Full Notification

Good Afternoon,

The Orinda Police Department has been receiving a variety of complaints regarding citizens engaging in contact sports and other close-contact activities within the City. Please be advised that, while parks continue to stay open to the public for periodic exercise, residents need to continue to observe the 6-foot personal space distancing. The bathrooms and play structures have been closed and will remain off-limits until further notice. If you have any questions regarding the order from Contra Costa County Health Services, please visit https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/64474/Stay-at-Home-Except-for-Essential-Needs-FAQ.

If you are a parent, please discuss with your children, the importance of these precautions and the risks associated with not following the orders of the State and County Health Services. They should not be congregating in groups during the restrictions.

However, local restaurants are still open and doing curb side take-out or delivery. Please take advantage of these services to support our local community commerce! Other businesses that are available during this time include:

+ Food: Grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants.

+ Essential government services: Police stations, fire stations, public works emergency response, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, courts, garbage/sanitation, transportation (including BART for essential travel), utilities (water, power and gas)

+ Gas stations

+ Pharmacies

+ Banks

+ Laundromats/laundry services

+ Veterinarians

+ Hardware stores/plumbers

As you are probably aware, elderly citizens tend to be at greater risk with the Corona Virus. As a result, some essential businesses have set aside specific time frames to serve our elderly community. Please observe these time frames and give these residents the opportunity to shop in relative safety.

Also, please remember that our first responders are taking precautions to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. Police and fire personnel may be wearing protective equipment when responding to calls. Dispatchers may question you when you call in about a sick person and if you are requesting help. Please answer all questions from the dispatchers thoroughly. Through your help, our first responders can protect themselves and remain ready and healthy to assist others in the community.

As always, if you have an emergency, call 911. If you have a non-emergency situation and would like to speak to an officer, please contact our dispatch center at (925) 646-2441.

Please continue to follow and obey all shelter in place mandates. As a community we can support one another by minimizing exposure and flattening the curve in this challenging time. Thank you for helping keep our community safe. Stay healthy!