Late last night, on Friday, July 10, the Alameda County Public Health Department released a statement prohibiting outdoor dining in Alameda County based on an update issued by the State of California on Thursday, July 9, due to a surge of new coronavirus cases across the state. Alameda County officials are taking actions to ensure outdoor activities can resume safely in the county, which includes seeking a variance from the State to allow outdoor dining to reopen. Alameda County had delayed earlier plans to apply for a variance amid rising cases and hospitalizations; however, with the determination of outdoor activities considered "low-risk", the County Board of Supervisors will be voting on a letter of support for the variance on Tuesday, July 14.

We understand that it is extremely frustrating and confusing for our businesses to keep track of changing guidance coming from the State and County. The City of Fremont is advocating strongly for Alameda County to ensure all County-level requirements are in place so that outdoor dining can resume as soon as possible, and we will post updates as soon as they become available. Please note that for now, only takeout and delivery is allowed. City staff will continue taking in applications but will pause issuing permits for the Pop Up Patio program until Alameda County allows businesses to resume outdoor dining.

A statement from Alameda County regarding the updated guidance on outdoor dining can be found by visiting their website.