Covid-19 Update
Updated: Aug 8, 2020
Information Sources:
Federal COVID-19 Task Force held a Press Conference this afternoon at the White House. Additionally, information was obtained from Cal-OES, the County of San Mateo, the City of Redwood City, IRS, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County.
Here’s what we know:
786 Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area
117 Confirmed Cases in San Mateo County (1 Death)
302 Confirmed Cases in Santa Clara
106 Confirmed Cases in San Francisco County
13 Bay Area Deaths
California “Statewide Stay At Home” Order
Updated comprehensive information available at: covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
Verily COVID-19 Risk Screening & Testing Project Baseline-Pilot Program
In collaboration with the California Governor's office, federal, state and local public health authorities, Verily is currently providing FREE risk screening and COVID-19 testing to people in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Riverside Counties. To complete the online risk screening go to: www.projectbaseline.com/study/covid-19/
Delayed Reporting of COVID-19 Cases
Please note the official numbers being reported on COVID-19 cases have a current lag time of about 3-4 days. A person who has a positive result from a test taken today, may be reported until Tuesday or Wednesday. Try not to be alarmed as the new numbers begin to be released . The numbers are expected to increase dramatically. Up to this point, testing has been extremely limited. As more and more testing labs come online and testing kits become available, the turnaround time for results will reduced and we will have a much clearer understanding of where we stand.
Understanding COVID-19 From A Medical Perspective
www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center
Redwood City Restaurants Open For Take Out Delivery or Both:
redwoodcitychamber.com/redwood-city-restaurants-are-still-open-for-business/
Local Blood Banks Need Donors:
Stanford Blood Bank in Melo Park Needs Our Help! Blood Banks are EXEMPT from the “Stay At Home Order” and inventories are running low. Donating blood is an ESSENTIAL to saving lives. Can you be a community hero and provide blood for those who need it most? For more info and/or to make an appointment go to: stanfordbloodcenter.org/faq-on-novel-coronavirus-and-blood-donation/
Local Hospitals: Contact Before Arriving For Specific Instructions
Medical Emergencies: Cal 911
Kaiser: kp.org
Sequoia Hospital: www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/sequoia/contact-us
Stanford: stanfordhealthcare.org
*VA San Francisco: www.sanfrancisco.va.gov
*All patients and visitors to the San Francisco VA Medical Center must check in at Building 200 to complete a health questionnaire before entering. Click here for the questionnaire.
Veterans Crisis Line: www.veteranscrisisline.net
VA Palo Alto: www.paloalto.va.gov/index.asp
What is an Essential Employee?
covid19.ca.EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf
Health Care Providers,Pharmacy Employees, Blood Banks Public Safety: Police,Fire,Paramedics, CHP, Prison Guards, Media Infrastructure: Airports, Public Transportation, Cal-Trans, Cal-Train, Public Works Utilities (PG&E, water, sewer, gas, sanitation, internet/cable) Bank, Grocery & Hardware Store Employees Restaurant Employees: Take Out or Delivery Only Volunteering: Donating Blood, Assisting/Providing essential goods and services to others.(Meals on Wheels, Covid Assist, distributing School Lunches.Please Use Caution Using Gas Pumps, ATM & Point of Sale Machines, etc.
Outdoor Activities
Outside of essential employment and obtaining essential goods/services for yourself and others (grocery, medical, vet, pharmacy, bank), outdoor activities, like walking your dog, running, riding your bike, are fine. As long as you stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who does not live in your household.
Redwood City Parks & Playgrounds
CLOSED All playgrounds, dog parks, pocket parks, the Red Morton Skatepark, tennis courts, and all fenced-in recreational amenities and all Park Restrooms.
OPEN All City park pathways, fields, and open spaces will remain at this time. For the safety of Park Visitors and our Community as a whole, all vistors must adhere to the 6ft social distancing mandated by the state of California. Social Distancing applies to anyone who DOES NOT live in your home. Stulsaft is open for dog walking and hiking. The entrances on Silver Hill, Farm Hill, and Foothill are open. The Goodwin gate is closed/locked.
