March 17, 2020
Colma Community,
The Town of Colma has moved to modified operations with reduced staffing as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and in compliance with the directive from the San Mateo County Health Officer that all residents should stay home for the next three weeks.
Essential city services will remain fully operational, including police, but other city operations will serve the public only through online services, email or telephone, reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19.”
Town operations will continue, albeit with modified staffing, with all city buildings closed to the public, including those buildings normally offering over-the-counter service. Many city employees are working remotely from home. Closures include Town Hall, Sterling Park Recreation Center, Colma Community Center and the Police Station. Each and every one of us, including residents and businesses, must do our part by practicing social distancing and taking common sense infection control measures.
Today, seven public health officers representing six counties uniformly issued a legal Order asking residents to stay home, a unified step to slow the spread of COVID-19 and preserve critical health care capacity across the region, effective March 17 through April 7.
While this is a bold, unified action, public health officials are encouraging all of us to remain calm. Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and government functions will continue to remain open. Members of the public can continue to take walks or go for a hike outdoors, so long as social distancing is practiced. For more information and FAQ’s please go to https://www.smcgov.org/shelter-place-faqs
The announcement comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom directed closure of bars, brewpubs and wineries, and called on people over 65 and others at high risk of serious complications from exposure to the virus to stay at home.
The Town of Colma is dedicated to providing as much information as possible concerning the COVID-19 health crisis. Up-to-date information can be found on the City website, https://www.colma.ca.gov/. The County of San Mateo has established a call center available to answer questions, which can be reached by dialing 2-1-1. All residents are urged to shelter in place as much as possible, and to exercise regular measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as frequent hand washing and maintaining a social distance of six to ten feet wherever possible.
Sincerely,
John “Irish” Goodwin, Mayor
Town of Colma