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and that there is insufficient data at this time to know whether Omicron infections,

especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated,

cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants; and

WHEREAS, while vaccination rates in San Mateo County are high, the

emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has contributed to a surge of cases and

hospitalizations; and

WHEREAS, the County has an important interest in protecting the health and

safety of those who participate in meetings of this Committee and of the County’s

various other legislative bodies; and

WHEREAS, this Committee and several other County legislative bodies

typically meet in-person in public buildings where other essential governmental

functions take place, such that increasing the number of people present in those

buildings may impair the safety of the occupants; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has informed County agencies about the

unique advantages of online public meetings, which are substantial, as well as the

unique challenges posed by online public meetings, which are frequently surmountable;

and

WHEREAS, in the interest of public health and safety, as affected by the state

of emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19, the Committee finds that this state of

emergency continues to directly impact the ability of members of this Committee to

meet safely in person and that meeting in person would present imminent risks to the