The highest number of Alameda County cases of COVID-19 are currently in the Fruitvale District of Oakland, Oakland Voices and Mercury News reported.
The majority of confirmed cases in Oakland are also within the 94621 and 94603 zip codes of East Oakland. These areas, heavily Latinx and African American, are already some of the most environmentally impacted neighborhoods in Oakland. 94601 is 50 percent Latinx. Although only 3 percent of the County lives here, 11 percent of COVID-19 cases are here–Nearly four times the county’s overall rate. Many residents within this area are “essential workers,” further illustrating the need for more mass testing efforts and resources for those who need to quarantine.
There are 5,679 cases in Oakland and 14,229 in Alameda County, according to the Public Health Department.
Tentative new Deal as remote learning continues.
The new school year in Oakland schools began this past Monday, August 10th. Both teachers and students still have much to get accustomed too in this new learning environment.
After months of negotiations, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and the teachers union, the Oakland Education Association, reached a tentative agreement this week regarding remote learning, OUSD announced.
The agreement seeks to provide both a quality learning experience for students as well as flexibility for teachers in this new virtual learning section after months of negotiations. Teachers and the Board of Education are expected to vote this week to ratify the agreement.
The Oakland Undivided Campaign has raised over $12.5 million this summer. Students should expect new Chromebooks and internet hotspots around the third week of school to help with the transition to full remote learning.
Possible solution to slow spread of COVID-19
University of California San Francisco has developed a possible new solution to stop the spread of COVID. Researchers have developed a new molecule that captures the most detrimental component of COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 that infects our cells.
In experimenting with the using live virus, the molecule revealed itself to be the most potent COVID-19 antivirals yet discovered. Dubbed “Aeronabs,” these molecules can be self-administered via a nasal spray or inhaler. Active discussions are being held now to ramp up manufacturing and clinical testing.
Oakland Police: Crime is rising
Oakland Police report there is a rise in violent crimes this year. According to a press release since August 6th, there have been five fatal incidents.
So far in 2020, 51 people have lost their lives due to the gun violence, compared to 46 people in 2019. OPD has recovered nearly 540 guns, a 20% increase compared to this time last year, according to OPD.
In the last five years, gun violence in the city has significantly decreased by 50% due to community efforts.
Councilmember Noel Gallo told KRON 4 that the rise in crime is related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The release of formerly incarcerated people that lack options in terms of employment, housing, and means to adequately protect themselves is contributing to crime.
Every Monday and Thursday, Oakland Voices provides a roundup of COVID-19 related news.
Iris M. Crawford, is a poet and social justice advocate. Hailing from New York City, she is a first-generation Guyanese- American. Her journey has allowed her to empower communities through health care advocacy, education and environmental justice. In 2018, Iris was selected as a semi-finalist Fulbright Scholar for an English Teaching Assistantship in South Africa. She also just became a resident of the 2020 Shuffle Collective Literary Arts Residency where she will be working to strengthen her creative work, gain skills to continue growing professionally and build community. She earned her BA in Political Philosophy and African American Studies from Syracuse University.
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