Must read --this statement from the San Mateo County order:

"An Order based on a framework of essential and non-essential business categories was absolutely necessary and appropriate in the earliest stages of this crisis. I am grateful that the State issued an Order based on this framework several days after we did. If we continue to have the public’s cooperation, I have great hope that the COVID-19 Indicators will continue to improve and this Order can be revised before May 31, 2020 in a manner that focuses more on behavior (social distancing, face masks, etc.) and risk of disease transmission in contrast to categories of businesses (essential vs. non-essential). However, for me to issue such an Order, the State first needs to revise its Order to allow it. While, the Governor has indicated that the State will do so in weeks, not months, the actual date is uncertain."

I really dislike the idea of the Governor choosing which businesses are allowed to open and which ones are not. It's ripe for corruption and buy-offs. Where's the science in that?

What about dental offices?! These are essential, yet they are closed!

Just singles allowed, no doubles.

From my understanding, golfing is not prohibited by the state. The new order also allows golf courses to reopen, however, golfing remains prohibited by the statewide order, which supersedes the local ordinance."

Thanks, @member. You are correct in that the order pertains to golf courses, not the activity of golfing. I made the wording more precise.

sorry I don't get the distinction about golfing, so can we go golf or not?

YP, you are allowed to golf but not at a golf course.

Donald, thanks.

I realize there are more important things going on in the world, but what possible rationale is being used to keep them closed? Talk about a sport that is relatively easy to keep people spaced out. You walk it or get your own cart, stay apart as you play. What could be simpler.

Glad to see gardeners go back to work and construction and parks re-opening, I never thought they should have been stopped in the first place.

A reasonable loosening, and sounds like more may be coming at the end of the month assuming we continue on a good trajectory. I'm happy with these new orders.

@nat. While dentists are "Essential Businesses," the California Department of Public Health and the CDC has recommended that dentists postpone routine procedures.

@nat

Dental offices are a tough call. Because yes, they are pretty close to essential (or will become so once we have prolonged lack of access to dental cleanings), but they have to be one of the most high risk activities. A dentist can wear a mask but the patient can't and the dentist has to be right up in your face to do the work. They are still open for emergency work.

I think it has still been a short enough period that no one has lost too much by postponing routine dental work. When they get to 6 months of no dental cleanings, then they'll have to weigh the relative risks. Especially if they want to limit the number of cleanings that can be done, there will be significant backlog by then and working through it at a slower pace could take a while.

How about opening the dog parks??

I hope that tennis courts reopen asap. There is a great set of rules on how to play tennis safely, no need to touch the same balls:
Web Link

I'm disappointed that those restaurants with outdoor areas or patios can't take advantage of them with reduced restrictions. We have such great weather in the bay area why can't people enjoy a meal outside properly spaced.

We could close University Av to traffic , let pedestrians walk in the street. restaurants put tables on the sidewalk.
Need to be creative otherwise I fear many many restaurants are going to throw in the towel waiting for much longer. We will be left with PFChangs, In-N-Out and Chipolte for our dining experiences

If we don't have enough testing, why is that the case, who is fixing it, and how? How is the contact tracing program going? How many are being traced now? What are the hurdles to tracing everyone? I think people have the right to know. Maybe this information is out there and I have missed it, but I don't think so.

in Switzerland, they have started to reopen and one of the first businesses that are allowed to reopen are hairdressers. The rationale is that people need to make appointments to go to hairdressers, so if someone gets sick, it will be easy to contact that person and ask who else they have come in contact with. Of course, customers will be 6 ft apart, and the hairdressers will wear masks etc. Seems logical.

We think the governor and the county health officers are doing a wonderful job. Yes, there have been many deaths in California, but by starting our shutdown earlier than the rest of the USA, our fatality rate is much lower than what I'm reading about other US states like Washington state or New York. With so many lives at stake, being cautious is surely the right call. I cannot believe what I'm hearing is going on in Georgia and especially Nevada.

Sensible precautions can now be made to open Foothills Park. Alternate parking spots, one way trails, no group activities, but open the Park.

@ parent

what exactly "can't you believe is going on in georgia and nevada"?

