Benicia –The City of Benicia shared news that an employee at the Benicia Community Center informed the City of Benicia Mon. that they received a positive test result for COVID-19. The City of Benicia has been in contact with Solano County Public Health Office and is following and exceeding their guidance. In an abundance of caution, the City of Benicia has decided to close the Benicia Community Center effective tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21 to begin a deep cleaning of the entire facility. Staff will be tested, and the Community Center will remain closed until it is deemed safe to reopen. Credits will be issued for all Parks & Community Services program registrations affected by the closure.

“We make it a policy not to disclose detailed information to protect employee privacy,” said City Manager Lorie Tinfow. “We will facilitate testing for all employees who may have been exposed and notify program participants as appropriate. The City of Benicia is committed to maintain the safety of our staff, our visitors and our program participants to the best of our ability.”

Increased instances of positive test results have been seen in Solano County, in the State of California and in our country. Employees of the City of Benicia, including those who work at the Benicia Community Center, follow recommended protocols such as wearing face coverings, washing hands, and maintaining social distance.

When I hear one of our city employees is infected with the coronavirus, I hope for the best,” said Mayor Elizabeth Patterson. “I agree with the decisions of closing city facilities down and those with contact with the infected person quarantine. I am relieved when the person recovers. So far we have had the good fortune of good recovery. I have been proud of our low infection numbers in the city but with increasing concern with the recent uptick.” 

A significant number of positive cases stem from social and family gatherings. The City of Benicia reminds all residents to follow recommended protocols and avoid gatherings. The City of Benicia has a community services phone line for COVID-19 questions and concerns; call 707.746.4285 or email pcs@ci.benicia.ca.us

Solano County Health Officer Dr. Matyas reported that 53 percent of the 2,759 cases – or 1,462 cases – are directly linked to family socialization, and another 19 percent are categorized as “community transmissions,” which the county could not link directly to one person or group. Another 12 percent are linked to workplace contacts.

The wearing of face coverings is important along with social distancing and hand sanitizing. I do see more face coverings these days but still get emails about “freedom and liberty,” said Patterson in an e-mail blast. “How much freedom and liberty is there when bars close, restaurants can only serve outside, hair salons close, and now the Benicia Community Center (BCC).” 

“Connect the dots. We live and work in a community and what we do at home or work or socializing can affect not just your family, older adult relatives, your co-workers but even the community. The loss of the activities at the BCC may mean that it was the only activity outside the home and now that is not a choice because of the closure.”

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