department - the Berkeley Public Health Division (BPHD). It is one of only three cities in the state (Long Beach and Pasadena) with a separate health division from its respective county. Testing volume is one of several indicators used to determine when and to what extent Bay Area businesses can reopen. Berkeley is testing only 52 people per 100,000 residents per day in May, according to BPHD. That's far below the 200 per 100,000 residents per day recommended by county officials. Alameda County is testing about 1,100 residents per day.
Memorial Day temperatures are going to be hot. San Francisco is expected to reach the 80s. Oakland and other inland areas will surpass 90 degrees. Those marks are unseasonably high for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service. But bad weather has never stopped Bay Area residents from enjoying the Memorial Day weekend. There will be plenty to do around the area on Monday as long as social distancing and other safety measures are practiced.
San Mateo County beaches are open. This includes Half Moon Bay, Montara State Beach and Venice Beach. All San Francisco beaches are open as well. The caveat for these beaches is that parking lots are closed. Thus you must walk, ride your bike or hail a ride. All Marin County beaches are closed.
State beaches have instituted a "keep it moving" policy. That means no sunbathing, picnics or anything stationary. You must be walking most of the time. Beaches under National Park jurisdiction (i.e. Baker Beach, Ocean Beach) are perhaps the most flexible. You can sit and hang out with friends. But parking lots and restrooms are closed.
There were a plethora of cultural and musical Bay Area Memorial Day activities in 2019, with many of them happening annually. Carnaval San Francisco, Afro Soco Love (Oakland), and the San Francisco International Arts Festival were some of the headliners last year. Unfortunately none of that will happen in 2020.
Large gatherings are strictly prohibited. Public pools are closed as well. Most parks are open. But any park you attend must be located within 10 miles of your home. Social distancing will be enforced between groups of people. Barbecues are prohibited at parks.
Many Bay Area small businesses and corporations are using this time to prepare for welcoming back workforces and customers. Eco Office is providing the essential service of retrofitting cubicles with plexiglass safety barriers. We are also installing plexiglass sneeze guards in convenience stores, nail salons and virtually every other type of business. Turnaround times are currently 5-7 days depending on the project.
Give us a call today at 408-437-1700 to discuss your specific needs.
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