Interim City Administrator Steven Falk today announced temporary changes to city government functions this week in accordance with the Alameda County Health Officer’s order for all Alameda County residents to shelter in place to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and preserve critical health care capacity across the region.

Alameda County is one of six counties in the region to adopt a legal order directing their respective residents to shelter at home for three weeks and to limit activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. In accordance with the county’s order, and with the health and well-being of Oakland residents city employees in mind, the city is continuing to provide critical services to residents while allowing people to remain sheltered in place at home and maintaining social distancing.

Oakland Police and Fire first responders and other essential government functions will continue. Other key impacts are:

• Civic Center buildings (City Hall, 150 and 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza) are accessible to the public only by special appointment or for public meetings but will otherwise be closed to the public.

• Most public service counters at the Civic Center are switching to online/ phone/appointment access only.

• Parking meters and time-limited parking will not be enforced.

• The City will continue to enforce all other parking regulations in service of public safety and public health, including street sweeping, red curbs and fire hydrants, sidewalk and crosswalk blocking, double-parking and bike lane violations, wheelchair ramp obstruction, and unauthorized use of disabled person parking placards.

• Towing will be suspended unless vehicles are blocking access, causing and immediate hazard, or are deemed a public safety concern.

A list of City service impacts, including facility closures, service suspensions, and alternative service points (online, telephone, or by appointment) is included below. Over the coming days and weeks, this list will be modified; check back for updates here.

“We recognize these closures and service modifications have direct impacts on our employees and the community we serve,” said Interim City Falk. “It is our goal to keep employees working, remotely where possible, to the greatest extent possible and consistent with public health guidance, and to ensure that first responders have the resources and support they need so they can continue to best serve the residents of Oakland. As we make decisions over the next days and weeks, we will choose options that maximize employee and public

Saskia Hatvany

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