(Stockton, CA) - San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park told the Board of Supervisors yesterday that COVID-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions are on the decline allowing the lifting of mask mandates and other statewide executive orders. She noted that COVID-19 case rates are dramatically decreasing from 66 to 22.3 cases per 100,000 since February 15, 2022.

San Joaquin County COVID-19 latest statistics as of February 28, 2022:

• 164,814 total COVID-19 cases; 2,057 deaths; 77 people hospitalized; 25 COVID-19 positive people in ICU with 19 of those patients on ventilators.
• To date, 1,176,023 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to San Joaquin residents or 75.8% of the eligible population.
• 62.9% of San Joaquin County’s total population are fully vaccinated and 12.9% are partially vaccinated for COVID-19. An additional 178,278 residents have received a booster or extra dose.
• County hospital ICU’s are 101% full, with 25% of hospital ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients which is down from 41% on February 14.

To view weekly updates of the County’s COVID-19 statistics, visit: http://www.sjcphs.org/Disease/Epidemiology.aspx

Dr. Park noted that certain testing sites are closing, including the Robert Cabral Agricultural Center. Also, the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds will close today. She said that the OptumServe test sites will be open on weekends and the SNAP Nurse mobile testing and vaccine unit will operate at multiple locations throughout the County. Residents are encouraged to check www.MyTurn.ca.gov for information about testing and vaccine locations and hours of operation. They can also visit this link to learn about COVID-19 treatments available in the community.

Dr. Park also overviewed the recent state guidance regarding state masks mandates including the following:

• Masks strongly recommended (but not required)
  • Public Indoor (vaccinated & unvaccinated)
  • Workplace (vaccinated & unvaccinated) - Employers to provide masks upon request
• Masks required
  • Schools & Childcare (vaccinated & unvaccinated) – State order to expire end of day on March 11
  • Health Care (vaccinated & unvaccinated)
  • Public Transit (vaccinated & unvaccinated)
  • Long-Term Care (vaccinated & unvaccinated)
  • Jobs & Prisons (vaccinated & unvaccinated)
  • Homeless Shelters (vaccinated & unvaccinated)

“According to the CDC’s latest assessments, San Joaquin County’s COVID-19 community transmission levels are considered medium based on our COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations,” said San Joaquin County Public Health Officer, Dr. Maggie Park. “We encourage residents to continue taking precautions such as talking to a health provider about wearing a mask if you are at high risk for severe illness, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, and getting tested if you have symptoms. People are still welcome to wear a mask in any setting and if someone tests positive, has symptoms, or is exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is important to wear a mask.”

The Board also heard a presentation from the Office of Emergency Services (OES) regarding the County’s COVID19 Local Emergency and Local Health Proclamations. County staff told the Supervisors that both Proclamations are consistent with the State Emergency Proclamation. Staff recommended to keep the local Proclamations in place and re-evaluate in 30 days. These Proclamations will permit:

• 100% of allowable costs for FEMA reimbursement
  • $3.1 Million obligated /$4 Million pending
• Continued eligibility for available mutual aid from the State
  • SNAP Nurse and vehicle
  • Personal Protection Equipment
  • Medications/Therapeutics
  • Hospitals granted ratio changes and State medical resources to assist with staffing levels
  • OptumServe Vaccination Site (Stockton Stribley)
    OptumServe Testing Sites (2, French Camp and Lodi)
• Sustained non-profit State partnerships
• Ongoing use of contact tracers

The Board received an update from the Employment and Economic Development Department (EEDD) regarding the Relief Across Downtown (RAD) digital gift card program. To date:

• 256 businesses are enrolled in the program
  • 46% had business sales over $1k
  • 28% had business sales over $10k
• All donor funds have been expended
  • $2.5 million has been spent at local businesses since May 2021
  • $1.7 million has been spent to purchase RAD Cards equating to $3.4 million in consumer purchasing power

At an upcoming meeting, the Board will consider an additional $2.3 million budget request for Round 3. This funding will continue to provide matching dollars to businesses participating in the RAD card program, provide technical equipment and training to participating businesses, and provide outreach for the program.

Supervisor Chuck Winn, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors stated, “Based upon the current numbers, it appears the worst of the pandemic is behind us and we can start moving forward in rebuilding lives, businesses and communities. During the pandemic the County did everything possible to ensure the health and safety of all our residents. Unnecessary regulations were waived, resources and flexibility emerged from the State and Federal government, unique partnerships were formed, and residents came together in the face of extreme hardship to get the job done. It is our hope that many of the programs that were initiated to improve our healthcare during the pandemic will continue into the future.”

Consent Items

• Approval for use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant funds for the removal and replacement of the Airline Ticket Counters Project in the amount of $246,862, and related budget adjustments.
• Approval for use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant funds for the Compass Rose Survey Project in the amount of $8,550 and related budget adjustments.
• Retroactively approve the first amendment to Agreement (A-21-300) with El Concilio California to increase funding from $400,000 to $800,000 and extend the term through August 31, 2022.
• Recertification of AB 361 teleconferencing requirements.

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