Please Note: Play dates and the use of play equipment at parks or schools are prohibited under the Statewide Order. The COVID-19 virus may “live” on surfaces for up to 48 hours. For more information on Redwood City parks go to: www.redwoodcity.org/Home/Components/News/News/3341/874
Redwood City Library: All Redwood Libraries Are Closed
Redwood City Library: Downloadable e-books magazines newspapers & more
www.redwoodcity.org/departments/library
25+ Studios & Gyms Offering FREE Live-Stream Classes
These FREE Classes are available to everyone from home.
www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a31792038/coronavirus-live-stream-workout-classes/
Redwood City Mayor Diane Howard: Issues COVID-19 Community Address Video
Can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlqIjzYVF9Q&feature=youtu.be
Redwood City: Council Meeting Impacts of COVID-19
Meeting Agenda Link : Here
City Council will meet via Tele-Conference this Monday night, 3/23 at 7:00pm to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on our City and it’s residents.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the City Website: www.redwoodcity.org
and on TV Local Channel 26 Comcast Channel 27 AT&T U-Verse Channel 99
Residents are strongly encouraged to submit questions and input via e-mail to: publiccomment@redwoodcity.org The City Clerk will read all comments received prior to the start of item. If you prefer your Questions and comments not be read, e-mail them to Council at council@redwoodcity.org Agenda item 6b will specially address the impacts on Housing & Local Utilities. The staff Report can be found here: Here
Council will be asked to:
Adopt a Resolution Allocating $150,000 from Existing Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Collected from Short-Term Rental Uses to Fund a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Fund, and by motion, authorize the City Manager to create program parameters for use of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Fund
Direct staff to research opportunities to defer or eliminate late payment penalties for utility payments and present recommendations to the City Council at a future meeting.
Public Transportation:
Public Transportation is still in service. BART ridership is down more then 90%. Bart service will end each night at 9pm daily, until further notice. For more information on Bart go to: www.bart.gov Sam Trans ridership is down 19% however, schedules remain unchanged as of today. For more information on Sam Trans go to: www.samtrans.com Caltrain will operate on a reduced peak-hour schedule Morning and afternoon peak hour service will no longer feature Baby Bullet Service. The updated weekday schedule is available at www.caltrain.com.
Track Bay Area COVID-19 cases at www.nbcbayarea.com/coronavirus/live-blog
US Dept. Of Education Suspends Standardized Testing & Delays Student Loans
The Department of Education has announced that federally required standardized testing requirements for Elementary-High School students will be waived for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, college students with federally funded student loans will be allowed to suspend student loan payments for 60 days. Borrowers must call their lender to op-in to this program. Stay tuned: this date is expected to be extended. For more information please go to: www.ed.gov/coronavirus?src=feature
US State Dept & Embassies: How To Get Back Home From Traveling Aboard
Do you know someone who left the country and needs help getting back home?
Contact STEP at: step.state.gov or 888-407-4747 for assistance. For up to date State Dept Travel Advisories go to: travel.state.gov/content/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-4
Airports:
SFO San Francisco International Airport: www.flysfo.com
SFO Updates www.flysfo.com/important-travel-covid-19-updates
SJC Mineta International Airport www.flysanjose.com
Updates: www.flysanjose.com/coronavirus
Oakland International Airport www.oaklandairport.com
Updates: www.oaklandairport.com/oakland-open-flight info
Sonoma County Airport Charles Shultz sonomacountyairport.org
Stay Informed: Receive Updates From Your Congressional Representatives
Sign-up to receive updates, newsletters and to participate in Telephone Town Halls.
Rep.. Anna Eshoo https://eshoo.house.gov
Rep. Jackie Speier www.speier.house.gov/home
Rep. Jared Huffman https://huffman.house.gov (Marin County to Oregon border)
You can sign-up for more then one! Let’s say your parents live in Ohio. If you want to stay up to date on what’s happening there, you can use the link below to find their Congressional Representative and direct you to their website.
www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
DMV
DMV is no longer allowing “Walk-In” customers. Only customers with an appointment will be allowed in the building. Law enforcement agencies throughout the State have been asked to relax enforcement on: Expired Vehicle Registration and Driver’s Licenses for the next 60 days. For more information go to: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv
Census Forms - Our community is “counting” on us!
