By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
In an effort to protect public health, effective July 26, San Mateo County requires all employees and visitors to county facilities to wear facemasks due to a troubling increase in COVID-19 cases.
As rates of positive cases grow, and the prevalence of the highly transmissible Delta variant increases, health officials in the Bay Area have recommended that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.
This variant of the virus is more contagious and spreads more easily and rapidly than others: it has become the dominant strain in California and now accounts for more than 80 percent of cases nationwide.
The facemask requirement is similar to the guidelines in place prior to the state's reopening last June 15 and does not apply to businesses, other government agencies or private employers of any kind throughout San Mateo County.
County-operated facilities include the Hall of Justice in Redwood City, primary health care and behavioral health clinics, San Mateo Medical Center, vital records, Sheriff's Office and substations, Human Services Agency offices, Child Support Services and all other public operations.
Residents can find a complete list of apartments in the link below. https://www.smcgov.org/departments.
"The growing number of cases is a stark reminder that we are not done with COVID and that COVID is not done with us. Let's all continue to do our part by getting vaccinated and taking common sense precautions so we can keep us all safe," said County Administrator Mike Callagy.
He also expressed his condolences to all those who have lost a loved one to the pandemic.
On the other hand, authorities encouraged businesses, other government agencies and private employers of any kind to require their employees and visitors to wear face masks, although they are free to set their own requirements and follow state, federal and industry-specific guidelines.
Vaccines have been shown to be highly effective against COVID-19, but even so county officials said steps must be taken to protect younger children and public health in general as cases increase.
It should be noted that on June 15, the day the state reopened, County Health recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases, a number that increased to 74 by July 15, and the trend is not looking good.
In the last seven days, the average number of cases per 100,000 people is 5.2, compared to 1.3 in mid-June.
The latest test positivity rate is 2.6 percent, while a month ago it was about 0.4 percent.
To date, County Health has identified 43,444 positive COVID-19 cases throughout San Mateo County and 584 deaths.
A week ago, on July 14, four people were hospitalized with COVID-19. There are now 15 people with the virus in the hospital, six of them in the intensive care unit.
However, vaccination is widely available in San Mateo County: they can be found at county-sponsored clinics, community clinics, private health care providers, pharmacies and other locations.
The county and its partners operate vaccination clinics from Daly City to East Palo Alto, and dates, times, and locations can be found on the County Health.
Vaccination is available for residents 12 years of age and older with the Pfizer brand. While those 18 and older can also opt for the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
For residents 12 to 17 years of age to be vaccinated, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the vaccination clinic or bring a signed copy of the vaccination consent form.
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