I find this link very informative and data driven

Web Link

Death per millions in Georgia 107, death per millions in Nevada 81, deaths per million in New York 1,197. I cant believe what's "going on" in NY . Let's stick to facts thank you

The catch is deaths (much less those carrying Covid 19) likely aren’t accurately counted. They’re under-counted. I heard the policy varies on this. What you can’t see can kill you - or make you ill or be a carrier - no matter which state.
It’s tricky to play a game of state vs. state.
Let’s hope everyone is honest and accurate.
Birx said social distancing would be with us through the Summer
Sounds like a lot of that is going away in a hurry, if even in stages
Don’t forget travel!

Recall at the beginning of all if this mess, the stated goal was to shut down the economy and stay at home to bend the curve and not overwhelm our hospitals.

Now the goalposts appear to have moved. It's no longer at all clear what the goals for reopening really are. Just an ill defined framework for reopening with no specifics and no timeframe.

Meanwhile the governor has appointed Tom Steyer to lead an 80 person California economy task force with a stated goal of transforming our society to be more green and more equitable.

Oh and despite the headline of this story, the governor will announce tomorrow that all beaches and state parks across the state will close and will remain closed indefinitely.

Seems to me we did an amazing job bending the curve and our reward is the tightest lockdown in the country with no end in site.

Can I take my dog to the dog park?
No. Dog parks are areas that encourage people to gather together, and are required to close.

Web Link

See page 4 on the link above

I honestly want to know since when did we become a people of fear, apprehension, and subservience?

The statistics do not justify this level of apprehension and worry. [Portion removed.]

@Resident, Foothills park is open now, and has always been during the shelter in place. You just can't drive and park there. You can ride your bike up, or hike down from Los Trancos (where you ARE allowed to park during the week).

Governor Newsom closing CA beaches.

It is hard to understand why places where social distancing is easy like parks and beaches are closed when places where the appropriate amount of social distancing is impossible like airports/airlines are still open.

From a recent WBTV report: "“I just started to panic... I had people on both sides of me,” Strine said. “Every row around me, next to me, behind me, were completely full.” WBTV reached out to American Airlines asking how they are keeping passengers safe if social distancing is not always an option and masks are not required?"


"Passenger says social distancing impossible on full flight from New York to Charlotte"
WBTV ~ April 26 2020 Web Link

Working from home + gardening and construction noise = how are we supposed to focus on our work? The only good thing about this lockdown has been the temporary pause on the constant auditory assault that daytime in PA has become. Back to "normal" Monday now...great.

@Jet,an, it is 100% NOT hard to understand. And I don’t mean to be caustic here but there’s really no other way to say this.....it is only hard for all of you who continue to be blinded and not wake up.

Closing the beaches....it is all about control and causing more fear. Because to your point “social distancing is easy at parks and beaches”.

Control and instilling fear. Otherwise people would start questioning the numbers, questioning everything and wondering why their government (who, btw, are all working and getting full pay,,l,think about that...working and getting full pay) is able to take such control.

Wake up. Or even better, maybe try watching one of those news channels that you hate so much, many who are finding positive things to report on instead of the MSM you keep thinking are the “right” ones....just try it listen to the others that give hope and optimism. Instead of the MSM that offers up constant drama, fear and “everyone’s gonna die”.

[Portion removed.]

> " While dentists are "Essential Businesses," the California Department of Public Health and the CDC has recommended that dentists postpone routine procedures."

^^^Too much potential risk at this time.

With so many people hoarding toilet paper these days, plumbers & Roto-Rooter type businesses should also be allowed to operate as a backflow of sewage due to using too much toilet paper per flush poses a public health hazard.

The closure of high-end hair salons is also posing a major problem as countless women are now being forced to forego their periodic 'coloration' appointments and regular stylings/cuts.

Bad hair (mercy!) & deteriorating teeth are byproducts of the COVID-19 virus & the imposed mandates.

TimR It is closed to cars. Not everyone is able to cycle up to it and not all of us are fortunate enough to live close by. Of course you are technically correct, but for the majority of Palo Alto residents, it might as well be closed. A gentle stroll around the lake and the meadow is very different from mountain hiking for many of us.

There is a woke attitude that is very worrying. The attitude that whatever the government or authorities tell us to do is the right one. Of course we are allowed to question authority and to question the rules. That is what free speech is all about.

