Full Notification

To the Moraga Community –
 
Our lives seem to be consumed with news about COVID-19, what exactly it is, what we can do to prevent the spread of it, and what impact it could have on each of us and our community.  Town staff is working with other agencies to provide information to and assist our residents.
 
The most recent information that we have is that there are 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Contra Costa County.  No deaths have been reported.  It is anticipated there will be more cases reported as COVID-19 has an incubation period of up to 14 days. Contra Costa County Health Services has their Emergency Operations Center in place and is actively coordinating with local, state and federal agencies on this situation.  They have an excellent website with current information that can be found at www.coronavirus.cchealth.org.  All of the information on this website has been vetted and is accurate, including recommendations and updates.
 
While the situation is continuously changing, there are things that all of us can do and should be doing to minimize our exposure and work to stop the spread of COVID-19.  These simple things include the following:

• Wash your hands often – use soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds;
• Avoid touching your face to prevent germs from being transmitted from your hands;
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing;
• Avoid close contact with others;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often;
• Refrain from engaging in large (50 people or more) gatherings;
• Stay home and do not go out if you are sick.

 
Your first responders, both police and fire, are also taking precautions to avoid being exposed.  These precautions may include wearing gloves, masks and gowns, keeping a distance away and taking more reports by telephone.  Please do not be alarmed by this as they are trying to prevent exposure to the virus.  If you call 9-1-1 or Dispatch for help with a sick person, please tell the Dispatcher that the person is sick and describe the symptoms.  This will allow the first responders the opportunity to don personal protective equipment to protect themselves so they can remain available to assist others in need.
 
Taking Care of Our Neighbors
 
We have limited public safety resources in Lamorinda and count on our residents to assist their neighbors.  Although we truly want to be there to help everyone, there simply are not enough of us to do so in a major incident.  As we have discussed in the past and practiced in our evacuation drills, it is critically important for neighbors to help neighbors in disasters (e.g. earthquakes) and serious incidents, such as the current COVID-19 situation.
 
Many of our neighbors may be part of the population who are more at-risk for contracting this virus and may suffer more serious consequences.  As we would if we were evacuating in an emergency, we also need to check on our neighbors and ensure they are OK.  Additionally, elderly neighbors may need assistance to get groceries or other supplies.  Is there a way for you to assist them? Can you set up a telephone contact system and talk at least once per day?  This is especially important if your neighbor is ill.  I lost a good friend of mine to the flu a few years ago.  Although he was not feeling well, none of us knew that he was very ill.  Had he told someone or had we been in more frequent contact with him, he would be with us today.  Bottom line – it is critically important that we come together as a community and care for each other.
 
Here are some resources that you can consult for additional information about COVID-19 and ways to do your part to prevent the spread of the virus:
 
www.coronavirus.cchealth.org
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
 
We are all in unchartered waters as we navigate through the COVID-19 situation.  Moraga is a very strong community and together we can overcome and endure anything.  Although some programs have been cancelled during this time, Town offices will remain open for business to provide assistance.  Town staff and Moraga Police, together with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, will continue to provide the best possible service to our community and work with all of you to keep Moraga a safe community.
 
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.  For Emergencies, call 9-1-1.  To reach our 24/7 Dispatch Center (for all of Lamorinda), please call 925-284-5010.
 
Thank you.
 
Jon King
Chief of Police