Alameda Co. Officials Discourage Gatherings, Promise New Guidance

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — Health officials this week warned that public gatherings could further spread the coronavirus, while promising new guidance in the coming weeks about the reopening timelines for various activities.

"We can reduce risk by not allowing gatherings, reducing physical contact, wearing face coverings and practicing good hand hygiene," the county Health Services Agency said in a news release Friday. "Risk increases as people move about more, interact in large groups—especially indoors, or share surfaces and space in close proximity to one another."

"While a small gathering outdoors with a few friends is lower risk than a large house party, which is still lower risk than a crowded sporting or concert venue, there is always risk of infection from a highly contagious virus when people outside of a single household come together."

Meanwhile, as the state continues to reopen more sectors of the economy, the county said it will release new guidance in the coming weeks about "moderate risk" activities, including:

• Summer camps and child care
• Outdoor museums
• Outdoor restaurant dining
• Religious services
• Outdoor fitness classes
• Other outdoor social activities

Higher-risk settings like nail salons, barber shops, gyms, bars and indoor museums will be considered at an unspecified later date, the county said. Many of these businesses have previously been listed in Stage 3 of the state's four-part reopening plan.

The county acknowledged that variations between different counties' health orders can be frustrating, especially to retailers and restaurant owners.

"Over the next 12-18 months we will all need to adjust to a new normal," the county said. "Each of us plays a role in safe reopening by staying home as much as possible, wearing face coverings outside our homes, and staying six feet away from others."