Why were masks not recommended and now are recommended? Why was gardeners and nurseries not essential and are now being allowed to open? Why is one county allowing us to travel without putting a distance while another county won't let us travel more than 5 miles? Why are people protesting following all the social distancing rules and the only people the media show are those who are flouting the rules? Why can't people protest these Orwellian ideals following all the protocols without being ridiculed?

These are all very valid questions. We are being treated like naughty children, not responsible, intelligent people.

I follow the rules, but I do have the right to question them. I still have a brain to use and an intelligence to weigh the wisdom of some of the things the media are throwing at us.

I do blame the media for a great deal of this. The media do sound bites of satire and take them as fact. The media make mountains out of molehills when it comes to something they think they can make a bigger issue. We do not have a responsible media in this.

[Portion removed.]

Yes! Agree to everything you say! And lest people assume I’m anti-SIP I am not and have not been. My family has not left the house since 3/17 except for me and my weekly trips to grocery. I wear a mask and support the efforts to keep everyone safe.

[Portion removed.]

@wake up - totally agree with you.

Makes no sense closing the beaches. According to a life guard at one of the open beaches last weekend, most people were socially distancing, but the media circulated the one photo were they were not, and Newsom bases his decision on that? And with all beaches open socially distancing shouldn't be a problem.

According to three studies from China, the outdoor transmission of the virus might be very rare, see link below. What's the chance catching it on the beach?
Also, being out in the sun boosts vitamin D levels, exercise improves our immune system.

Web Link

Jetman- you have been singing the same tune for weeks. People understand why airports are still open. You must be thrilled with the current situation, as you have wanted sfo and sjc to be shut down for years

Posted by Resident, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood

>> There is a woke attitude that is very worrying. The attitude that whatever the government or authorities tell us to do is the right one. Of course we are allowed to question authority and to question the rules. That is what free speech is all about.

Feel free to question authority. That includes questioning what you hear on Fox News, which is the mouthpiece of certain "authorities" as well. Feel free to exercise your free speech, but, people who disagree with you also have their free speech as well.

With regard to "re-opening", please read this op-ed from Georgia:

"Somehow, we’ve reached the point where caring about public health has become a progressive issue, while the nation’s economy has become a conservative one. This division is false; no one should have to choose between financial annihilation and helping to spread a deadly disease."

Web Link

"A gentle stroll around the lake and the meadow is very different from mountain hiking for many of us."

The Bayland trails are open (just no parking in the lots). There's plenty of street parking for access.

I agree with the "woke" attitude problem with respect to this pandemic. I am very very liberal, and I don't like feeling like people will think I'm Republican if I think we should loosen up some of the shelter in place restrictions (actually I've only been advocating for pretty much exactly what the newest shelter in place order has done, but in doing so have been made to feel like I'm a redneck protester without a mask even though my reasoning has to do with the terrible effect this is having on low income populations, usually a Democratic concern). This should not be a Democrat/Republic issue, but an question of science and public health, but somehow it's been turned into a political issue where Democrat = we all stay home until there's a vaccine, and Republican = fully restart the economy.

@ Jetman
I was on a 77 recently and the mood was subdued. A few men coughed without masks, that sucked. Vast majority Of people respectful of themselves and others. No crazy filming put up on the net, Sorry, maybe I could have concocted one....I know a lot of people love sensation and pretend sensation.
While I urge caution, there are times even now when flying is necessary, and I suggest wearing a mask. It was ok. Airports themselves allow for plenty of social distancing and were clean with janitors polishing everything in sight.

@Resident, for an easy walk, the Byrne Preserve is open, and has parking. There's no lake, and it is small, but there are horses grazing about.

@News Flash,

Count yourself lucky. The only reason you were able to social-distance on the on your flight is because the public understands the risk better than airport/airline management and they are avoiding air-travel like the plague.

The WBTV example shows that months into this pandemic airport/airline management still do not have adequate plans in place to protect passengers and crew from COVID transmission in the close and poorly ventilated confines of an aircraft cabin.

"Passenger says social distancing impossible on full flight from New York to Charlotte"
WBTV ~ April 26 2020 Web Link

[Post removed.]

parent, what are you hearing about Nevada?
The Strip is closed. Golf courses are closed.
There is a ton of open space to social distance,

For those who commented above and tried to incorporate the word "woke"- I do not think it means what you think it means. Just FYI.

