Covid-19 Update
Updated: Aug 8, 2020
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Redwood City- 7:00pm
Information Sources:
Federal COVID-19 Task Force held a Press Conference this morning at the White House. Gov. Newsom gave a comprehensive update at his Press Conference this afternoon. Governor Gavin Newsom’s formal letter to President Trump, requesting assistance. Governor Newsom’s letter can be found here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/1.7.19-Letter-to-the-White-House-and-Congress.pdf
Here’s what we know:
870 Confirmed COVID-19 cases in California.
89 Confirmed cases in San Mateo County
70 Confirmed in San Francisco County.
16 Californians have died
“Shelter at Home” have been issued now for 10 Bay Area Counties.
San Mateo
San Francisco
Santa Clara
Alameda
Contra Costa
Marin
Sonoma
Santa Cruz
Solano
Napa
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a “Statewide Stay at Home Order”.
As of 6:30 this evening, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a “Statewide Stay at Home Order”. The order goes into effect tonight. The current projection models for COVID-19 spread indicate 56%of Californians or roughly 25 million people, will become infected with COVID-19. The models project 20% of the cases will require hospitalization. San Mateo County currently has 1.4 hospital beds per 1K people. California as a whole , is short roughly 10K hospital beds. In order to bridge this to bridge this gap, the State of California has secured Seaton Hospital in Daly City, is in the prcess of securing 3500 hotel/motel rooms, building 2 mobile hospitals and requested the use of US Navy “Mercy" Hospital ship. The USN Mercy will dock in Los Angeles and serve patients who DO NOT have COVID-19. Treatment on the ship will be for patients who suffer heart attacks, strokes, vehicle accidents, etc.
Enforcement:
This new statewide order is intended to reduce the number of people contracting this virus. If we do not take drastic measures, California will face “catastrophic conditions” in 8 weeks.
Residents statewide are asked to comply with the “Stay at Home Orders”. Following these orders will absolutely save lives. If everyone does their part, local law enforcement officials will not be tasked with enforcement measures.
As I reported yesterday, Dr Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Official stated “The current situation in San Mateo County is somewhere between Dire and Catastrophic”.
The San Mateo Daily Journal ran an article about this today. The article can be found here: https://www.smdailyjournal.com/coronavirus/san-mateo-county-health-officer-coronavirus-situation-between-dire-and/article_80c90d98-6988-11ea-9280-bb92c9b5754b.html
The San Mateo Daily Journal has opened up access to their online news, free of charge during this pandemic. I would like to thank the San Mateo Daily Journal for being an outstanding community partner during these difficult times. https://www.smdailyjournal.com
“Shelter at Home” Orders non-essential workers are to remain at home
Essential Business/Employees include:
Public Safety (Police Fire Sheriff CHP Prison Guards) Health Care Providers & Pharmacies Business and Trades that provide essential services (sewer water electric) Government Utilities and Banks Food & Grocery Stores Take Out Restaurants Gasoline Stations & Hardware Stores
Residents are advised to leave their homes only to receive or obtain essential goods, services. and/or medical care. Daily walks are encouraged when following the 6ft social distancing guidelines. These guidelines do not apply to families/cohabitants.
Redwood City Parks are closed. Play dates, the use of play equipment at schools/parks is prohibited under these orders. While the exact amount of time is still unknown, researchers believe the COVID-19 virus could “live” on surfaces for up to 48-72 hours. For more information on Redwood City parks please go to: https://www.redwoodcity.org/Home/Components/News/News/3341/874
For more information re: San Mateo County “Shelter In Place Order” please go to: https://www.smcgov.org/shelter-place-faqs
or Call 211 to reach the San Mateo County COVID-19 call center. The call center answers non-emergency calls 24/7.
Benefits & Resources:
In light of the “Shelter at Home Orders”, many companies are now waving late fees and suspending service interruptions, if you are unable to pay you bills. Banks and credit cards are also working with customers to reduce interest, suspend late fees and offering temporary alternative payment options. Please contact your bank/credit card (using the number on the back of your card) and ask them what they are offering during this pandemic.
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
As reported last night, Congresswoman Speier continues to push for the expansion and extension of Unemployment & Disability Benefits, which cover roughly 67% of an employees wages. For more information on Unemployment and/or Disability benefits please go to:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Also reported last night, Congresswoman Speier stated the 3rd Stage of the Stimulus package is expected to include Mortgage Abeyance provisions to assist with mortgages for both landlords and homeowners. In addition, Governor Gavin Newsom has authorized local governments to place a moratorium on eviction through May 31, 2020.
Help for Small Businesses
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, if all protocol are being followed. Fresh produce is also considered safe but, must be washed thoroughly. Loans will be offered up to 2 million dollars at an interest rate of 3.75% with terms as long as 30 years. The interest rate non-profits is 2.75%. For more information please go to: https://www.sba.gov In addition, the State of California has a Cal-Cap program for small business owners. For more information please go to: https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp
Public Transportation:
BART announced today that daily ridership is down 90% since the “Shelter at Home” orders took effect. BART will end service at 9pm daily. Until further notice. For more information on Bart go to: www.bart.gov Sam Trans has reported a 19% decrease in ridership. For more information on Sam Trans please go to: http://www.samtrans.com
NEW SERVICES:
“Covid Assist” has been launched to assist vulnerable residents who are unable to leave their homes to purchase essential items such as food, medicine, sanitary products, etc. Vulnerable populations are defined as anyone above the age of 50 or anyone with underlying health conditions (heart, lung, diabetes, immune deficient,etc.). Covid Assist was created by Redwood City’s VOCA Text messaging is the primary form of communication for this service..
