December 21, 2020
Colma Community,
As you are aware, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge and ICU capacity continues to decline. Therefore, San Mateo and 10 other Bay Area counties are now under a mandatory ‘Regional Stay at Home Order’ for the next three weeks.
I know this is going to be difficult due to the Holidays and New Year’s, but the order prohibits private gatherings of any size, except for outdoor church services and political demonstrations. Please remain vigilant and refrain from gatherings and continue to Social Distance and wear a mask.
San Mateo County Health Director Scott Morrow has informed us if people continue to gather, the spread of COVID-19 could increase to even greater numbers than what we are seeing now during the months of January and February 2021.
With this new Stay at Home Order many businesses and activities must close, including salons and barbershops. Retail stores can remain open at 20 percent capacity. Nonessential travel and the use of hotels or short-term rentals for leisure is banned. Restaurants must stop offering in-person dining and can offer only take-out and delivery.
The state of California announced the order last week as regional ICU bed capacity fell below 15 percent, a trigger threshold. The order is meant to prevent crowding and mingling among non-household members and overwhelming the health care system.
The order is less sweeping than the lockdowns ordered in the spring. People can continue with essential activities like going to the doctor, buying groceries and picking up takeout food.
Outdoor activities like walking, hiking, cycling and outdoor religious ceremonies are permitted.
All retail operations and shopping centers are limited to 20 percent capacity (35 percent for stand-alone grocery stores) with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores.For more information please go to https://cmo.smcgov.org/jic or please see attached regarding what is permitted under the new Stay at Home Orders.
This year has also affected all of us in different ways. But there’s one thing that keeps Colma strong: a sense of community. That’s why Headspace (https://www.headspace.com) and San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (https://www.smchealth.org/bhrs) are working together to provide free resources that can help residents weather this storm.
Take advantage of signing up to access meditations, sleep sounds, and movement exercises designed to help you care for your mind — all free through August 2021 for new Headspace members. Because in times like these, a little support goes a long way.”
Once again, we know this is a big inconvenience, but necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep the health care system from being overrun. Please remember the Town of Colma is here for you. If you need assistance for getting food, picking up of medications or general household supplies, or just need assistance with bringing your trash and recycle containers to the curb, please let us know. We can be reached at (650) 997-8300.
Wishing all of you a safe and Happy Holiday!
Sincerely,
Diana Colvin, Mayor
Town of Colma