Oct. 27, 2020
Redwood City – The County of San Mateo continues to work to protect public health and safety in response to the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.
The County of San Mateo’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains open to coordinate countywide response and communications in response to the situation. The EOC’s Joint Information Center will provide status reports every Tuesday and Thursday until further notice.
Today’s report:
San Mateo County Advances to State’s Orange Tier
The state of California today announced the easing of certain restrictions on businesses, indoor and outdoor gatherings and other activities in San Mateo County. The changes take effect at 12:01 on Wednesday morning.
The county moves into the less-restrictive orange Tier 3 in the state’s four-tier, color-coded plan for reducing COVID-19 with criteria for loosening and tightening restrictions on activities.
“This is a total team effort, and by team I mean everyone who lives and works and loves San Mateo County,” said County Manager Mike Callagy. “Every time you wear your face covering, wash your hands, practice social distancing and take other common-sense precautions, you contribute to the team effort to reopening our economy and returning our lives to as normal as possible.”
See what restrictions have been eased, what requirements continue, and more at https://bit.ly/31MU9oD
Most San Mateo County Park Playgrounds Reopen
San Mateo County Parks reopened 9 of its 10 playgrounds Saturday, Oct. 24, including Magic Mountain at Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo and the new Moss Beach playground. The play structure at Flood County Park in Menlo Park is scheduled to open early November.
“We were excited to reopen our playgrounds because we understand how important access to outdoor recreation is especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said San Mateo County Parks Director Nicholas Calderon. Before kids could climb, swing or slide, each playground was examined by the department’s certified playground inspectors which is standard procedure following an extended closure.
In keeping with California Department of Public Health Guidelines, signs at playground entrances state the maximum occupancy of adults and children allowed and play areas are marked to show 6-feet distancing, including play structures. Adults are required to accompany children at all times and face coverings must be worn by children 2 and above.
See a list of San Mateo County Park playgrounds and guidelines at https://bit.ly/3muF7Mf
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020
San Mateo County Parks will open 9 of its 10 playgrounds Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, including popular Magic Mountain at Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo and the new Moss Beach playground. The play structure at Flood County Park in Menlo Park is scheduled to open early November.
In keeping with California Department of Public Health Guidelines, San Mateo County Park playground entrances state the maximum occupancy of adults and children allowed and play areas are marked to show 6-feet distancing, including play structures. Adults are required to accompany children at all times.
Reopening of playgrounds follows revised outdoor playground guidelines issued by the state on Sept. 28, 2020.
“We’re excited to reopen our playgrounds this weekend because we understand how important access to outdoor recreation is especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said San Mateo County Parks Director Nicholas Calderon.
Calderon acknowledged that allowing kids back on the play structures took more time than most people anticipated. “Playground safety is foremost; we’re fortunate to have two certified playground safety inspectors on staff to identify structure deficiencies and ensure needed repairs are completed before certification,” said Calderon. Park rangers also fabricated and installed new COVID-19 signage and social distancing markings and have secured a sufficient supply of sanitation supplies.
Quarry Park Playground, Santa Maria Ave. and Columbus Ave. in El Granada
The playground experience will be different than pre-COVID-19 and parents are encouraged to review the guidelines and prepare children for the “new rules,” which include the wearing face coverings by children two and above while playing, being aware of social distancing markers in play areas and on equipment, and no food or drinks. In addition, families may have to wait to enter if play areas are at maximum capacity when they arrive. Prepare for your visit by reviewing the playground guidelines.
San Mateo County playgrounds opening this Saturday include:
- Coyote Point, San Mateo (three play areas)
- Junipero Serra, San Bruno (two play areas)
- Huddart Park, Woodside
- Friendship Park, North Fair Oaks
- Quarry Park, El Granada
- Moss Beach Park, Moss Beach
Moss Beach Park 516 Virginia Ave., Half Moon Bay