Dear Alameda Business Leaders,
This past Monday, May 4, Alameda County’snew health orderwent into effect, extending its shelter in place order to May 31, and easing some restrictions (construction, childcare, outdoor businesses).
On Thursday, May 7, the Governor issuednew guidance for nonessential businesses to reopenin a limited capacity that some counties are adopting now, and others, including Alameda County, are waiting to adopt when they feel it is safe. Bay Area health orders do not currently permit curbside pickup from nonessential, non-outdoor businesses, and state, “Where a conflict exists between [the County’s] order and the State public health order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the most restrictive provision controls.”
The Alameda County Health Officer stated it will take approximately two weeks to see theeffectsof the eased restrictions outlined in the May 4 order. Critical to seeing ongoing favorable results that are necessary for reopening are face coverings and ensuring physical distancing. Download aface covering required for entry signhere.
City staff across multiple departments are planning with our business associations in the event of a partial opening of retail by the end of the Shelter In Place in early June. For example, we’re looking at ways the public space in our business districts can be reorganized to allow more space for physical distancing.
At aMay 14 meeting, we’re seeking direction from the Mayor’s Economic Development Advisory Panel on the creation of aCOVID-19Economic Recovery Task Force. The proposed goal is to create a short- to mid-term plan to bolster economic recovery in Alameda as public health requirements shift and businesses start to reopen to the community under a “new normal.” Read morehere.
Meantime, if you have questions about reopening and want to contact the County directly, please emailCOVIDrecovery@acgov.org.
Upcoming Events
At noon this Tuesday, May 12,Vice Mayor John Knox Whiteis hosting a Town Hall with the business community and I will be his guest. Topics to be addressed include how we design our commercial areas for success in a physical distance/curbside pick-up world and how can the City support businesses working together to meet the new retail and business environment.
Then at 2pm on Tuesday, May 12, we are excited to hear from special guestState Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laraat the business community’s Tuesdays @ 2 Town Hall. Clickherefor more information.
This past Wednesday, May 6, the City hosted a webinar tohelp businesses plan for the futureamidst uncertainty and prepare for operations in a changed world. If you missed it, a recording of the webinar can be viewedhere.
PPP Update
Last but not least, there is still money left in the Paycheck Protection Program. The SBA has released asecond round of fundsthrough a controlled roll out, so that no one bank can access more than ten percent of the funding.You can also apply through more than one bank. If you are having trouble getting a response from your current bank, clickherefor a list of banks in Alameda that are accepting PPP loan applications.
Small businesses are the fabric of this community and I appreciate your continued partnership as we work together toward safely reopening.
Eric Levitt
City Manager