CAO Message: Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving!

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

Holidays are all about traditions. Ones we share, and those specific to our individual families. We all find comfort in the routines.

It’s frustrating, even disorienting, to have that disrupted, as it will be this year as we continue to fight the pandemic.

I can’t sugarcoat it. The trends lately have been bad. Case numbers have skyrocketed, and just as the epidemiologists predict, we’re now seeing that turn into rising hospitalizations. We’re all thrilled by very promising news of vaccines, but they’re not here yet. For now, we’ve got to hang tough and use the measures we have available to minimize the virus’s impact. 

Since it spreads from person to person, that means staying apart as much as possible. The exact opposite of what we look forward to and treasure for holidays. But the best thing you can do for family or friends outside your household this year is to celebrate separately.

Even if we have to give up on crowding around tables or football games, we can double down on the essence of the holidays. For Thanksgiving, we can draw a sharper focus on the things we’re grateful for. Each person you miss getting together with – be so thankful you have that person in your life, that you have someone that means so much to you it hurts not to see them. Let them know!

I’m full of gratitude for everyone at the County. You see what people are really made of when they’re tested. We’ve now spent the better part of a year weathering a crisis. From those I interact with directly to every one of you rising to the challenge of serving our residents under these circumstances, I can’t imagine enduring this time without you. You know how your stomach feels at the end of Thanksgiving dinner? That’s how my heart feels, ready to burst with appreciation for everything you’re doing.   

I hope you share in the gratitude for such amazing colleagues and for work that gives us the opportunity to help people through an especially difficult time. And I hope even if your Thanksgiving celebration is scaled down that you still enjoy an overstuffed spirit of the day.

Thanks again so much for all you do,

Update for July 2

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

You’re probably aware we’ve seen several discouraging trends recently in tracking COVID-19 activity in our region. Cases have shown big jumps. Hospitalizations are up. We’ve hit several of our “triggers” for modifying the health order. In response, we’ve closed bars that don’t serve food and directed restaurants to shut at 10 p.m.

We’ve also had an increase in the number of County employees testing positive. The percentage of our total workforce is very low, but it’s still a cause for concern.

Because of these external and internal trends, we’re pulling back on the opening of County facilities. We were planning to reopen library branches Monday, but we’re putting that on hold. We’re also going to close offices at the County Administration Center to most public services. That includes the Treasurer/Tax Collector and the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk. They’ll be open today, then close the rest of July. We’ll see what the trends are like at the end of the month before deciding whether to reopen again

We’re also asking nonessential employees to continue to telework as much as possible and pausing any additional reopenings to the public.

It’s frustrating to take a step back, but the numbers show this virus remains a growing health threat. We’ll have an ongoing balancing act between wanting to reopen and taking prudent steps to protect the public’s and our employees’ health.   

We can all help stem the increase by taking the measures we’ve been talking about all along. Wash your hands. Wear a face covering – evidence continues to grow showing their effectiveness. Maintain social distancing. We can’t stress enough that gatherings with others outside your household are still not allowed. That means no inviting people over for backyard barbecues or big beach get-togethers on Fourth of July. I hate to come around every holiday with that same message, but it still holds true. This virus passes from one person to another, so the best way to stop the spread is to stay apart.

I thank all our staff directly involved with the COVID response who will stay busy in that effort over the long Independence Day weekend. I hope the rest of you will enjoy the holiday and celebrate safely.

Update for June 12

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

Gyms, movie theaters, museums, breweries, hotels, condominium swimming pools – those are all among the businesses and activities able to reopen across San Diego today. We expect the state to announce nail salons, tattoo parlors and other personal services can open next Friday.

It’s great news that we can start to enjoy these things again, and that people can get back to work in those industries. A giant BUT here. I can’t stress enough it doesn’t mean we’re simply getting back to normal. The danger of COVID-19 has not diminished. The restrictions we’ve endured had success in slowing its spread and bought time for our health care system to manage the disease. It doesn’t mean we’ve got it beat. Several states, including our neighbor Arizona, have had steep recent increases in cases.  

