Alameda County Is Moving Back to the Purple Tier

When Alameda County joined other Bay Area counties to implement the first COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order in March 2020, none of us could have imagined the situation we find ourselves in today. While we mourn those we have lost to COVID-19, it’s important to recognize that our actions saved many lives and avoided a surge in hospitalizations earlier this year. Yet, despite our collective efforts we find ourselves needing to pull together again to flatten the curve that is emerging in our County and across our State and nation.

Over the last few weeks, the statewide impact of the pandemic has shown a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases and a significant spike in hospitalizations resulting in deep concern about the capacity of our statewide health care system. As a result, Alameda County is moving back to the Purple Tier and returning to stricter Shelter-in-Place orders to slow the spread of the virus as announced in the attached press release distributed on November 16, 2020. We cautiously hope that a short-term rollback will curtail the virus and enable us to resume less restrictive activities before the end of the calendar year.

As we contemplate the next few weeks, we want to recognize and extend our deep appreciation for the dedication, flexibility, and resilience you have shown throughout the last eight months of our pandemic response. Your commitment to public service has enabled us to continue providing vital core services to our almost 1.6 million residents and maintain continuity of operations. You have approached the many challenges presented by COVID-19 as opportunities, and contributed to the County’s leadership in balancing the needs of our residents with maintaining healthy and safe communities.

As we enter this season of giving, we are thankful we can count on each of our valued Alameda County employees, to lean in now as we did together earlier this year to protect the health of our communities.

• Please remember that there are regional and statewide travel advisories in effect, and health officials are encouraging everyone to stay home as much as possible.
• It’s best if you avoid gatherings of all kinds, but if you must gather, please refer to the Bay Area health officials' guidance on holiday gathering and travel for ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 while celebrating the upcoming holidays.
• Please continue to wear face coverings when you leave home, wash your hands frequently, stay six feet away from everyone outside your home, and stay home if you are sick.

While the challenges we have faced over the last eight months will likely extend beyond 2020, there are positive signs emerging that give us hope as we look forward to the new year. We will get through this extraordinary year and enter 2021 stronger, wiser, more resilient, and most importantly – together. A sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU for your public service and sacrifice – and for helping save lives.

Please stay healthy and be safe!