To Our Members
March 16, 2020
Dear Members,
We understand the growing concern surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, and our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Additionally, the health departments at several Bay Area counties including Sonoma have announced new recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Our county recommends that people avoid bringing large groups of people together and postponing events and gatherings.
In an abundance of caution and with our members health and safety in mind, Bodega Harbour is implementing a social distancing policy, effective immediately. Social distancing is a public health act that limits exposure to communicable health diseases by restricting person-to-person contact. As of March 15, Governor Newsom has recommended the closing of all bars, wineries, breweries and night clubs and restaurants restricting occupancy to half in addition to anyone over 65 or vulnerable to COVID-19 must practice home isolation. We are taking these recommendations seriously and will be making adjustments to our operations are necessary. We are alsotaking extra precautions with our operations to help our community stay healthy during this uncertain time, among them are:
• Reviewing with our staff the recommended precautions listed on the Center for Disease Control website. These precautions are also posted in employee areas of the Clubhouse, Pro Shop and Maintenance Building.
• Limiting contact with our guests by using single use recyclable menus, utilizing trays for food service, use of gloves by all staff in the kitchen and service staff. Limiting service to the downstairs dining area.
• If necessary we will limit services to take out/curbside service only and possibly delivery.
• Our food handlers and servers are trained on proper hand washing techniques and are wearing gloves when preparing your food.
• Any employee showing the slightest sign of illness will be sent home and asked to call in prior to their shift.
• Proper sanitizing methods for surfaces are always used in our food preparation areas and have been doubled throughout the facility.
• Additionally, we will no long be accepting cash, all transactions will be by credit card or member charge to limit person to person contact.
• F&B and Golf events have been cancelled or postponed.
• Amenities will be cleaned several times per day and will remain open as long as we are able to ensure proper sanitation.
Although we have a thorough cleaning schedule, all non-essential projects have been postponed to allow for additional time for extra cleaning throughout the facilities.
No one can stop the spread of illness, but we are doing our best to keep our members and staff healthy and believe these are appropriate and prudent steps in light of the current information available to us. We will continue to follow the recommendations of local and state authorities and abide by all mandates and orders as the situation evolves as well as keep you informed of the impact it may have on the operations of our community.
We appreciate our members taking steps to ensure their health and the health of their fellow neighbors and our staff. We encourage you to stay informed by watching or listening to your local news and checking government websites for the most factual and up to date information. We have also provided information from the CDC and the Department of Public Health below.
Below are the recommended precautions from the CDC website (www.cdc.gov):
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
o CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
o Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for healthworkers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
o Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
o If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashingwebsite
• For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
• These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
State of California—Health and Human Services Agency California Department of Public Health
COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE AT RISK FOR SERIOUS ILLNESS
March 10, 2020
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor
This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.
This document is intended to be statewide guidance to help both individuals and caregivers inform their decision making. Decisions by individuals and caregivers should be determined by the specific circumstances in local jurisdictions.
Background
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel virus that has been spreading worldwide. Community-acquired cases have now been confirmed in California. We are gaining more understanding of COVID-19’s epidemiology, clinical course, immunogenicity, and other factors as time progresses, and the situation is changing daily. CDPH is in the process of monitoring COVID-19, conducting testing with local and federal partners, and providing guidance and resources to prevent, detect and respond to the occurrence of COVID-19 cases in California.
At this time, community transmission of COVID-19 has occurred in California.Individuals who are at risk for serious illness should prepare for possible impacts of COVID-19 and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases, including influenza and gastroenteritis.
Illness Severity
The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully understood. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including illness resulting in death. Older people, those with compromised immune systems, and people with certain underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example, seem to be at greater risk of serious illness.
High Risk Populations
The current evidence, based on data from China and other parts of the world, indicates the following groups are at highest risk for COVID-19.
Older adults Individuals with serious chronic medical conditions like:
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Lung disease
• Individuals with compromised immune systems
Measures for High-Risk Individuals
Individuals and caregivers can take steps now to slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19. CDPH recommends implementing the following steps:
Review and update your personal emergency plan. A Personal Emergency Plan for people with access and functional needs is available on the California Health and Human Services Agency’s website. Avoid crowds, mass gatherings or large events, and public transit, and stay home as much as possible. Stay home when sick. If you have an elevated temperature, remain at home until fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Seek immediate medical care if symptoms become more severe, e.g.,
high fever or difficulty breathing.
Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones). See the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance regarding the prevention of disease in homes and residential communities. Use “respiratory etiquette.”Cover cough with a tissue or sleeve. Provide adequate supplies within easy reach, including tissues and no-touch trash cans.
Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Encourage hand washing by caregivers, family, and friends. Provide alcohol based hand sanitizers to supplement hand washing. Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Have supplies on hand. Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary
medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
• Have a plan for if you get sick: Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick. Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick.
• Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs. Pay attention to potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you develop symptoms, call your doctor or local public health department.
• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs* include:
ØDifficulty breathing or shortness of breath ØPersistent pain or pressure in the chest ØNew confusion or inability to arouse ØBluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
