Title
a. Presentation by the Community Foundation of Monterey County on collaborative efforts to address the Covid-19 Pandemic locally; and,
b. Provide direction to County staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors receive a:
a. Presentation by Dan Baldwin, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Monterey County on collaborative efforts to address the Covid-19 Pandemic locally; and,
b. Provide direction to County staff.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In Monterey County, we have been addressing the Novel Coronavirus from the time of the Grand Princess cruise passengers being housed at Asilomar, the first Shelter-in-Place Order, a pandemic declaration, summer efforts to move through Blueprint Tiers, to this current wave of Covid-19 cases inundating our hospitals. Although we learned that face coverings and social distancing can slow the spread, the virus is currently running rampant and strategies need to evolve. Luckily, vaccines look very promising, but still pose challenges to become a successful panacea.
Addressing the pandemic appears best approached with a collective focus, because there are many facets to success. For example, staff collaborated with the Grower-Shipper Association to house farmworkers and those who need help isolating, as well as mask distribution. Also, staff is now in the process of working to train Community Health Workers. The point is that this effort is best handled together. To this end, the Board of Supervisors directed County Administration to work with community groups, businesses, associations and other government entities.
Recently, this direction led staff to the Community Foundation of Monterey County (CFMC) as they were also beginning discussions with some hospitality, community groups and agricultural contacts to coordinate efforts. CFMC has now convened several meetings and engaged a facilitator. The intent of this effort is to collaborate with and leverage efforts of the many...
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