Santa Clara County Asks Apple and Others to Cancel or Postpone Large Events

The Santa Clara Public Health Department has issued new guidance for companies and residents of the county including Apple, Google, and others. The guidance comes as six more people in Santa Clara County tested positive for coronavirus today.

“We understand that people are very concerned about COVID-19. I want to remind the public that the vast majority of people who become infected with COVID-19 do not become seriously ill, and fully recover. We are making these recommendations to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from the virus, and slow its spread,” said Dr. Sara Cody, County Public Health Officer. “We are continuously monitoring this evolving situation, and will issue new guidance if and when that is warranted.”

Health officials say the new guidance was created after significant deliberation and consultation with the CDC.


Here are some of the recommendations for businesses...

New Guidance for workplaces and businesses
Employers should take steps to make it more feasible for their employees to work in ways that minimize close contact with large numbers of people.

Employers should:
● Suspend nonessential employee travel.
● Minimize the number of employees working within arm’s length of one another, including minimizing or canceling large in-person meetings and conferences.
● Urge employees to stay home when they are sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits.
● Not require a doctor’s note for employees that are sick as healthcare offices may be very busy and unable to provide that documentation right away.
● Consider use of telecommuting options for appropriate employees.
● Consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time.

New Guidance for Persons Hosting Mass Gatherings and Large Community Events
At this time, we recommend postponing or canceling mass gatherings and large community events where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another.


If you can’t avoid bringing groups of people together:
● Urge anyone who is sick to not attend.
● Encourage those who are at higher risk for serious illness to not attend.
● Try to find ways to give people more physical space so that they aren’t in close contact as much as possible.
● Encourage attendees to follow increased hygiene, such as:
○ Washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in a pinch
○ Avoid close contact with other people
○ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
○ Covering their cough or sneeze with a tissue - if available - or into their elbow
● Clean surfaces with standard cleaners.

Given the new developments and a slew of other cancellations, it's looking more likely that Apple will cancel WWDC.

Hit the link below for the full set of recommendations from the County of Santa Clara’s Public Health Department. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.

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