Last week the CDC reported that more easily transmissible COVID-19 variants are spreading quickly around the world. It looks like it’s a race trying to avoid these new variants until one can get vaccinated. Are you taking any additional steps to protect yourself in the meantime?
At the Broadway Plaza escalators in Walnut Creek are signs that say, “WAIT FOR SHOPPERS TO PASS THE BLUE LINE”. I must be missing something completely obvious because I don’t get it. How does waiting for people to pass the blue line help, considering there is no other line to wait from?
From a Contra Costa Health Services health order:
Stay Home Order
Date of Order: 12/16/2020The availability of Bay Area intensive care unit beds dropped to 12.9% on Dec. 15, triggering the State’s Regional Stay Home Order. This order will remain in effect for at least three weeks (Jan. 5) and will be lifted when ICU availability meets or exceeds 15%.
We are in the midst of an unprecedented surge in cases and hospitalizations in California and across the country. Given the nationwide surge, the ability to add surge ICU capacity is limited by availability of ICU nurses and physicians. We need to protect our hospital capacity so those who need care—for such things as cancer treatment, heart attacks, and strokes—can get it. By taking this action we are saving lives, protecting our health care delivery system and keeping those at highest risk and essential workers safe.
2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek
The Shadelands Ranch Pumpkin Patch is open in Walnut Creek. Drop by for a large selection of pumpkins and other entertainment such as hamster balls, train rides, pumpkin painting and more!
Due to the improving COVID numbers, more businesses can now open indoors in Contra Costa. What are you most looking forward to doing?
From Contra Costa Health Services:
Moving into the red tier means the following sectors can reopen with modifications:
- Places of worship, restaurants, movie theaters and museums can be operated indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less
- Gyms can reopen indoors at 10% capacity
- All personal care services, including massage, can move indoors
- Indoor shopping malls can operate at 50% maximum occupancy (instead of 25%). Food courts can also open following the state’s guidelines for restaurants.
- Indoor retail stores can now operate at 50% capacity (instead of 25%)
- Outdoor playgrounds
Elementary and secondary schools can reopen for in-person instruction on Oct. 13 if the county remains the red tier for two more weeks. Currently, elementary schools can apply for a waiver from the health officer to reopen.
Spotted outside Love + Chocolate in downtown Walnut Creek. “Write a wish on a tag with your own pen.” Check out the chocolate offerings at their online shop here. Featuring Leonidas Belgian chocolate.
Short baguette bags are incredibly annoying and unhygienic. The bread end invariably pops out on the checkout stand or in the cart and I wonder what kind of disease-laden virus or bacteria has latched on. Sometimes at home, I cut off the end and throw it away I’m so disgusted. Recently, I decided to buy a baguette when I noticed the bag has been extended and folded over, allowing for a semi-secure closure. I was thrilled to see this and hope this never goes away, even when the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
Am I being too obsessive about this?
1613 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Phoenix Salon is relocating to the new apartment complex at 1716 N. Main Street in downtown Walnut Creek. They are currently closed due to Covid-19 but are planning to open there as soon as possible. Check out their services here. It looks like COVID-19 testing is available at their old location for the time being.
To support the Walnut Creek Downtown Association, check out the Go Fund Me charity campaign here.
From the Walnut Creek Downtown Association:
For the first time in the 20-year history of Walnut Creek Downtown (WCD) we are faced with a severe budget shortfall. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to cover the loss of our 2020 revenue and to help sustain the organization during Covid-19. Have you ever attended Walnut Creek First Wednesday’s or Oktoberfest? How about Walnut Creek Uncorked or Holiday Stroll? These beloved, long-running Walnut Creek events generate 70% of Walnut Creek Downtown’s income and drive significant foot traffic and sales to the downtown.
Walnut Creek will be back stronger than ever. But right now, we need your support now more than ever. Every contribution will go towards providing valuable services to our community-just as we’ve been doing for the past 20 years.
Over the weekend I saw a large contingent of Black Lives Matters protesters march down Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek as they formed a circle in a couple of different sections at Broadway Plaza as they shouted in a megaphone to keep the Black Lives Matter movement alive.
