While the Governor shared his plans for changes to the statewide order on May 7, Oakland and all of Alameda County remain under the local order that went in to effect on May 4. The order was jointly released by the Alameda County Health Office and six other Bay Area health jurisdictions. These local jurisdictions continue to work on responsive reopening plans that maintain progress in the fight against coronavirus.
The Bay Area orders do not currently permit curbside pickup from non-essential, non-outdoor businesses, and that is not allowed to begin on Friday, May 8. As noted, if a county order differs from a state order, the more restrictive order takes precedence.
In a joint release, officials stated, “The Bay Area Health Officers commend the residents and businesses who have made tremendous sacrifices to flatten the curve and protect community health in our region. We need to continue to work together so those sacrifices don’t go to waste. It is critical to maintain our gains.”
The Bay Area Health Officers will continue to study the five key indicators that tell how the coronavirus is affecting local communities and amend the health orders as warranted in the best interest of community health.
The following City services have been adjusted to reflect the Alameda County order that went into effect on May 4:
Planning & Building
The Order does not grant the City authority to interpret project compliance on the County’s behalf; therefore, it is the project representative’s responsibility to confirm eligibility through the Alameda County Health Department.
- The City of Oakland is resuming inspection services for all project types identified in the County Order.
- Each project site must comply with the protocols for operations in Appendices A, B-1 and B-2 of the County Order.
- Project representatives must confirm their awareness of and adherence to the site and work conditions mandated in these appendices as a prerequisite for any inspection request. Anyone who cannot confirm awareness and adherence will have their inspection postponed until they can.
- The City continues to process applications across all categories of projects for permit approval in accordance with City Regulations.
- The Planning Commission will reconvene in May. Once a date has been established, the Planning Bureau will resume making administrative zoning determinations on projects and schedule entitlement cases to be heard before that body.
Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development
Remember to use all facilities in line with physical distancing protocol set by the County Order:
- DeFremery Skate Park “Town Park” and Montclair Park Skate Ramp are open for use within physical distancing guidelines.
- Free virtual programing including Youth Fitness, Adult Fitness, Student Coding Class, and more continue. Follow us on social media for more information, Facebook: @oakparkrec or Instagram: oakparksrec
Public Gatherings
Public and private gatherings of any size remain prohibited:
- Playgrounds, picnic areas, gyms, dog parks, and other shared spaces that do not permit physical distancing or have high-touch equipment must remain closed. Crowds gathering at Lake Merritt are not permitted under the Order. Please #GiveTheLakeABreak
- Bars and restaurants continue to be restricted to take-out service only, even if they have outdoor seating.
- Funerals are limited to 10 people.
- Businesses should review both the State and County orders to determine compliance and make business decisions.
Parking
Temporary suspension of enforcement of certain parking regulations announced in mid-March remain in effect to support the County shelter in place order.
The City continues NOT TO enforce:
- Parking meters and time-limited parking not enforced
- Residential permit parking and street sweeping parking regulations not enforced
- City garages are open, but may be limited to monthly parkers at times
- Towing will be suspended unless vehicles are blocking access, causing an immediate hazard, or are deemed a public safety concern
- Street sweeping parking not enforced (NOTE: Street sweeping operations are continuing, and the City asks for vehicle owners’ voluntary compliance to allow street sweeper vehicles to access the curb.)
The City continues TO ENFORCE all other parking regulations in service of public safety and public health, including:
- Red curbs, yellow curbs, white curbs
- Blue curbs and spaces
- Fire hydrants
- Sidewalk and crosswalk blocking
- Double-parking and bike lane violations
- Wheelchair ramp obstruction
- Essential construction work and other “No Parking” signage
- Unauthorized use of disabled person parking placards
Oakland Public Library
Many services remain available online:
- Apply for a library card online by visiting https://oaklandlibrary.org/
- All holds are extended until branches reopen.
- Checkout limits are increased on ebooks, audiobooks, movies and music: Overdrive (10 to 20), Hoopla (8 to 10), Kanopy (4 to 5).
- Activation of Wi-Fi hotspots are extended until branches reopen.
- Patron accounts scheduled to expire are extended until branches reopen.
- Access a librarian through eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org or (510) 238-3134 - English, Spanish and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) speakers available.
Shelter-in-Place
All individuals in the County are directed to continue sheltering at their place of residence except for essential needs and identified outdoor activities in compliance with specified requirements.
- Non-essential travel remains prohibited.
- Everyone should continue to stay and work at home as much as possible.
- Individuals should wear a face covering when outside their homes.
- Individuals should maintain a minimum 6-foot distance from one another.
The Bay Area Order continues to restrict most activity, travel, and business functions.
Links:
- Order of the Health Officer No. 20-10 (full Order): http://www.acphd.org/media/572718/health-officer-order-20-10-shelter-in-place-20200429.pdf
- Key provisions of the Order No. 20-10 (Order summary): http://www.acphd.org/media/572777/health-officer-order-20-10-shelter-in-place-04.29.2020-summary.pdf
- A list of City service impacts, including facility closures, service suspensions, and alternative service points (online, telephone, or by appointment) is available on the City’s website: https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/city-of-oakland-service-modifications-suspensions-closures-in-response-to-alameda-county-public-health-order-to-shelter-in-place
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