Full Notification

On March 13, 2020, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department published updated directives regarding COVID-19.  The latest directive prohibits gatherings of more than 100 people and sets specific criteria for essential gatherings of 35 to 100 people.

The City of Gilroy continues to monitor the effects of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is taking proactive steps to help ensure the health and safety of our community and to provide for the continuation of essential health and safety services.  As part of this plan, the City of Gilroy will be declaring a local emergency on Friday, March 13, 2020, which will allow the City to access resources to assist in responding to the needs of the community during this time. 

The following is information about the City of Gilroy’s response to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected.  Slowing the spread of the disease will help prevent our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.  If the number of cases can be stretched out over time, not exceeding our healthcare systems capacity, then people will get the care they need.  All members of our community play a vital role in slowing the spread through intentional social distancing measures such as limiting gatherings and we encourage all members of the community to follow the guidelines provided by Public Health (https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/home.aspx) and the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html).  At this time, there are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the City of Gilroy. 

Effective Immediately through April 5, 2020:

City Council Meetings: The March 16 City Council Meeting will be held in Council Chambers and live-streamed through the City website.  Residents are encouraged to view remotely and will able to provide public comments through WebEx.
Board & Commission Meetings: Except for City Council Meetings, all Board and Commission meetings are canceled.
Recreation Classes & Programs: Canceled.  All recreation programs including adaptive, adult, preschool, youth, sports, and youth programs have been canceled.  Please contact the Recreation Department for more information at 408-846-0460.
Senior Center: All senior programs are canceled.  Box lunches and the Second Harvest Food Bank Brown Bag will continue to be provided.
Special Event Permits: All special event permits are canceled.
Reservations of City Facilities & Public Parks: All reservations for City facilities and public parks will be canceled with automatic refunds.
Per regular emergency preparedness guidance, we recommend that households have a basic 2-week supply of food and necessities.  Purchase only what you need, to allow food and supplies to be available for others.  

If You’re Feeling Sick:

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, cough, and aches. The illness can progress to shortness of breath and complications from pneumonia. Symptoms may also include nausea with vomiting and diarrhea. Some infected patients experience only mild symptoms while others – particularly older individuals and those with underlying health conditions – might develop more severe symptoms.

Please stay home if you are sick and call your doctor.  Doctors work closely with the Public Health Department to determine who should be tested for the novel coronavirus.  Let them know your symptoms when you call.  If you have a fever, cough or sneezes, runny nose, or a sore throat, put on a mask before going to the doctor.
The flu and other viruses are circulating in our community.  So, if you are sick with a fever (including chills or night sweats), cough, or shortness of breath, you should stay home until at least 24 hours after you have recovered.

If you need to see a healthcare provider and don’t have insurance, call Valley connections at 1-888-334-1000.  If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911.

Stay Informed:

Information is changing frequently.  The Health Department has a webpage dedicated to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in English and Spanish at www.sccphd.org/coronavirus.  The City of Gilroy will also keep a direct weblink to the County Public Health page at www.cityofgilroy.org.

Public Health Website: http://sccphd.org/coronavirus
Public Health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sccpublichealth/
Public Health Instagram: @scc_publichealth
Public Health Twitter: @HealthySCC

For questions or additional information regarding COVID-19 please contact the Santa Clara County Public Health Department hotline at 408-885-3980.  This hotline is available Monday through Friday, from 8 am- 5 pm.