Headed in the Right Direction, By Derek Timm, Scotts Valley Mayor

FEATURED COLUMNIST Headed in the Right Direction Vaccine Distribution Plan COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed within Santa Cruz County through the local health care system, including Public Health. At this time, vaccine supplies are limited, and it is uncertain when vaccines will be available for all sectors. Phases and Tiers By Derek Timm, Scotts Valley Mayormay change at any time based on recommendations by the CDC and California Department of Public Health.

Iwas really encouraged by my last call with Dr. Gail Newel, the County’s Health Officer.

Our efforts on masking and social distancing are starting to pay off, and the COVID-19 holiday surge is waning. Moreover, many of our health care workers and our most vulnerable population of adults over 75 have received their first course of the vaccine.

To give some perspective, Scotts Valley had only about 70 confirmed cases between March and Nov. 1. However, Scotts Valley climbed to 327 total cases after Nov. 1, and our County went from under 3,000 cases to over 13,000 cases in that same time-period with 148 deaths. It has been a hard winter so far for many in our community not only with COVID but the power outages, windstorms and rains, but I hope we are turning a corner.

The good news is that in the last 2 weeks, the case positivity rate has dropped approximately in half, and active cases are declining. The State allowed our restaurants to reopen for outdoor dining and our salons to begin operating again. There are also fresh rounds of government funding to help our businesses survive. Moreover, as vaccine distribution continues, the load in our hospitals will be reduced.

There are some really positive things happening in Scotts Valley, including our #ScottsValleyLove campaign that the Chamber of Commerce and the City are promoting. On Feb. 13 from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. residents will be able to visit participating businesses throughout town and pick up treats and trinkets — and at the same time — shop local for that someone special for Valentine’s Day.

I am also very excited about the efforts of the 1440 Multiversity learning retreat. While they were closed during the pandemic, they pivoted to providing meals to locals who were evacuated and lost homes in the CZU fires.

Now, born out of gratitude for their heroic efforts and funded with support of generous donors and sponsors, 1440 Multiversity offers the Healing Our Healthcare Heroes program to care for the mental health and wellbeing of thousands of healthcare professionals battling worsening rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia and distress.

Once the pandemic is over, everyone will be in need of recovery and relaxation.

Ranked by CNN as one of top 11 wellness retreats in the world, 1440 Multiversity offers “Rest & Renewal” retreats with rejuvenating spa facilities, haute farm-to-table meals, serene hikes and daily wellness classes — from mindfulness to yoga — taught by the likes of Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra, Martha Beck and Sharon Salzberg.

We are hoping to climb back into the red and orange tiers that would give our schools a path to reopen as well. Although the COVID metrics are not quite there yet, we are headed in the right direction. I know my kids are certainly ready.

“Right Direction” page 18

We are currently here, individuals 75+

Expected to launch Spring 2021

Expected to launch Summer 2021

PHASE 1A

PHASE 1B

PHASE 1APHASE 1C

Limited weekly supply

• TIER 1: Acute and healthcare staff, SNF/assisted living facility staff/residents, EMTs, paramedics, dialysis center staff • TIER 2: Home health and in-home supportive services, public health, primary care staff, FQHCs & urgent care clinics • Tier 3: Dental/oral health workers, lab workers, pharmacy staff, specialty clinics

Limited weekly supply

• TIER 1: Individuals 75 and older, then 65- 74, workers in education, childcare, food & agriculture, fire, law enforcement, emergency services • TIER 2: Workers in facilities & services, critical manufacturing, transportation & logistics. Also incarcerated people & homeless individuals

Limited weekly supply

• Individuals 50 – 64 • Those 16-49 that are high risk • Workers in chemical, communications, IT, defense, finance, government operations, community-based organizations, water & wastewater

PHASE 2

When large number of doses available

• All other persons older than 16 that have not already been recommended in Phases 1a, 1b or 1c and general population.

PHASE 3

When large number of doses available

• Ensuring equitable vaccination access across the entire population. Focus on communities with low coverage.

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