(The following is a message sent to Resident City & Redwood Shores residents from Redwood City Mayor Diane Howard.)

Dear Redwood City Community,

I want to start off this message by thanking the community for your patience and support as new information about coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuously being shared by San Mateo County Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health. The health and well-being of our community remains of paramount importance to the City. As Mayor of Redwood City, I have been impressed with the calm, swift actions of City staff to ensure that we are taking all precautionary actions to address this situation. I want to reassure you that the City has developed an interdepartmental Critical Action Team, who are actively and extensively developing and updating the City’s Continuity of Operations Plans. As new information is available, we will continue to adjust our programs and services as necessary. We are all in this together and we must strive to keep open communication so that we can continue to support one another.

City staff have been closely monitoring directives and guidance from public health officials so that we can be intentional and methodical in our response in modifying and or postponing service delivery for programs and events. We also want to take all necessary precautions to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community (e.g., seniors and people with pre-existing health conditions). Please visit www.redwoodcity.org/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information and resources, including a listing of postponed events, programs and service modifications during this heightened public health risk.

As individuals, I encourage everyone to follow steps to prevent the spreading of infectious disease, including:

• Be vigilant with washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• Avoid shaking hands and touching your face with unwashed hands
• Avoid large public gatherings
• Stay home if you aren’t feeling well

The City is taking extra precautionary measures and is regularly cleaning and disinfecting public City facilities. We will continue to inform and educate the community though all City communication platforms.

For reference, the County of San Mateo opened a call center for residents with non-medical questions about coronavirus. The number is 2-1-1 and will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Use of a three-way language line to help non-English speakers is available.

Lastly, Redwood City is a city that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, and is welcoming to all. A person’s risk for COVID-19 is not related to race, ethnicity or culture. Your continued respect and kindness to each other is appreciated.

In community spirit,

Mayor Diane Howard