Posted by S_mom, a resident of Community Center

>> I agree with the "woke" attitude problem with respect to this pandemic.

It is an odd thing, though-- everybody that I personally talk to about it is quite rational. I think TV news is always looking for a story with "2 sides". The middle - most of us - don't get the airtime that the 2 sides get. Nobody I know is approaching this as a true believer -- people want everyone to do the pragmatic thing.

>> I am very very liberal,

I'm considered very very liberal by Right-Wing-Authoritarians (RWAs) I know, and, moderate by all of my friends. ;-). That is, liberal as in "freedom". The few left-wing-authoritarians (Communists; Socialist Workers Party, etc.) I've known over the years didn't agree with me any more than the RWAs do.

>> I don't like feeling like people will think I'm Republican

No rational person will be confused.

>> if I think we should loosen up some of the shelter in place restrictions (actually I've only been advocating for pretty much exactly what the newest shelter in place order has done,

I know what you mean, but, my witnessing a few "overcrowding" incidents made me favor the sit-tight-for-a-few-weeks approach, because there were just too many people who don't understand safe-social-intercourse. Viruses are tough for people who don't have any microbiology knowledge -- and that is most people.

>> but in doing so have been made to feel like I'm a redneck protester without a mask

I'm not sure who has made you feel that way but it could be that they were trying, badly, to get a different message across.

>> even though my reasoning has to do with the terrible effect this is having on low income populations,

I know exactly what you are saying -- better than I can discuss here -- but, we can't let that drive us towards policies which won't interrupt virus transmission. We can't put policies in place that will increase COVID19 deaths just because "welfare", in this case paying people not to work (at restaurants and cosmetic studios), is politically distasteful. We have to have policies that work. We don't have vaccines; all we can do right now is socially distance.

>> This should not be a Democrat/Republic issue, but an question of science and public health, but somehow it's been turned into a political issue where Democrat = we all stay home until there's a vaccine, and Republican = fully restart the economy.

Exactly what the link (posted above) is about: Web Link

I agree with S_mom -people are too dogmatic about this issue. "We can't put policies in place that will increase COVID19 deaths". Sure we can -and we do. There is a spectrum of policies all with their own tradeoffs. Plenty are valid. The policies we have today already "increase COVID deaths" over some policies. And decrease them over others. I am even more "redneck" than S_mom in that I support the line that Sweden has taken. If the goal of flattening the curve is to stay within hospital capacity, then they have done that. If the goal of flattening the curve is to wait for a vaccine then they haven't done that. They will be done much earlier while we are waiting inside.

Posted by I am with S_mom, a resident of Green Acres

>>"We can't put policies in place that will increase COVID19 deaths". Sure we can -and we do.

Agreed. We can and we did and we are. I should have said more precisely that -I- am opposed to policies that increase COVID19 deaths.

>> I am even more "redneck" than S_mom in that I support the line that Sweden has taken.

Well, that is pretty clear, then, because Sweden is in the "top 10" in per-capita death rate. Not where I want to be. I would rather -gamble- that a lower death rate is a better strategy. If you favor the Sweden approach because you think it would be better for the economy-- well, that is a -gamble- too, because, such evidence as we have now, e.g. 1918-1919, indicates otherwise.

"Time will tell."

@Anon:
"If you favor the Sweden approach because you think it would be better for the economy-- well, that is a -gamble- too, because, such evidence as we have now, e.g. 1918-1919, indicates otherwise."

Can you please cite "such evidence" that you are referring to?

[Post removed.]

Posted by Peter, a resident of Professorville

>> Can you please cite "such evidence" that you are referring to?

Sure.

Overview: Web Link

Detail: Web Link

And here: Web Link

I definitely think we do need to discuss this issue intelligently, without name calling, without bringing politics in and no insults or offense.

Thanks to all who are commenting on both sides rationally.

