The highly transmissible Omicron variant is driving up cases and hospitalizations across the nation. According to the latest data from the Department of Health and Human Services, hospitalizations across the U.S. now stand at more than 126,000, and more than 1 in every 4 ICU beds is filled with a COVID-19 patient. The rise in cases including the highest rate of pediatric hospital admissions (over the course of the pandemic) has also impacted the already-strained capacity from the delta variant. Additionally, the demand for testing has skyrocketed amid a surge that started over the holidays.

While we anticipate that COVID-19 numbers are likely going to get worse, it is critical for all of us to continue safe practices to prevent infections. We are closely monitoring regulatory guidance and remain focused on ensuring the safety of the public and City employees. In line with this, I would like to share the latest updates on City operations. These guidelines will take effect immediately and are recommended to remain in place until the end of January 2022.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: will be 100% virtual.

CITY HALL: City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice. All non-essential City services (such as permit and plan review services and bill payments) will only be available virtually – through email, website information, telephone, and tele or web conferencing. Milpitas City Hall is closed until the end of January 2022.

COMMISSIONS AND OTHER PUBLIC MEETINGS: will remain 100% virtual until further notice.

COMMUNITY CENTER: All indoor community programs, recreation classes and private/public gatherings are cancelled or postponed. For assistance please email us at: community_center@milpitas.gov. Staff will also continue to support testing and vaccination site.

The Milpitas Community Center will continue to host the Santa Clara County COVID-19 testing on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information on testing please visit, https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-testing.

BARBARA LEE SENIOR CENTER: The Senior Center will remain open for “to-go” lunches only, as a continuation of the Senior Nutrition Lunch Program and limited childcare services will be offered. Lunch reservations can be made through the regular channels, however lunch pickup is strictly between 12 – 1 p.m. For assistance please email us at: senior_center@milpitas.gov

SPORTS CENTER: All indoor community programs, recreation classes and private/public gatherings are cancelled or postponed. For assistance please email us at: sports_center@milpitas.gov.

The Milpitas Sports Center will continue to host the Santa Clara County COVID-19 testing on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information on testing please visit, https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-testing.

MILPITAS SPORTS CENTER: The Sports Center is closed for all activities. For members that have monthly or yearly packages, we will put your membership on-hold, effective Saturday, March 14. Your membership will be extended for time equivalent to the facility closure. We are not aware of any confirmed cases in the Center’s membership, staff or volunteers. If you have any questions please contact the Sports Center at (408) 586-3225 or visit our website for updates.

While we are closed, a deep clean of the Milpitas Community Center, Senior Center, Teen Center, and Sports Center will be conducted.  These centers are closed indefinitely. However, the City is continually monitoring the situation and will provide updates to the community of any changes to date.

PUBLIC SAFETY (POLICE AND FIRE): Fire and Police Departments will continue to provide onsite services.

PUBLIC WORKS: Public Works Department will continue to provide onsite services.

GENERAL RECREATION PROGRAMS

Please visit our Recreation Department website for latest updates on programs and Teen Center.

GENERAL SENIOR CENTER INFORMATION

Please visit our Barbara Lee Senior Center website for latest updates.

The Milpitas Community Center will continue to host the Santa Clara County COVID-19 testing on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information on testing please visit, https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-testing.

The Milpitas Sports Center will continue to host the Santa Clara County COVID-19 testing on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information on testing please visit, https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-testing.

The SCC Library Milpitas Branch located at 160 N. Main Street, Milpitas is open for in-person and virtual services. For updates visit Santa Clara County Library.

PARK PLAYGROUNDS AND SPORTS COURTS: Sports courts remain open. Parks remain open for passive activities such as walking, running, bird watching, or biking only. For more information on Park Maintenance contact the Public Works Department at (408) 586-2600.

ED LEVIN COUNTY PARK: Please visit Santa Clara County Parks for Ed Levin County Park updates.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING SERVICES: Currently, collection services are NOT affected by the COVID-19. Note that collection vehicles may service your containers earlier or later than your usual time. Please keep your containers out from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on your regular collection day until they are serviced.Please check www.MilpitasSanitation.com for any changes or revisions to this schedule. Contact our Customer Service Team at 408-988-4500 if you experience any service issues.

MILPITAS WATER IS SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The City of Milpitas would like to reassure our community that the Virus has NO IMPACT on the safety of our drinking water.

The City purchases and distributes water from Valley Water treatment plants, as well as from San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Before making its way to your tap, your drinking water is treated and tested to ensure its safety. Valley Water and SFPUC are ensuring the water supplied to the City is of the highest possible quality meeting or exceeding all federal and state drinking water standards. To learn more about the City’s water quality check out https://www.milpitas.gov/milpitas/departments/public-works-department-home-page/water-home-page/water-quality-report/.