So amid the excitement of reopening, we all need to prepare ourselves for the possibility of tightening back down again. Our doctors and epidemiology staff are monitoring a set of criteria that would “trigger” dialing back. You can check out a dashboard that shows what we’re tracking and the current status.

Meanwhile, we’ve continued to expand testing in the region, which is critical to keeping infected people from spreading the virus and giving us a picture that helps us focus our efforts. Today we launched a new tool to help people find free testing locations and make appointments online.

No one wants to see us step backward. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to remain vigilant and keep up all the practices that have helped us make progress. Face coverings, hand-washing, cleaning surfaces, staying six feet apart, keeping to your household. I know they all get tedious, but they’re basic things we can do that have a big impact.

So hit the gym, hit the beach (you can park there now!), hop in your condo’s pool. Just do it with the precautions we have in place so that we can keep a check on the virus and continue to enjoy these activities.

Update for April 29

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

Beaches are open! Some of them at least, and with limitations. Still, it’s one of the most recognizable things about life in San Diego, so it’s encouraging to see. And honestly, it makes me smile to see people living a bit of San Diego life again!

We have another reason to smile. Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients are trending slightly downward, and discussions about reopening our communities are ramping up. Again, great signs that we might be slowly turning the corner on this dreadful pandemic.

I long for the email when I can tell you we’re back to normal! Unfortunately, we are weeks, perhaps months, away from returning to regular work locations and duties. And when we do, things won’t be the same. We’ll be wearing face coverings, having our temperatures checked when we enter, and figuring out how to do our jobs with social distancing, Zoom, Teams, teleworking and various other new practices. 

That’s how it’s going to be, and what we need to prepare ourselves for. Some things will get a little easier, but other things will be different. It’s what we all are learning as we hear news outlets talk about a “new normal.” What this means will continue to take shape as we go.

One thing I can tell you it will mean – we’ll continue to rely on the flexibility you’ve shown since we entered this crisis. That’s hard to do over time, and we recognize this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. But I know you are all strong and resilient. We’re doing this together.

Please remember to take care of yourself and each other. Stay in contact with your colleagues and reach out to connect with friends. Share some photos and maybe even get out and enjoy a walk on the beach again!

Thank you for all you’re doing and for hanging tough.

Update for April 23

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

You’re no doubt aware the whole country, and much of the world for that matter, has been scrambling for a limited amount of protective supplies. So it’s really impressive what our purchasing and medical operations center staff have been able to get ahold of and put at our disposal.

That’s to protect San Diegans in general, but also supplies specifically for County employees. Your safety continues to be a top priority as we work together to protect the public’s health. Here’s a little “by the numbers” of items they’ve gotten just for our staff.

• N95 respirator 25,215

• Face mask 36,150

• Bandana 23,316

• Face shield 760

• Goggles/Glasses 2,123

• Gowns 4,096

• Gloves (pairs) 104,960

• Hand sanitizer, 1-12-oz bottles 2,381

• Sanitizer refill (gallons) 482

• Disinfecting wipes (tubs) 12,665

• Disinfectant spray (bottles) 420

That’s over 200,000 individual items!

First responders deserve our gratitude (check out our tribute lighting at the CAC). But today I also want to single out the folks who have been working tirelessly to keep us supplied with safety gear. Great job!

We really are all in this together. My thanks to everyone for their part in this fight to protect the public.

Update for April 20

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

We began April by calling it a critical month. As we quickly approach the end, I’m proud of your tremendous dedication and efforts in helping us toward our goal of “flattening the curve.” We are seeing progress – enough in fact that we can start preparing to dial back some of our public health restrictions. First steps we’re looking at include beaches, passive recreation in parks and on trails, as well as a phased-in plans for water sports, golf, boating, tennis and basketball. 

I’ll repeat preparing. During today’s press conference, our health and policy leaders explained the planning that will need to go into cautious reopening of some recreational areas of the county. But they stressed – we’re not there just yet. For now, we are asking everyone to continue staying home, except for essential needs, with the goal of re-opening recreational activities by the end of the month. What a joyous day that will be!

