Hello Team Carlsbad,
As we head into the holiday week I wanted to share a couple of updates.
Caring for Carlsbad through community connection
Over the last month we’ve been highlighting Carlsbad residents and the ways they’ve found inspiration during COVID-19. While difficult on many fronts, it’s been encouraging to read about each person’s unique ways of finding connection with themselves and with others. Whether they used this time to finish a creative fantasy adventure book or tapped into the joy of cooking homemade pizza, read up on their stories here.
We’re always interested in hearing more stories about how people are finding meaningful ways to stay inspired during the pandemic. Do you have a neighbor or friend who lives in Carlsbad and has a story to share? If they are game, please have them get in touch with us via email at communications@carlsbadca.gov.
COVID update
As COVID-19 infections continue to become more widespread in the entire San Diego region, we are seeing more cases among employees as well. Since my last update, five employees have tested positive for COVID-19, including three workplace exposures.
Workplace exposures happen if someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been in a city building while contagious. If you have been in close contact with the person, you will be contacted personally. Our top priority continues to be your health, safety and peace of mind. If you ever have any concerns about potential exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, please contact HR at HRbenefits@carlsbadca.gov.
Watch for symptoms
Unfortunately, as COVID-19 spread reaches new records, it’s more important than ever that you know what to do if you think you might have been exposed or if you have symptoms.
People with COVID-19 can have no symptoms, mild symptoms or severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. They include:
· Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
If you suspect you could have been exposed, contact your health care provider or call 2-1-1 for a referral to a testing site. The county also has testing sites that require no referral. Appointments can be made online or by calling 888-634-1123.
Gift Carlsbad
Need a last-minute gift idea? Consider purchasing a digital gift card through the Gift Carlsbad program. More than $54,000 worth of gift cards have already been purchased to support local Carlsbad businesses and they receive 100% of your gift card purchase. When you purchase a gift card, you will get a bonus amount added to the total, funded by a grant from the city to aid in economic revitalization efforts.
Wellness resources
Pandemic or not, the holiday season can bring stress even in the best of times, and it’s important to spend time focusing on your wellness, which can take the shape of your physical, mental, emotional or spiritual well-being. All are equally important and connected, so during this holiday break, I encourage you to make wellness a priority.
Luckily, Carlsbad is great place to spend time outdoors and get in touch with all of your senses. Check out the city’s network of trails on this map or browse through this map list outlining trail length, difficulty and type.
Besides physical health, I also encourage you to carve out some time to focus on your emotional and mental well-being.
One valuable free resource is the Employee Assistance Program. Basically, the EAP provides instant access to support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for you, your dependents up to age 26 and other members of your household. It’s totally free to use, confidential and includes up to six sessions with professionals who can help with stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, marital relationships, financial concerns, goal-setting and other needs.
You can access this help by phone, video chat or even via text. Just call 877-851-1631 to get started.
Here are some other ways to make wellness a priority. What else do you do to relieve stress? Your story could inspire your coworkers so share your tips and photos with us at communications@carlsbadca.gov.
Holiday hours
As a friendly reminder, the city’s main offices will observe the following additional holiday hours:
Dec. 24. Close at 2 p.m.
Dec. 31 Close at 2 p.m.
Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 are already city holidays.
* Libraries, pools and other locations that don’t follow traditional office hours will also close early – please check with your supervisors for those schedules.
It’s been amazing to finish out the year strong and together as a team. Your hard work, diligence and perseverance has gotten us through so much and I am grateful for each and every one of your contributions.
Thank you, Team Carlsbad. I’m honored to serve our community alongside you and am excited for what we’ll tackle and accomplish together as a team in the new year! Hello 2021!