How New Shelter In Place Order Applies To Palo Alto

Press release from the City of Palo Alto:

May 1, 2020

NEW COUNTY SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER – EFFECTIVE MAY 3 AT 11:59 P.M.- MAY 31

The City continues to evaluate the new Shelter in Place Order which begins May 3 at 11:59 p.m. through May 31. The Order eases some restrictions such as construction activities and some outdoor activities, while ensuring social distancing requirements and other safety protocols.

From a City perspective, here are a few changes planned, with more evaluation and work underway to interpret the Order:

Construction Resuming- Development Services Center staff are anticipating construction resuming, while observing new safety requirements and social distancing restrictions set by the County. City inspectors will be available by appointment only. Construction projects must assign one point of contact and follow the new safety protocols established by the Santa Clara County Public Health Officer. We are scheduling inspections starting Tuesday, May 5. Those needing inspections must call to (650) 329-2496 to schedule.

City Infrastructure Projects Resuming Work-The City is in discussions with contractors leading City infrastructure projects to explore resuming work, while ensuring new public safety protocols including social distancing restrictions such as Animal Shelter Medical Suite Remodel, Charleston Arastradero Corridor Traffic Calming Project Phase 1 and Phase 2, Utilities water main and sanitary sewer main replacement projects on Fulton Street and Ruthelma Avenue, and the JMZ project. Projects confirmed to restart next week include Cal Ave Parking Garage, and the US Hwy 101 Pedestrian/Bike Project.

City Tree Work Resuming-The City tree crew will be returning to work beginning Monday, to address safety projects.

Parks Remain Open and Other Plans Underway-Parks remain open at this time and open spaces remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists. The City is preparing to reopen some Open Space Preserves to vehicular traffic using a phased approached on weekdays only, with modifications to ensure visitor safety and social distancing restrictions are enforced through one-way trails and other measures. Please follow all posted rules to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Parking lot capacity will be reduced and when full, City staff will turn cars away to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Due to the high visitation rate at Open Space Preserves, all Open Space areas will remain closed to vehicular traffic on the weekends, though they are still accessible by foot and bike. All open space restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic and barbecue areas remain closed.

Reopening Tennis and Pickleball Courts Planning Underway-The City is also planning to reopen tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, skate park and athletic fields while ensuring public health and safety through ensuring social distancing and only playing with members of a specific household. All courts and athletic fields will be open by Wednesday May 6. Please help us ensure the safety of the community by following posted rules. If rules are not followed, the City will be forced to close these facilities.

Other Closures Continue- Several City facility closures continue to be in effect including pools, dog parks, picnic tables and benches, barbecue areas, outdoor gym equipment, our golf course and playgrounds. Closures are in the interest of public health and safety. Staff is in discussions with our golf course operator to reopen with modifications and as more details are known, we will share updates.

Questions Continue Around Gardening and Landscaping-Questions still remain on how to interpret gardening and landscaping, since the State Shelter at Home Order restricts this activity, but the new County Order allows it. More will be released next week on this matter.

Continue to stay at or close to home. If you must go out for essential tasks, the Santa Clara County Public Health Officer is strongly urging the community to wear cloth face coverings.

To stay informed on the latest Covid-19 developments, go to our website dedicated to this health pandemic here. You can also sign up for our Coronavirus Daily Report here.

This press release was produced by the City of Palo Alto. The views expressed here are the author’s own.