As the number of COVID-19 cases rise throughout the United States, we are keeping track of news in Oakland related to coronavirus. As of Tuesday, Alameda County has 135 confirmed cases (they do not release by city). The latest news in Oakland includes a possible moratorium on evictions during this period, East Bay Regional Parks closes additional parks including two more in Oakland, and more.
City of Oakland to Discuss Moratorium on Evictions During COVID-19 Crisis
Oakland City Councilwoman Nikki Fortuno Bas, President Pro Tempore Dan Kalb, and City Attorney Barbara Parker introduced a moratorium on evictions, rent increase, and late fees during this period. The item will be discussed in a special meeting on Friday, March 27, 2020 via teleconferencing.
Alameda County Has High Numbers of Those Under 44 with COVID-19 According to Tests
While initial news stories have framed the novel coronavirus as a disease that heavily impacts those 60 and older, according to the latest tests for Alameda County, more than half of those who turned up with positive tests are between 20-44 years-old. As of Tuesday, there were 135 confirmed cases in the county, according to the San Jose Mercury News. In the same report, it notes that a gate agent at Oakland International Airport was tested positive for COVID-19 and had last worked on Sunday.
East Bay Regional Parks Adds more Closures Beginning Friday, March 27, 2020: Oakland Parks Closed Now Include MLK, Jr. Shoreline, Leona Canyon, Roberts Regional, and Sibley
EBRP had previously closed trails, bathrooms, and parking lots affecting 22 regional parks, due to overcrowding and for the public’s safety. Last weekend, there seemed to be an unprecedented number of people at parks and beaches. While under Alameda County and Gov. Newsom’s shelter-in-place rules allow for hiking and walking, Newsom reprimanded people after this past weekend. Previous trail and parking lot closures in Oakland include Leona Canyon and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline. The new additions include Roberts Regional and Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. See full list here and check the East Bay Regional Park’s website for the latest updates.
OUSD Announces Schools Closed Until May 1, Continues to Serve Grab and Go for Families
Oakland Unified School District recently announced that schools will be closed through “at least” May 1, 2020. The district continues to give away grab and go meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for families at 12 sites. Food is distributed on Mondays and Thursdays, and will continue through May 1, 2020, including what would be Spring Break next week. Check OUSD’s site for the most current information.
How Are Businesses and Workers in Oakland Impacted
Oakland Voices alumna and Correspondent Iris Crawford reports on how businesses and workers in Oakland are impacted, and what resources are available. Read the article here.
Six Virtual Places for Oakland residents to Spiritually Connect Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
A lot of emphasis is placed on our physical health, and perhaps we are also starting to see more about mental health. What about spiritual health? Our Oakland Voices alumna and Correspondent Amelah El-Amin finds six places of worship and spirituality in Oakland offering virtual gatherings and webinars via Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube.
Check out all of our COVID-19 news roundups and coverage here.
Momo Chang is a freelance journalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the Oakland Voices Co-Director. Her work focuses on healthcare, immigration, education, Asian American communities, food and culture. She is a former staff writer at the Oakland Tribune. Momo has received journalism awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for investigative reporting and the Asian American Journalists Association, among others. Her work has appeared in the East Bay Express, San Francisco Chronicle, Wired, and The New York Times. Momo is primarily a print journalist who also produces audio and visual stories for documentary film and radio. She is a Senior Contributing Editor for Hyphen and formerly the Content Manager at the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM).
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