The COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving. The City of Richmond looks to authoritative sources for best practices and guidance and will continue to adjust our response as new information is received as we are committed to everyone’s health and safety, guided by facts. As of today, City facilities remain open for business and City Council and Planning Commission meetings will continue as scheduled.

We are seeking alternative means of participation in public meetings rather than requiring in-person attendance. As soon as we have additional options, we will share that information on our website and through meeting agendas. However, special events managed directly by the City of Richmond and expected to include 50 or more people are canceled through March. Please note that many activities and events, even if held in city facilities, may continue as planned as they are directly sponsored or managed by outside entities. Under the current guidelines, event sponsors and organizers need to make their own decisions about whether or not to hold their activities and events. In addition, those considered “higher risk,” including people with underlying health conditions and those age 50 and older, should consider “social distancing,” including whether or not they want to attend activities and events.

Thank you for your understanding during this extraordinary time.

Additional resources Contra Costa Health Services https://cchealth.org/coronavirus/ California Department of Public Health https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx

Coronavirus causes WCCUSD to close all schools for three weeks March 12, 2020 1 379

WCCUSD offices at 1108 Bissell Ave. in Richmond. (Photo credit: WCCUSD) All West Contra Costa Unified School (WCCUSD) schools will close for three weeks starting Monday due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the district announced this afternoon. On Friday, all students in the district will be dismissed at noon. Schools will resume on Monday, April 6. In order to minimize disruption to the school calendar, Sprink Break will be moved up to the week of March 30, according to WCCUSD. There have not been any confirmed cases of students or staff at any WCCUSD school contracting coronavirus. The closure of schools was done “out of an abundance of caution,” the district said. This morning, Verde Elementary was closed to undergo a “deep cleaning” after a staff member was reported to have a suspected case of the virus, also known as COVID-19. On Monday, WCCUSD informed parents at two elementary schools — Washington and Mira Vista — that a relative of students attending those schools had tested positive for COVID-19. The schools resumed this week but the students in question stayed home, according to the school district. WCCUSD became the latest school system to close schools. Earlier today, the San Francisco Unified School District announced it would close all schools for three weeks. “We know closing schools for a long duration is a burden and we want to provide as many services as possible during this time,” according to WCCUSD. “Students will be expected to continue instruction through their laptops or tablets and meals will be available at selected schools during the closure.” The disruption should “not be viewed as an opportunity to head to the nearest amusement park or movie theater,” Superintendent Matthew Duffy said. “The only way that school closures can be helpful in arresting the spread of this disease is if everyone continues to follow the recommendations from our health experts. We also have the technology and teaching staff to ensure that learning continues, even if the physical school campuses are closed.” The district added, “For the first two weeks, students in Grades 2-12 will use laptops and tablets to continue instruction and be monitored and guided by teachers using online tools. First grade, kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students will receive packets of work to take home.” Meals will be offered to students at several schools during the first two weeks of the closure. Meals can be picked up at Pinole Valley, De Anza, Richmond, and Kennedy high schools; Helms and Dejean middle schools; and Nystrom, Riverside and Montalvin elementary schools. The meals will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the district said.