Although I do not dine outdoors, I think that banning outdoor dining is going too far. I am aware of the risks, but I am getting a bit tired of always being the most conservative county in the most conservative state in the nation. People are thinking about how to survive financially through another round of lockdowns, there must be another way other than applying a hammer to the problem. Folks are wondering why their packages are getting stolen and their cars broken into, these are the folks that are getting laid off from restaurants and need to find FOOD for their families!

Hong,

You make the case for another CARES bill. It is not right for the elite of places like Palo Alto to make the economically challenged work in unsafe conditions which spread a deadly disease. If society supports them, we are are healthier.

Well, San Mateo County is not doing that. Interesting public health assertion (not just protecting restaurants/local econmy).

I am with San Mateo on this. A more balanced approach would work much better. Are you now saying that I cannot take a walk with a friend socially distanced and wearing a mask, you come an arrest me then, for the first time I will NOT be following some of these very unreasonable rules. Guess what this is going to do, drive people INDOORS, where they are protected by privacy laws. Outdoor recreation and dining is safe (although I am OK w some inspection of some of the outdoor dining set ups, which seem to have less and less open air as the cold weather comes in!). I am a fan of Sarah Cody, she has done a good job, but this is taking things too far.

Finally, someone with a medical background said what I was talking about months ago.

"During a press conference on Friday, Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano said "any kind of activity that involves taking off your mask to eat or drink — even though outdoors is safer, even outdoors poses a risk for COVID spread. With the high risk of transmission in our communities, outdoor dining is more risky than it was two months ago."

WHY DID WE HAVE TO LET IT GET MORE RISKY?

This was the slow boil of the frog.

And watch, I will have a dozen posters attack me for saying this.

I am disappointed that some restaurants keep promoting the outdoor experience and trying to get people excited about going out during a pandemic that has taken so many lives. Some places even have tents that close on the sides. How safe it is to be outdoors eating, drinking and talking without a mask inside a tent that is closed on the side? It seems like an "indoor" experience for me. Our governor is asking us to stay home to make sure that we don't run out of hospital beds, for us to stay home so we save lives. Today I saw a few Palo Alto restaurants continue inviting people to come to their location because they will still be open for in-person meals until Sunday. I find it absurd.

>"...I am getting a bit tired of always being the most conservative county in the most conservative state in the nation."

^ That observation/comment is a bit of a stretch...have you traveled to other parts of California & the USA?

IF the ICU's stay as short as they are, the REGIONAL shutdowns will continue.

The from this website says: (Web Link reads:

"SAHO ICU bed % available as of December 5, 2020 for the 5 regions:

For regions under 15%, the Regional Stay Home Order goes into effect Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 11:59 PM.

The current 7 day average has Santa Clara at 17% seen here (Web Link

But that is 7 days delayed, obviously the Department of Health knows we are already below 15%, there were 359 available beds on Thursday, and only 344 beds on Friday. 15 NEW patients from Thursday to Friday. 344 available beds where there were 319 used for COVID patients and 1690 beds used for the rest. The total bed count is 344+319+1690= 2343. 344/2343 is 14.68%. ow I understand we are part of a Region, but Santa Clara County is below the 15% threshold NOW

On Sunday November 15 we had 608 available beds. That would have been 25% free ICU beds. Boy are we going in the WRONG direction.

I was talking to a restaurant owner on California Ave last night, Sunday. They were told on Friday to clear California Ave of all outdoor tents, heaters & furniture by this evening, Monday night. The City wants to open the street to traffic. I think such arbitrary decisions without any community consultation hurts the restaurant businesses financially and otherwise. What is the urgency to open up California Ave to traffic? What traffic amid a lockdown? Why the rush and such short notice? Wasn’t outdoor dining supposed to remain in place until May anyway? So will restaurants have to pay out of pocket again to reset up tents, etc on Jan 5? Those responsible in Palo Alto should stop making arbitrary decisions that hurt our business community.

>"I was talking to a restaurant owner...
The City wants to open the street to traffic...What is the urgency to open up California Ave to traffic? What traffic amid a lockdown?"

^ More expedient take-home dining & delivery food service?

No one enjoys eating meals not served at their optimum temperatures.