The 2020 Census has begun to arrive! It is essential that every person in Redwood City is counted in the Census. You may have seen the commercial the Redwood City Fire Department is currently running on MSNBC. Census data is used for everything from essential funding to creating district maps for our Federal, State, County & Local Elections! Please go online and complete your Census form. Completing the 2020 Census is one of the most important things you can do to help our community provide the essential services we all depend on. For more information go to: www.census.gov
COVID-19 Related Resources & Programs
Do you rent? Do you need Rental Assistance?
In response to the tremendous impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rental assistance has been made available for the months of March & April by the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County. You can apply for that assistance by calling and leaving a message at (650) 517-8939.
State Unemployment & Disability Benefits
State Unemployment and/or Disability benefits are roughly 67% of an employees wages. The 7 day waiting period and a few additional requirements are being waived during this pandemic. Applications are being accepted online ONLY. For more information on Unemployment and/or Disability benefits please go to:www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Late Fees Interest & Payment Waivers
The list of service providers who are waving late fees and suspending service interruptions, continues to grow. Banks and credit cards are also working with customers to reduce interest, suspend late fees and offering temporary alternative payment options. Customers who are experiencing a financial hardship due to the Corona Virus, are strongly encouraged to contact your bank and/or credit card to inquire what options are available to you.
Some of these companies are
PG&E
Comcast (Plus: New customers 60 days free Internet service. Unlimited data for existing customers )
AT&T
Verizon
T-Mobile
Sprint
Citibank
American Express (interest & late fees)
Discover
Barclay’s
Wells Fargo
Chase
US Bank
The Federal Government is working phase of a Stimulus package in response to COVID-19.
This package is expected to include mortgage abeyance provisions for both homeowners and landlords. Additional benefits such as cash payments and extended unemployment benefits. Stay tuned for more information.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor has introduced two new features, Help Maps & Groups, to give people an opportunity to support one another during this pandemic. go to: nextdoor.com/
Unhoused Residents
The City of Redwood City delivered 20 hand washing stations to assist residents who are homeless and/or living in vehicles this week. 50 residents were moved from the Maple Street Shelter to local hotel/motel to adhere to the State’s social distancing Order. The Governor has allocated 150 million dollars to assist cities and counties care for our unsheltered residents.
Help for Small Businesses
Forbes Released a List of 19 Programs To Help Small Businesses
www.forbes.com/list-of-coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-relief-programs/
SAMCEDA San Mateo County-Small Business Survey:
Impacts of COVID-19 www.surveymonkey.com/r/BXH6H86
Local small businesses will be hit particularly hard during this pandemic. Residents are encouraged to support local restaurants offering take-out service. Take out service is considered safe, when all safety protocols are being followed.
Small Business Loans
Small Business Loans will be offered for up to 2 million dollars at an interest rate of 3.75% with 30 year terms The interest rate non-profits is 2.75%. For more information please go to: https://www.sba.gov Additionally, information on the State of California’s “Cal-Cap Program” for small business owners can be found at www.treasurer.ca.gov
Property Taxes: 2nd Installments Due By Friday, April 10, 2020.
The following locations are closed for IN PERSON property tax payments until further notice: Redwood City, South San Francisco & Half Moon Bay.
The County encourages taxpayers to pay their property taxes by:
Pay online at: tax.smcgov.org
Mail Using Envelope Enclosed with Property Tax Bill
Automated phone system at (866) 220-0308
Drop box located at 555 County Center in Redwood City.
This deadline is not expected to be extended. Tax Collector, Sandie Arnott explained “If a large portion of taxpayers don’t pay on April 10, there will be very immediate and serious impacts to school obligations and other local financial obligations that are funded through the payment of property taxes.”