@ SJ, yes, "woke" is not the right word, which is why I had it in quotes (I was referencing Resident's comment). But I understand the sentiment behind Resident's comment -- the feeling sometimes in Silicon Valley that you have to prove you're liberal enough and worry you'll be vilified for questioning certain dogma. And I am very liberal, it's just that I'm also capable of critical thinking -- the two are usually quite well-aligned except occasionally you feel like you have to whisper that maybe it doesn't make sense to put construction workers and gardeners out of work when our numbers are so low.

@Anon:
Thanks for the links to the articles about the 1918 flu. They contain a lot of interesting information; however, I don't think any of the cases they compare are equivalent to the strategy that Sweden has used. But still they are very useful to consider.

I hope the golf courses re-open. My husband is a scratch golfer and he tells me "golf can wait" but I don't think he means it. Tell the truth...

I don't know about you - but I have done what is requested - checked all of the boxes. That worked well when it was overcast and cold outside. But now it is Spring/Summer. And I am reading all types of conflagrations concerning the food supply. They don't make sense.

This needs to stop. And do not approve of our state governor making financial decision with no regard of approval of the state legislature.

If we have foregone the required legislative approval of financial matters then we are in big trouble.

[Post removed.]

Web Link

Anon, over half of Sweden's deaths are in care homes for seniors. That is a real problem but they don't think it is related to the lack of lockdown. Their younger kids are still in school, people are at work, everyone has health care, the economy is okay though they are worried about imports from other countries. Web Link and also Web Link if you have a subscription. Other links too. Read the balanced comments from the Swedes and compare with the knee-jerk comments from people here. I worry that people/politicians can be inclined to do things that sound right even if they are not right maybe because they are too hard to explain.

@Anon, well France had a very strict lockdown, and to show for it, they have 36 deaths per 100K versus Sweden's 24 (according to Johns Hopkins). And there are other European examples of having a lockdown but higher death rates than Sweden. So you can't just say Sweden's approach leads to more deaths. You could just as ealisy say, looking at the stats, that lockdowns lead to more than than Sweden's approach.

What is the City of Palo Alto's stance on re-opening our tennis courts? When?

Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, and other counties are opening the tennis courts, probably because having two or even four people on such a big court is much safer than many other activities. Just have to make sure they don’t bring other people or pets on the courts so social distance can be maximized. Hopefully these other counties can wake up Santa Clara County and the City of Palo Alto.

has anyone heard a peep out of Baylands plans to open? Other courses in the area have sent out notices of opening and are beginning to take reservations... strange that Baylands remains quiet....

I am confused - it is just dogs that are allowed to play golf in the park, or golfers that are allowed in the dog park?

You know it’s a slow news cycle when a guy walking his dog, with his wife, makes the cover of PAW. He’ll wear the hoodie, but not the mask. He sometimes carries a small tennis ball, more to mitigate barking than germs, but it’s completely voluntary.

Web Link

Dental offices NEED TO RE-OPEN. Not all dental visits are elective! I myself have a raw "post"... a tooth that was filed down and awaiting a crown. The temp crown is long gone. After 7 weeks my gums are rising around the raw tooth. But I can't get the crown put on!

I heard it put very well by one small business owner.

"We are not all in the same boat but we are all in the same storm. The storm may be the same for everyone, but it is the type of boat we are in that will make the difference of how we will ride the storm. For some the boat has a large engine, is strong and ocean worthy. For others, the boat has no engine and depends on being rowed since it is small and already leaking."

San Mateo County has a five mile travel limit from your residence for recreation as I understand it. Does anyone know if Santa Clara country has a distance limit within the county? I can't find one.

Is emergency dental work (i.e. performed by endodontists or oral surgeons) still permitted? I've had pain in a tooth that underwent a root canal in February and am anxiously awaiting the lifting of SIP so I can have someone take a look at it.

@Peter, @I am with S_mom, @TimR, and others who have suggested or assumed that Covid-19 is like a particularly bad seasonal flu: Please read this article.

The original source seems to be the WSJ, behind a paywall: Web Link

However, the article has been more widely referenced, and, some of the indirect links will allow it to be read. The bottom line is that, no, it isn't like a seasonal flu that often kills people who were, statistically, in their last year of life anyway. (Many people on this and other threads seem to assume that.) The WSJ article summarizes reports that clearly refute that. People who have died from coronavirus, statistically would have been expected to live 11, 12, even 14 years longer.

