Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - March 11, 2020

March 11, 2020: A City Council Special Meeting will be held tomorrow, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers so that the Council may declare a local state of emergency. This action is being taken to allow the City to become eligible for federal and or state funding. Furthermore, it allows the City more flexibility to operate under the heightened demands of this event. As an alternative to attending in person, the Council meetings are televised live to Redwood City residents on Astound Broadband cable Channel 26 and Comcast cable Channel 27, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and are streamed live on the City's website at www.redwoodcity.org/councilmeetings. As always, public comments may be emailed to council@redwoodcity.org.

Based on guidance from our public health officials, the City is making further modifications to City programs, events and services out of an abundance of caution to protect our community during this heightened public health risk. These actions are being taken based on the best information we have at this time; however, as more information is shared, things may change at a moment’s notice. Although these measures will cause some level of disruption, they are intended to protect all of us by limiting opportunities for exposure, so we can lessen the virus’ spread. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. 

Non-Essential Services Update (programs to be postponed or canceled)

• Parks, Recreation and Community Services and Library will be cancelling/postponing all non-essential programs and services effective March 12th through April 12th. 
• As of 5:00 p.m., March 11, community rooms and meeting room reservations at Library and Community Center facilities are being honored, but groups will be strongly encouraged to cancel reservations if the events are non-essential. The City will reimburse any reservation fees. The City will not be accepting new reservations of City facilities for rentals through the end of May.  
• Encourage that private/non-profit youth sports programs (like AYSO, Juventus, Little League, Girls Softball, etc.) cancel games; however, at a minimum, initiate social distancing guidelines for spectators

Essential Services Update (will continue to be provided at this time; however this could quickly change based on new information when it is received)

• Park Maintenance
• After School Programs (so long as the schools stay open)
• Childcare Programs  - Lil’ Learners at the Red Morton Community Center and RCCDP at the Fair Oaks Community Center (so long as schools are open)
• Food programs – emergency food, SVDP homeless help desk, Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center breakfast and lunch program, food distributions (Brown Bag, Family Harvest, Sandwiches on Sunday)
• Senior lunch program (only pick-up/to-go) at the Veteran’s Memorial Senior Center
• Core Services/Information and Referral Program – homeless services, homeless prevention services (financial assistance), utility assistance, food, crisis intervention/support, other safety net services including benefits assistance
• Immigration and Citizenship Services – including consultations, classes
• Housing Clinic – eviction defense, habitability issues
• Dignity on Wheels – mobile shower and laundry unit
• Hoover Showers – for the homeless
• SMCounty Mobile Health Van
• One-on-one tax assistance – currently Thursday afternoons through April 16, one more Saturday – Saturday, March 21
• Project READ
• Library Teen Center
• Library After School Homework Help
• Library public computers (with selected computers taken out of service to maintain social distance)
• Census Questionnaire Assistance Centers at all four Library locations
• Job Lab employment coaching
• Library Social Service Office Hours