VOCA has partnered with Peninsula Covenant Church, to assist with logistics and outreach. While Most of us know someone who could do errands for us if we needed to stay home, this is not true for everyone. If you're able assist, please sign up to volunteer. For more information please go to: www.Covidassist.org
Nextdoor https://nextdoor.com/
Nextdoor has introduced two new features, Help Maps and Groups, to give people a way to better support one another during the coronavirus outbreak. The Help Map offers a way to coordinate aid between those in need, like the elderly and at-risk, and those willing to offer some form of assistance.The Help Maps works by the services you’re willing to provide. You will need to update your Nextdoor App to access these new features. The new “Help Map” option is located under the “More” menu. From here, you can choose to either view the map or click a button to offer help to your neighbors. Errands or dropping off supplies, for example. Members who add themselves to the map can then detail the errands they could run or the other sort of assistance they can provide — like offering a daily check-in phone call, delivering groceries or fetching prescriptions. Though most stores have begun offering special early morning hours for those at the most risk for COVID-19, limiting exposure by staying at home is the best option. The Help Map, therefore, isn’t just handy — it’s a potential life-saver.
Property Taxes:
As of right now property taxes in San Mateo County remain due on April 10th.
State and Federal Income Taxes:
Federal Income Taxes must be filed by April 15, 2020. However, the US Treasury Dept. has granted a 3 month extension for the payment of income taxes due. Federal Income Taxes are Payments are now due by July 15, 2020. As reported yesterday, Congresswoman Speier is working to extend the filing date by 3 months as well. Anyone who anticipates receiving an income tax refund this year, is strongly encouraged to file as soon as possible. Free tax filing software can be found: https://www.hrblock.com/online-tax-filing/free-online-tax-filing/ Information
The California Franchise Tax Board has extended both the filing date and payment due date for State Income Taxes. For more information on State Income taxes go to: https://www.ftb.ca.gov
Information on Federal Income Taxes can be found at: https://www.irs.gov
DMV Renewals
As of today, the DMV will no longer be allowing “Walk-In” customers. All customers must have an appointment to enter a DMV facility. The State of California has requested all local law enforcement agencies relax enforcement on expired vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals, for the next 60 days. For more information go to: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv
Unhoused Residents:
Yesterday, 20 hand washing stations were delivered in Redwood City to assist residents who are unhoused and/or living in vehicles. These hand washing stations will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our vulnerable communities. Governor Newsom has allocated a total of 150 million dollars to assist cities and counties in caring our unhoused residents during this pandemic.
That’s all for tonight. Until tomorrow, be kind, be considerate, and, if possible, be of service.
Chris Rasmussen
COVID-19: Additional Information & Resources Links
San Mateo County Website
Questions re: “Shelter in Place Orders”
https://www.smcgov.org/shelter-place-faqs
San Mateo County COVID-19 PUBLIC CALL CENTER:
Call 211 For non-emergency, non-medical questions open 24/7
San Mateo County Health Department
https://www.smchealth.org/coronavirus
State of California
Federal Government: Centers of Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
City of Redwood City
https://www.redwoodcity.org/residents/public-safety/coronavirus-covid-19
State of California DMV
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv
California Franchise Tax Board
Internal Revenue Service
BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit
San Mateo Daily Journal: FREE Online News
https://www.smdailyjournal.com
Financial Help & Resources
What is being to help you and your family during this pandemic?
State of California Unemployment & Disability Benefits
https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Small Business Administration
Cal-Cap Program for Small Business:
https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp
Verily-Life Sciences-Covid-19 Testing Pilot Project
Second Harvest Food Bank
Fair Oaks Community Center
https://www.smc-connect.org/locations/fair-oaks-community-center
Updated info re: adjusted hours & services can be found here:
https://www.redwoodcity.org/Home/Components/News/News/3351/874
RCEF COVID-19 Family Relief Fund
https://www.rcef.org/covid-19-relief
Sign-up to receive the latest updates from Congressional *Representatives
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo https://eshoo.house.gov
Congresswoman Jackie Speier www.speier.house.gov/home
*I strongly recommend signing up for both
Family Fun: Fun Ideas & things to do at home
Johanna Rasmussen’s Butterfly Gardening in the San Francisco Bay Area Blog: www.johannarasz.com Johanna’s blog includes photographs, information and lots of information and ideas to creating your own butterfly garden.
Open Culture: All Ages: FREE Cultural & Educational Media on the Web
Redwood City Library: Downloadable e-books magazines newspapers & more
https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/library
Mental Health & Stress Relieving Resources:
Calm Blog
San Mateo County Mental Health Services
https://www.smchealth.org/mentalhealth
Center for Disease Control: Dealing with Corona Virus Stress & Anxiety
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html