Once we do re-open, we will experience a “new normal.” We will still need to exercise caution and follow the new guidelines as they are announced and not get ahead of them.

Until then, please continue to lead our community in protecting the public’s health by practicing all the measures that have gotten us this far. Thank you, and stay strong.

Update for April 17: Help Fellow Employees in Need

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed the way we do business as a County, it’s had a great impact on County employees and their families. Some have been affected more than others. That is why today I am asking, for those of you who are able, if you can help our colleagues that need it most.

Since 1956, the San Diego County Employees' Charitable Organization has been the charitable arm of the County of San Diego. Over the years, it’s taken your generous contributions and given out $6.9 million, most of it going to local nonprofits. Perhaps less noticed is that a portion of the dollars raised go to an Employee Crisis Fund.

CECO has now created a COVID-19 Relief Initiative to boost that fund and help eligible County employees and their households experiencing a one-time financial crisis. The organization had a similar campaign after the 2007 wildfires to help our colleagues affected by that disaster.

I invite anyone who can to contribute to this relief effort and boost the Employee Crisis Fund. You can use this PayPal CECO site or email Sdceco@sdcounty.ca.gov for alternate ways to donate. Funds collected and not granted during the Health Order will be returned to CECO's general fund. I’ll take the opportunity to also encourage you to become a biweekly contributor to CECO. To learn more, please visit sdceco.org.

Thank you for everything you’re doing and for the support, in whatever form, you offer your fellow County employees as we help each other through this difficult time.

Update for March 30

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

A large part of our workforce is now teleworking, both to practice social distancing and to accommodate the family care needs brought on by the various closures.

For some of you performing essential work, telework is not possible. If you wind up sick or have family care needs of some kind, the County is offering new forms of leave as a result of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. These are temporary, starting April 1 and running through the end of the year. Here are more details. The info is also posted on InSite.

We realize the shutdown orders are creating enormous challenges for many families. I greatly appreciate everyone’s flexibility. We are committed to working with all of you to help you through this time while still meeting our customers’ needs as best we can.

As always, stay well and take care of yourselves!

Update for March 27

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

Our first full week working under our new normal is coming to a close. Many of our colleagues will continue the County’s COVID-19 response through the weekend, but for the bulk of employees, it’s time to recharge.

Our work has undergone a radical transformation, and with the stay-home order, weekends for a lot of folks are going to be different as well. It will take the same creativity and flexibility we’ve shown on the job, but with the right mindset, the time off can still be fulfilling and relaxing.

We have some resources we’re sharing with the public that I want to share with you, too. Like the rest of us, our Live Well San Diego team has quickly reshaped its approach to meet the current circumstances. Today they launched Live Well @ Home, a collection of suggested activities broken down by different age groups. There are physical exercises, a variety of online classes, mindfulness techniques and more. The tips and strategies keep us moving, even in this environment, toward the vision of healthy, safe and thriving.

Experts have stressed over and over that social distancing doesn’t mean socially disconnected. In fact, it’s more important than ever that you make an effort to reach out to others. The weekend is great for a long call or FaceTime with someone. It’s good for you and those you contact, who may also be feeling isolated. 

We’re still at the outset of this difficult period. Our best chance at shortening the time we need to do this is for everyone to rigorously follow the restrictions in place. I know it’s really hard. But at the moment, it’s how we’ll best realize our commitment to serving the public good.

Thank you for all your work. Continue to take care of yourselves and look out for each other.

Update for March 25

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

Thank you for your continued efforts under difficult conditions to provide the best service we can for our customers. Your lives and work routines have been upended. It’s understandable to ask, “Is all this necessary?”

Yes, it is. I really recommend watching this video that explains why. It’s a few minutes, but it lays out in simple terms why it’s essential that we do everything we’re doing.

Most of us may not be in the role of our County and community’s amazing health care workers, but we can all absolutely play a part in fighting this virus.

Thanks for your cooperation, your flexibility, your dedication, your patience.