Updated March 18, 2020: Sacramento County Public Health issued a new directive on Tuesday for all residents to “stay home to the maximum extent possible except when going to essential sites.” In response, Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment closed the fitness rooms at community centers and closed the 28th & B St Skate Park. In addition, all reservation permits at City sites will be canceled through April 12.
Previous story (March 16, 2020):
The Sacramento City Council last week passed a resolution declaring a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. As part of the resolution, all regularly scheduled programs and events offered by Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment at community centers, sports fields and facilities have been postponed through April 12.
However, to minimize disruption to the community, all YPCE facilities, including community centers, will remain open to visitors while engaging in social distancing practices.
“We are heeding the recommendations from state health officials while balancing the needs of our community,” said Mario Lara, Director of Sacramento’s Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment Department. “We understand many people rely on City community centers and facilities, and we will remain physically open as long as it is deemed safe to do so.”
The City is being especially mindful of people 65 or older, following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recommendation for seniors and people with underlying health conditions to stay home and self-isolate, Lara said. As of Monday, the Hart Senior Center and the City’s Midtown and South Land Park Triple R sites remain open to people who need support or a safe space. However, people are being advised of the governor’s recommendation.
The City has increased the cleaning and disinfection of all its facilities. That includes increasing disinfection of often-touched areas and materials, including door handles and elevator buttons. The City also has boosted the availability of hygiene supplies at all customer-service counters, security kiosks and primary entry-and-exit ways.
Staff at City community centers will be on site to educate visitors of safe distancing and cleanliness practices including hand washing protocol and avoiding physical contact, Lara said. “This is an evolving situation and the City is prepared to reevaluate should Sacramento receive new directives,” he said.