Full Notification

Happy First Day of April Petaluma,

For today’s update, check out   the County’s extension of the Shelter-in-Place order, new information on COVID-19 testing, a list of food resources, an update from Governor Newsom, and more.

As we gear up to hunker down for April, we are so glad to connect with you through these daily updates.  If you have comments, ideas, or questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch: [email protected]

OUR HEARTS ARE WITH SRPD

Our hearts go out to the Santa Rosa Police Department, as yesterday they shared the passing of Detective Marylou Armer.  Detective Armer had served SRPD for the past 20 years and was a valued member of the community.

This marks the first COVID-19 death in a Sonoma County law enforcement agency.  We are eternally grateful to our first responders for placing themselves at the frontlines of this health crisis and the City of Petaluma continues to be vigilant in protecting the health and welfare of our first responders by establishing staffing and safety protocols to allow our staff to effectively do their work while protecting their safety.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE EXTENDED

Sonoma County is fighting a war against COVID-19 and needs our help.  Now is the time to do everything we can to prevent the situation from getting much worse. Every hour counts. Stay home. Stop the spread. Save lives

The County of Sonoma has extended the Shelter-in-Place Health Order until May 3, 2020. The State’s Order is indefinite. Updated FAQ’s have been added to the SoCoEmergency website – CLICK HERE to view them.

What does this new Order do?  The new order does not change what you can and cannot do. It still requires that most people stay home unless they are engaged in “Essential Activities.” You are allowed to leave your home for specified reasons to make sure you have the necessities of life such as getting food and medical supplies. You are also allowed to go outside to take care of pets, go on a walk, and just to get outside, so long as you do not congregate in a group and maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people. If you are sick you should self-isolate, including, to the extent you can, from others you live with.

The Order also protects your ability to seek emergency health care when needed.

INCREASED TESTING CAPACITY

Testing for COVID-19 is something at the top of many Petaluman’s minds. Per the County of Sonoma, new lab equipment is being ordered which will allow the public health lab to run 16 tests at a time versus the 4 tests they are currently able to run at once. This will expand testing capacity fourfold.

FOOD RESOURCES

The County of Sonoma, as well as our local non-profit and faith-based communities are  taking action locally to alleviate stress about food for low-income members of our community and those currently experiencing homelessness. A comprehensive list of food resources–complete with places to find a hot meal, food pantries, and even safe places to take a shower—is located HERE Please share with your network.

UPDATE FROM GOVERNOR NEWSOM

Today, Governor Newsom provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19. You can view a recording of his address in this Washington Post video. Please visit his website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 including what you can do, ways you can help, and more.

COUNTY TOWN HALL – IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Last night, the County of Sonoma held a livestream Town Hall during which County Supervisors and leaders from Health Services and Emergency management updated the community and answered questions. Didn’t get a chance to tune in? Not to worry! Check out the recorded session HERE.

TODAY IS CENSUS DAY!

April 1 is Census Day! Though not a deadline (you can continue to respond to the census after today), the Census Bureau uses April 1 as a key reference date in determining who is counted in the 2020 census, and where they are located. Simply put, when you fill out the census you should share where you live as of April 1, 2020, and include anyone who lives and sleeps in your home as of that date.

Again, the census is very important in determining the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for school, roads and other things we all care about. The data also helps inform government decisions during emergencies like COVID-19.

And the good news? It’s never been easier to complete! Just head over to https://my2020census.gov/ to get counted today. Our community will benefit greatly from your effort!

SAVE THE DATE

Monday, April 6, the City Council will hold their regular meeting online. On the agenda will be a discussion regarding the eviction moratorium. More details to follow regarding online participation. For updates on this and other City news, please visit www.cityofpetaluma.org or follow us on Facebook.