Carlsbad CA— Message from the Carlsbad City Manager:
Good morning! Starting today, we will send daily recaps of COVID-19 information for Carlsbad residents. If you’d like to receive these after today, please check to make sure you are signed up for CITY MANAGER UPDATES through this link.
Here is the first update:
I hope you and your families are well during what is turning out to be a very unusual and challenging time not just here in Carlsbad but around the world.
Among other things, the City if Carlsbad is working very hard to make sure you have access to all the latest information to so you can keep yourselves and especially those most vulnerable in our community safe.
I’m going to sharing posting regular morning updates to recap what’s new and provide links to important information. Please share this information with others so they are also in the know.
For up to the minute updates, save this link. It goes to the city’s Twitter feed, but you don’t need to be a Twitter user to see it.
Another good link is www.carlsbadca.gov/COVID19. That’s the city’s main page where he have links to all the public health agencies and information specific to Carlsbad.
To get text updates directly from the County of San Diego public health officials, Text COSD COVID19 to 468-311.
Local emergency proclamation
Yesterday evening the City Council held a special meeting to pass a declaration of local emergency. I know this sounds scary, but it’s an important a step that will provide the city with more flexibility and greater access to resources as it responds to the COVID-19 public health emergency. More info
Latest numbers
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency updates the number of known cases daily on its website. I’m a numbers person myself, so I get why people are interested in this info. Please keep in mind that many people have COVID-19 and are not showing symptoms, but are still contagious. Until testing is more widely available, we won’t really know the true number of cases.
City Manager’s Update, March 18, 2020
Good morning! Starting today, we will send daily recaps of COVID-19 information for Carlsbad residents. If you’d like to receive these after today, please check to make sure you are signed up for CITY MANAGER UPDATES through this link.
Here is the first update:
I hope you and your families are well during what is turning out to be a very unusual and challenging time not just here in Carlsbad but around the world.
Among other things, the City if Carlsbad is working very hard to make sure you have access to all the latest information to so you can keep yourselves and especially those most vulnerable in our community safe.
I’m going to sharing posting regular morning updates to recap what’s new and provide links to important information. Please share this information with others so they are also in the know.
For up to the minute updates, save this link. It goes to the city’s Twitter feed, but you don’t need to be a Twitter user to see it.
Another good link is www.carlsbadca.gov/COVID19. That’s the city’s main page where he have links to all the public health agencies and information specific to Carlsbad.
To get text updates directly from the County of San Diego public health officials, Text COSD COVID19 to 468-311.
Local emergency proclamation
Yesterday evening the City Council held a special meeting to pass a declaration of local emergency. I know this sounds scary, but it’s an important a step that will provide the city with more flexibility and greater access to resources as it responds to the COVID-19 public health emergency. More info
Latest numbers
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency updates the number of known cases daily on its website. I’m a numbers person myself, so I get why people are interested in this info. Please keep in mind that many people have COVID-19 and are not showing symptoms, but are still contagious. Until testing is more widely available, we won’t really know the true number of cases.

Testing update
Speaking of testing, I know there are a lot of questions about this. Tests are available for those most at risk, and additional testing sites are coming online. The City of Carlsbad is actively working on getting one or more sites locally. In the meantime, here is the guidance provided by local health officials:
If you’re not sick, you don’t need a test.
If you’re sick and your symptoms are mild to moderate, and you’re not in a high risk category, you don’t need a test, but you should still call your health care provider.
If you’re in a high risk category (over 65 or with chronic health conditions), call your health care provider for guidance. Health care providers can arrange tests as needed.
Seniors and others at risk
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, the county has strongly recommended you stay home for now.
The city has two programs for local seniors – a lunch program and welfare check program. We have enough resources to expand both, so please check them out and share this information with anyone who might have a need.
City staff have also been in touch with senior group homes in the city to make sure they have the information they need to help keep their residents as safe as possible.
Speaking of seniors, I have to share this image taken yesterday (St. Patty’s Day) of our Carlsbad Senior Center. I consider this hard evidence of what we already knew: Carlsbad seniors are local treasures.
Social distancing
This term is all of a sudden part of our everyday conversions, but what does it mean? Check out this video produced by the award-winning broadcasting program at Carlsbad High School.
What’s allowed, what’s suggested
On Monday, the County of San Diego put out updated health orders. See the full list here. Lots of questions about what’s “enforceable” vs just a guideline. That’s addressed in the health order, but keep in mind this is a rapidly evolving situation. The bottom line is this: stay away from other people as much as possible right now, especially if you’re in the high risk categories.
Getting food and groceries
Another hot topic is the availability of food and – yes – toilet paper. Here’s the deal: grocery stories are considered essential services, meaning they are not likely to close during this health emergency. The state has taken steps to make sure deliveries to stores continue. So, no need to hoard. Even IF San Diego County issues a “shelter in place” order, you can still go out for essential needs, like food.
Restaurants and bars
Carlsbad police officers have visited more than 300 bars and restaurants since Monday afternoon’s health order to make sure they knew the latest rules, and we’re seeing great cooperation. Places that serve food can still be open, and many have switched to pick up and delivery instead of closing. If you can, please continue to patronize your favorite restaurants and coffee shops and be generous with your tips. They need the business.
Help for renters and property owners
We understand that this health emergency is affecting many people’s ability to keep up with their rents, mortgages and utility bills. The governor issued an executive order this week that authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19. Here is more information on that.
The City of Carlsbad has already put a temporary hold on any water shut offs due to non payment. Our city attorney is researching other measures to be presented to the City Council, so please stay tuned.
Tap water safety
The EPA has confirmed that tap water remains safe to drink during the COVID-19 emergency. Here’s more information about how water is treated.
Trash service
Wondering if there are any changes to trash pick up? Nope. Put your recycling and trash out on your regular day. We’re working hard to make sure city services continue as normally as possible during this very not normal time.
Need police services?
We understand that this is a stressful time and we want to ensure you, as always, we are here to help. Here is information from the Police Department about how to access non emergency services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Always call 9-1-1 for an emergency or a crime in progress.
Finally, I will leave you with one more St. Patrick’s Day image – a photo of one of the most members of our Police Department, K-9 officer Cash.
Please know that the City of Carlsbad has prepared for this. We have plans in place, our staff has received special training related to COVID-19, and we’ve stocked up on supplies. To keep our community safe, we also need your help. Follow the guidance from public health officials, remain calm and look out for each other. That’s what we do best!
Scott Chadwick,
City Manager
City of Carlsbad
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City of Carlsbad, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008