==

"People dying of Covid-19 could have expected to live on average for at least another decade, according to two studies that help fill in the developing picture of the human cost of the coronavirus pandemic.

The findings show the virus isn’t just carrying off the elderly or infirm a few months before their time.

“Some people think that these people dying would have died this year anyway,” said Andrew Briggs, a professor of health economics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine who led one of the studies. “That’s simply not the case.”

==

"The findings of both studies challenge a perception that Covid-19 primarily kills elderly people who would have likely died soon anyway, or that its societal cost is similar to that of seasonal influenza, researchers said.

"Using estimates of life-years lost and standard values placed on one year of life in different countries, analysts can begin to put an economic value on the benefits of the extreme steps now being taken to fight the new coronavirus. These can be compared against the cost of shutdowns, in direct financial terms and secondary consequences "

I don't recall equating covid-19 mortality and flu mortality or suggesting that the elderly (or immunocompromised or other vulnerable segments) are dispensable.

Posted by I am with S_mom, a resident of Green Acres

>> I don't recall equating

I hasten to apologize. I'm not accusing anyone of anything. I posted the reference because it is new information regarding the real impact of COVID-19 that I thought would be of particular interest to folks asking certain questions.

[Post removed due to inaccurate ctation of CDC statistics.]

We need to open up and let people go back to their jobs, their businesses. If you are not comfortable with this then by all means, stay home and protect yourself. But those who can, should get back out. This is insane. The numbers do NOT add up. Again, if you are concerned and don’t feel safe going out....don’t. That is absolutely your prerogative. But there are many who can and should. Immediately.

Your basing your viewpoint in not because of what the CDC puts out?

Given their performance during this pandemic, the CDC has no credibility left. None. Zero. Nada.

And stop putting out -45 propaganda...this administration has shown nothing but incompetence throughout this pandemic.

Posted by Numbers count, a resident of Mountain View

>> CDC has reduced the number of deaths attributed to COVID from 67k to 37k.

Web Link

The Financial Times has looked at official UK deaths vs hospital deaths to see how many deaths were being missed by only looking at official, diagnosed hospital deaths.

>> We need to open up and let people go back to their jobs, their businesses.

That depends on the job, the business. If the business is one that has a high probability of of SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk, then, NO. IOW, restaurants, bars, theaters, clubs, and, businesses where employees are crowded and share each others air, touch common surfaces, etc. For example, I didn't necessarily realized how crowded in employees are at meat packing houses until a couple of them had massive infection rates sweep through them. Likewise, call centers are infamous. Different types of businesses have different risks.

>> If you are not comfortable with this then by all means, stay home and protect yourself.

Once again, this is why I had to respond. This is NOT like fighting oil rig fires. Red Adair could take risks and it didn't affect my risk. But, if you are spreading Covid-19, then, you are affecting my risk (and everyone's). I understand that you are not comfortable with this. SARS-CoV-2 is a virus. It doesn't care about your individualism. We are in it together. You don't like it, but, it is reality today. And, I hope, will change if/when we get a vaccine.

>> But those who can, should get back out. This is insane.

What would be insane would be to ignore the medical facts that we have, to ignore what has happened. You don't think NYC experience applies to you? How about rural Georgia? Web Link These folks weren't rubbing shoulders in elevators and subways. They just went to a couple of memorial services...

Sorry @Anon. Again, if you are concerned then you can stay home. You are correct, I don’t like some people who are safely ensconced in their homes with income, plenty of food, etc feel they can dictate to others who have lost their jobs, lost their income.

You do NOT have that right. If you are concerned, STAY HOME. Let those who are able get back out and keep our society going. For the love of god, stop the fear and wake up. The numbers Do NOT ADD UP. Hospitals are EMPTY.

[Post removed.]

Nice try, sport -- but -45 made it a political issue. And the fact that you're parroting his points only shows that you not only drank the Kool-Aid -- you went for seconds and thirds.

If Gavin Newsom were so stupid to follow your advice, the hospital in this area would be filled to overflowing. Fortunately, Newsom listens to experts [portion removed.]

Sorry @Numbers count. Again, you do NOT have the right to endanger other people just because your personal business happens to be high-risk but you need the income. Public policy requires balancing everyone's rights.

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