State & Federal Income Tax Deadlines Extended until July 15, 2020
The California Franchise Tax Board has extended the due dates for the filing and payment of State income Taxes. The due date for tax payers filing an extension is now Oct 15, 2020 . For more information on State Income taxes go to: www.ftb.ca.gov
The US Treasury has extended the filing and payment date for Federal Income Tax. The news deadline is July 15, 2020. For more information go to: https://www.irs.gov
Income Tax Refunds-Federal & State
Income Tax payers who anticipate receiving an Income Tax Refund are encouraged to file their returns ASAP. Tax Refunds will continue to be processed as usual. You don’t have to leave your house to file your taxes! The IRS offers free filing online at: www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free Additional Tax Preparation Software programs are available at Amazon H&R Block, Turbo Tax and can be immediately downloaded.
“Covid Assist” Peninsula Covenant Church & VOCA
PCC & VOCA are partnering to assist vulnerable residents unable to leave their homes to purchase essential items such as food, medicine, etc. SMC Health Official Dr. Scott Morrow defines vulnerable populations as anyone over 50 and/or anyone with underlying health conditions (heart, lung, diabetes, immune deficiency). “Covid Assist” is a partnership between Redwood City's VOCA and Peninsula Covenant Church. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service please or would like to volunteer with this service, please go to: www.Covidassist.org
Free Access to Online News Stories & Magazine Articles
The San Mateo Daily Journal: FREE access during pandemic.www.smdailyjournal.com
The Palo Alto Daily: Free Access www.paloaltoonline.com
San Jose Mercury News: Portions of site are FREE www.mercurynews.com
The New York Times is offering FREE COVID-19 news stories www.nytimes.com
Stanford Daily Stanford Daily: Portions of site FREE www.stanforddaily.com
National Geographic: Portion of Article FREE articles at: www.nationalgeographic.com
“Things To Do, Learn, & Explore While Sheltering At Home”
Virtual Museums, Nature, Art, Books, Music, Laughter, Virtual Workouts & Parties
Google Arts & Culture: Explore Virtual Museums
Take a virtual tour of the some of the world's greatest museums and heritage sites.
artsandculture.google.com/project/streetviews
Redwood City Library:
Downloadable e-books magazines newspapers & more
www.redwoodcity.org/departments/library
Learning Resources for Kids
Open Culture: FREE Cultural & Educational Media on the Web
Nature: Backyard Fun-Butterfly Gardening in SF Bay Area
Guide Butterfly Gardening in SF Bay Area Link
https://www.redwoodcity.org/Home/Components/News/News/681/18?arch=1
NetFlix Party
While we can’t go to the movies with our family and friends, we can still watch movies together. Netflix Party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows.
Join Netflix Party to link up with friends and host long distance movie nights and TV watch parties today! https://www.netflixparty.com
That’s all for tonight. If there is a subject you would like to have covered or a question, please e-mail me at chris@chris-Rasmussem.com and let me know.
Until tomorrow, Be kind, Be careful, and, most importantly, Be well.
Chris Rasmussen
650-537-3547
COVID-19: Information & Resource Directory
San Mateo County COVID-19 PUBLIC CALL CENTER
Call 211 For non-emergency, non-medical questions open 24/7
San Mateo County Website
Questions re: “Shelter in Place Orders”
www.smcgov.org/shelter-place-faqs
San Mateo County Health Department
https://www.smchealth.org/coronavirus
San Mateo County
https://www.smcacre.org/new-site-press-release/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-update
San Mateo County: Offices and Services during Pandemic
https://www.smcacre.org/new-site-press-release/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-update
Track Bay Area COVID-19 cases at www.nbcbayarea.com/coronavirus/live-blog
Fair Oaks Community Center
https://www.smc-connect.org/locations/fair-oaks-community-center
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
City of Redwood City: Info New Services & Service Hours
www.redwoodcity.org/Home/Components/News/News/3351/874
The City of Redwood City: Video Mayor Howard’s COVID-19 Community Address
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlqIjzYVF9Q&feature=youtu.be
City of Redwood City Corona Virus Link
www.redwoodcity.org/residents/public-safety/coronavirus-covid-19
City of Redwood City: Meeting Agenda for March 23, 2020 City Council
meetings.redwoodcity.org/AgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting
City of Redwood City Council Meeting e-mail to submit Public Comment
State
State of California
California Statewide “Stay at Home Order”
covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf
State of California DMV
Federal
US Government Response to Corona Virus
Federal Government: Centers of Disease Control
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Find your Congressional Representative
www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Receive the latest updates from Congressional *Representatives
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo https://eshoo.house.gov
Congresswoman Jackie Speier https://speier.house.gov/home
Congressman Jared Huffman www.huffman.house.gov (Marin-Oregon Border)
Local Hospitals
Medical Emergencies: Call 911
Call before arriving for instructions
Kaiser: kp.org
Sequoia Hospital: www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/sequoia/contact-us
Stanford: stanfordhealthcare.org
Airports:
SFO San Francisco International Airport: www.flysfo.com
SJC Mineta International Airport www.flysanjose.com
Oakland International Airport: www.oaklandairport.com
Sonoma County Airport Charles Shultz https://sonomacountyairport.org
Financial Help-Resources & Volunteer/Donor Information
What is being to help you and your family during this pandemic?
