We understand the spread of Coronavirus (also known as COVD-19) is concerning and you may be wondering how this affects the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. As you are probably aware, this respiratory illness does not currently have a large number of reported cases in the U.S., but now is in California, including local counties. The COVID-19 strain presents with pneumonia-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is in contact with other Bay Area food banks, our partner agencies and county officials with the priority of ensuring a consistent food supply for all of our clients. Currently, all Food Bank direct distribution programs remain open.

We couldn’t accomplish all that we do without our valued volunteers and staff. We appreciate solid work ethics, but we need to do our part to stop the spread of COVD-19. That’s why we have reached out to staff members and volunteers to let them know we want them to stay home if they are feeling ill–especially if they have a fever, cough or flu-like symptoms. Volunteers and employees displaying symptoms will be asked to go home for the safety of our employees, our volunteers, and the people we serve.

Here are some things YOU can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses:

• Stay home if you are feeling ill.
• Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day with soap and water. This is the most effective way of preventing illness. The Center for Disease Control recommends lathering soap onto the backs of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails for 20 Corona Virus to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
• Use hand sanitizers, it’s not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water, but it is helpful.
• Turn away from others when sneezing and coughing and do so into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
• Avoid touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific.
• Avoid handshaking! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
• Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches, printer buttons, etc.
• Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and commercial doors.

It’s important for all of us to be informed and have reliable sources of information. Below we’ve listed some reputable official websites you can reference to stay updated.

• Contra Costa Health Services: https://cchealth.org/coronavirus/
• Solano County Public Health: http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/ncov.asp
• Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html

We will be keeping you updated as news develops as it applies to the Food Bank. As always, thank you for your support.