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Contra Costa County’s July 1 Reopening Might be Postponed

indoor dining, bars & gyms might be on hold due to rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations up 42%
By - posted 6/29/2020 No Comment

Thank you KTVU for reporting that an uptick in COVID-19 cases could delay July 1 reopening  in Contra Costa County.

Any change to the timeline would immediately affect businesses and activities that are currently scheduled to resume July 1, including indoor dining, bars, gyms, hotels and some personal care services, including nail salons and tattoo parlors.

On Friday, Contra Costa County released a Press Statement regarding the COVID-19 reopening timeline. It stated that the “Contra Costa Health Services is evaluating whether the county should continue its current reopening timeline, due to recent data showing COVID-19 activity is increasing in the community.”

  • During the past seven days, the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals in the county has increased by 42%.
  • The seven-day average number of newly identified COVID-19 cases has increased from 39 a day to 68 a day. 
  • The positivity rate of test results, the percentage of COVID-19 tests that came back positive has also increased.
  • A shift with more young people testing positive. In June, 55% of cases were 40 years and under compared to 38% for that group in April. 

It’s a sign that younger people are playing a major role in driving the increase in new cases and potentially infecting vulnerable individuals. This highlights why it’s important for everyone to avoid social gatherings, observe physical distancing, and wear masks or face coverings when around others.

Read the full Press Release.

CCHS encourages all residents to get tested. Increased testing for COVID-19 is a critical part of the community effort to slow the local spread of the virus, and necessary to continue reopening in the future.

There is concern that these increases may lead to a surge in very ill people that could overwhelm the local healthcare system. CCHS realizes many people are eager to resume normal activities. However, adjusting the reopening timeline may prevent the pandemic from getting out of control in the county.

Contra Costa Health Services is closely monitoring key data indicators that show how the virus is spreading in the county and will announce a decision about the timeline Monday.

With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, CCHS also reminds everyone that it’s a healthy choice to wear face coverings and observe physical distancing, maintaining six feet of space whenever possible. Anyone who feels sick should stay home.