Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - March 14, 2020

On March 14, the City issued a press release to announce the proclamation of a local emergency due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and changes in City operations effective Monday, March 16 tentatively through Tuesday, March 31. 

The public should be prepared for further changes, as more information becomes available from our public health officials and as directed by state and federal leadership.

School Closures
The County of San Mateo Health Officer, Dr. Scott Morrow, issued a School Operations Modification Order that will take effect on Monday, March 16, and remain in force through Friday, April 3, unless amended by the County or State health officer. The order requires all schools to dismiss students from regular attendance. Due to the school closures, the City’s after school programs and Library After School Homework Help will be discontinued during this time.

Library Closures
All four Redwood City Public Libraries will be closed to the public effective Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31. All Library meeting room reservations for these dates will be cancelled, and refunds will be available for all paid rentals. The library will offer telephone assistance from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday during the closure by calling (650) 780-7018, extension 4.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services and Facility Closures
The Community Activities Building, Red Morton Community Center, and Sandpiper Community Center will be closed to the public effective Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31. A modified schedule will continue for the Veterans Memorial Senior Center for the senior lunch to-go program. Fair Oaks Community Center will remain open to provide essential services to the community, including homelessness services. Signs will be placed at all parks to remind community members to be vigilant by covering your cough and sneeze; washing your hands frequently; avoiding shaking hands and touching your face with unwashed hands.

City Hall Open by Appointment Only
Effective Tuesday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 31, City Hall will be open to visitors only by appointment. Every attempt should be made to conduct City business via phone, email and/or online. If it is absolutely necessary for a person to visit City Hall in-person for an essential service, an appointment will be required. Staff will set-up a time to retrieve hard copy documents from the public and will contact the member of the public at a later date via email or phone to discuss additional comments. In-person consultations will not take place during this time.

Members of the public may schedule an appointment by contacting the following City Hall essential service divisions:

• Planning Division, including permits and plan checks and review services. Please call (650) 780-7234 or  email planning@redwoodcity.org
• Building Regulation and Code Enforcement, including permits and plan check review services. Please call (650) 780-7350 or email permits@redwoodcity.org
• Engineering and Transportation, including permit and plan check review services. Please call (650) 780-7380 or email encroachment@redwoodcity.org
• Revenue Services, including residential and commercial billing customer service, and Business and Residential Services, including business license, monthly parking permits. Please call (650) 780-7210 or email revenueservices@redwoodcity.org. Phone hours are 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• Financial questions including accounts payable, claims, and taxes. Please call (650) 780-7070 or email finance@redwoodcity.org. Phone hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

In addition, City Hall’s Customer Information Center may be reached by calling (650) 780-7000.