News Alert: 3.19.20 - City Response on Coronavirus
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
Is It Essential? Read the Public Health Order
The Health Order for all Sonoma County residents to Shelter in Place outlines a few exceptions for essential services and activities. If you’re questioning what is and is not allowed, the text of the Order is your best resource. Please take a moment to read it in full, if you haven’t done so yet. Additionally, some FAQs are available to provide further understanding (these are being updated as questions arise). When in doubt, keep in mind the intent of the Order—which is to create social distancing as much as possible. By each of us cooperating and taking personal responsibility, we can help to protect ourselves, our loved-ones and our community from the coronavirus.
Health Order to Shelter in Place>
FAQs>
Emergency Response & the Health Order
The Santa Rosa Police Department is continuing to respond to emergency calls for service and meet legal mandates. Face-to-face contact between staff and the community is limited to emergency and urgent situations as necessary. If you call for service, officers may ask you to step outside your home or essential business, this is for your and their safety. The Police lobby is closed during the Health Order, however expanded online reporting options are available at SRCity.org/ReportACrime. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Call 2-1-1 for questions about the coronavirus. If you missed Police Chief Rainer Navarro’s important message shared with the community yesterday, you may view it here: Watch Video
How to Be Healthy During a Health Emergency
It may take some extra effort or ingenuity to stay healthy during this health emergency. Gyms are closed but you can still go outside for fresh air and a walk—just remember to maintain your six feet of social distancing. If you start feeling isolated, make a point to stay in touch by phone, email, text or social media. Resources for seniors and other vulnerable groups, including hours for ‘seniors only’ grocery shopping can be found here. Mental health support is available at the National Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746, or TTY at 1-800-846-8517.
No Impacts to Your Water Service
Water and sewer service is essential and we have staff working 24/7 to ensure all residents have a safe and reliable water system. The coronavirus is not spread through tap water. Sonoma Water, our wholesale water supplier, uses chlorine to eliminate pathogens (this includes viruses) to ensure safe drinking water for all the customers in our service area.
This is also an important time to remind residents that NO wipes are flushable. The only things you should ever flush or #1, #2, and toilet paper. Wet wipes, including sanitizing wipes, clog pipes and can create a nasty sewer back-up. Please avoid clogging pipes by placing ALL wipes in the trash.
To protect the health and safety of our residents, Santa Rosa Water will not disconnect water service for non-payment during the COVID-19 emergency. Customers should continue paying their water bills either online by visiting WWW.SRCity.org/MyWaterBill or by calling 707-543-4470. If you are having difficulty paying your bill, please call water billing Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 707-543-3150 to discuss payment options.
Food is Essential, Free 15-minute Parking Downtown for Food To-Go
To ensure access to food during this public health emergency, many local restaurants are offering to-go and carry-out service by following best practices for food safety. Healthy individuals can support local restaurants in Santa Rosa by using carry-out service during the Shelter-in-Place Order. Remember, keep your carry-out trips short and always practice good hygiene and social distancing. Please note: Downtown parking enforcement has been suspended until further notice to reduce exposure to the community and parking staff.
Resources for Businesses
Resources and assistance are available to help Santa Rosa businesses and workers affected by the coronavirus emergency. The Economic Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the County of Sonoma and the Department of Health Services, has compiled a comprehensive list of local, state and government resources and benefits for businesses and employees affected by the emerging situation. Learn more here: EDB Resources
CityBus Is Running for Essential Travel Only
CityBus is currently operating a modified level of service and is restricted to only essential travel and activities as stated in the Public Health Order, for example: getting groceries or a prescription. Additionally, to protect drivers and passengers, passengers can enter and exit through the rear or front doors of the buses and are encouraged to practice social distancing by sitting six feet away from the drivers and each other. For more information on the modified service schedule, visit: SRCity.org/rideralerts.