calmatters.org/california-california-coronavirus-unemployment-state-federal-proposals-poverty
County of San Mateo: Emergency Safety Net Assistance - Core Service Agencies
hsa.smcgov.org/emergency-safety-net-assistance-core-service-agencies
State of California Unemployment & Disability Benefits
www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Forbes List of 19 Programs To Help Small Businesses
https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/20/list-of-coronavirus-covid-19-small-
SMC Housing Leadership Council-COVID-19 & Housing-What you need to know
hlcsmc.salsalabs.org/backgrounder36
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County: Rental Assistance
Verily Pilot “Project Baseline” FREE Covid-19 Risk Screening & Testing
www.projectbaseline.com/study/covid-19/
Donate Blood
Stanford Blood Bank-Menlo Park 445 Burgess Dr, Menlo Park
stanfordbloodcenter.org/faq-on-novel-coronavirus-and-blood-donation/
Fair Oaks Community Center
https://www.smc-connect.org/locations/fair-oaks-community-center
Street Life Ministries:
Second Harvest Food Bank
Samaritan House
samaritanhousesanmateo.org/co-vid-19-en/
Life Moves Maple Street Shelter
www.lifemoves.org/directory/maple-street/
Life Moves First Street For Families
www.lifemoves.org/directory/first-step-for-families/
RCEF COVID-19 Family Relief Fund
Housing Leadership Council SMC: COVID-19 & Housing-What you need to know
www.//hlcsmc.salsalabs.org/backgrounder36
List of Redwood City Restaurants Open For Take Out Delivery or Both
redwoodcitychamber.com/redwood-city-restaurants-are-still-open-for-business/
Small Business Administration
Cal-Cap Program for Small Business
www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp
SAMCEDA Small Business Survey-Impacts of COVID-19
www.surveymonkey.com/r/BXH6H86
Nextdoor: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Taxes
Internal Revenue Service-COVID-19 Info:
Internal Revenue Service General Info
IRS File Your Income Taxes for FREE online
www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
California Tax Franchise Board New Due Dates:
www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/covid-19/extensions-to-file-pay.html
California Franchise Tax Board
San Mateo County Tax Collector
www.smdailyjournal.com/coronavirus/county-tax-official-can-t-extend-deadline/article_
Additional Government Links
US Census
https://www.census.gov/en.html
Public Transportation
Bart: www.bart.gov
Sam Trans: www.samtrans.com
Caltrain www.caltrain.com.
News
San Mateo Daily Journal: FREE Online News
https://www.smdailyjournal.com
Palo Alto Daily
SJ Mercury News
COVID-19 Cases in Bay Area: Updates Daily
www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/04/map-coronavirus-cases-in-the-bay-area/
Stanford Daily Online
www.stanforddaily.com/2020/03/15/visualized-covid-19-cases-in-santa-clara-county/
New York Times: Free COVID-19 Online News Stories
www.nytimes.com/news-event/coronavirus
Mental Health & Stress Relieving Resources:
San Mateo County Mental Health Services
www.smchealth.org/mentalhealth
Center for Disease Control: Dealing with Corona Virus Stress & Anxiety
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
25+ Studios & Gyms Offering FREE Live-Stream Workouts during COVID-19
These FREE Classes are available to everyone from home.
www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a31792038/coronavirus-live-stream-workout-classes/