Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                      
 
 
CONTACT:
 
Cheryl Golden                                                           
Communications Manager
City of Fremont
(510) 284-4025
[email protected]
 
Aisha Knowles
Public Affairs Manager
Fremont Fire Department
510-494-4291
[email protected]
 
 
City of Fremont Facilities and Operations Updates in Response to COVID-19                 
 
Fremont, Calif. – March 19, 2020 – The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an evolving, unprecedented public health crisis that has necessitated several emergency measures to keep the Fremont community safe and help slow the spread of the disease. In accordance with the Alameda County Health Officer’s Order (County Order) issued on March 16, 2020 and the City’s emergency proclamation, changes to City of Fremont operations include the cancellation of all City events and non-essential meetings, the closure of most City facilities until April 7, 2020, and the modification or suspension to most non-essential City services.
 
Essential Construction Activities in Fremont
 
The “Shelter in Place Order” specifically allows public works construction to continue as it is deemed “essential infrastructure” and includes work related to roads, public transportation, buildings, transportation, and underground utilities (water, sewer, gas, and communications), as well as the construction of affordable housing and housing to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Accordingly, the work activities will be in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements (Section 10c of Order).
 
The City plans to provide administration and construction inspection support for contractors willing to work. Projects that will continue construction work at this time are expected to include the following: Housing Navigation Center; Warm Springs BART Station West Access Bridge and Plaza; and Citywide pavement maintenance, sidewalk repairs, and ADA curb ramps.
 
Additionally, the City will be processing permits for requested construction within City streets by utility companies like PG&E.
 
 
Spring Recreation Programs Canceled
 
The City of Fremont Community Services Department’s Recreation Services has canceled programs through April 7, 2020. Additionally, we have stopped online registration for spring programs to minimize uncertainty for our community members. We continue to accept summer registrations at the present time. Facility rentals have been canceled through April 7, and no new rentals are being processed for future dates at this time. For any questions, please call (510) 494-4300 or email [email protected].
 

Republic Services Garbage Service
 
All garbage collection will continue on regularly scheduled days, however Republic Services is implementing two operational changes:
 

• Residential collection service will begin at 5:30 a.m. vs. 6 a.m. – This allows Republic Services to stagger route start times in order to limit the number of employees gathering and deploying at any one time.
• The front office will be closed to walk-in customers – Alternative options to conduct business (e.g., paying bills or obtaining overage bags) will include online service, telephone, and mail. Options will be posted on Republic Service’s website at www.republicservices.com/locations/california/fremont

 
Please call (510) 657-3500 if you have any questions related to garbage collection.
 
 
Household Hazardous Waste
 
The Fremont Recycling & Transfer Station, located at 41149 Boyce Rd., is open to accept household hazardous Waste drop-off from . Alameda County residents can call (800) 606-6606, for business hazardous waste please call (510) 670-6460, or visit www.stopwaste.org/at-home/household-hazardous-waste/free-household-drop-off-facilities/fremont-hhw-facility?page=900 for details.
 
 
Playgrounds, Dog Parks, Basketball Courts, and Skate Park Changes
 
At this time all recreation facilities, playgrounds, dog parks, basketball courts, skate park, programs, classes, facility rentals are canceled/closed. Please contact (510) 979-5700 or email [email protected] if you have any urgent questions. Please note: Fremont parks will remain open for outdoor visitors with recommended social distancing of 6 feet. While City parks and bathrooms are still open, drinking fountains are covered for your protection and not recommended at this time. 
 

Local Business Resources 
 
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is an unprecedented economic event. With significant disruptions to businesses across virtually all industries, impacts of the outbreak are inevitable. The City of Fremont Economic Development Department has assembled best practices and financial resources for the Fremont business community to help lessen the pandemic’s negative effects on both businesses and employees.
 
To access these resources, please visit www.fremont.gov/covidbizresources.
 

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
 
The Fremont Family Resource Center’s VITA program, as well as VITA programs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, is being suspended. VITA customers with appointments will be called to cancel, and instructions will be given for rescheduling the appointment. For updates about the Fremont Family Resource Center, Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center, New Haven Adult School, and the Union City Family Center tax sites, visit www.fremontvita.org.
 
To help you file your tax returns, United Way Bay Area’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It Coalition is providing access to free online tax preparation programs. For more information, please visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.
 
Filing Deadline Information: As of Monday, March 16, 2020, the IRS has not extended the deadline for filing Federal returns; residents who owe have until July 15, 2020 to pay. The State of California has granted an extension for affected taxpayers through June 15, 2020. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020 and www.ftb.ca.gov.
 
For more information on essential services and updates on how the City of Fremont is monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), visit our Coronavirus webpage at www.fremont.gov/coronavirus General updates will be made to the City’s social media accounts on Facebook, Nextdoor, Nixle, and Twitter. Follow at www.fremont.gov/socialmedia.