June 19, 2020
  • Redwood City – The County of San Mateo continues to work to protect public health and safety in response to the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

    The County of San Mateo’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains open to coordinate countywide response and communications in response to the situation. The EOC’s Joint Information Center will provide daily status reports Monday through Friday until further notice. Today’s report:

    Unemployment Soars in San Mateo County; Help Those Hit by COVID-19

    More than 47,000 people – a number greater than the entire population of San Bruno –  were out of work last month in San Mateo County, according to employment data released today by the California Economic Development Department.

    The total translates to a May unemployment rate of 11.1 percent – more than five times the record-low 2.1 percent unemployment rate in February 2020.

    “These numbers tell the story of the economic impacts suffered by businesses and thousands of families who have been out of work due to COVID-19,” said Rosanne Foust, president and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA).

    In response to record job losses, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in partnership with SAMCEDA and other agencies, has established the San Mateo County Strong Fund to provide emergency grants to help local small businesses continue to pay employees and other costs during the pandemic. 

    To learn more, visit www.smcstrong.org.  To contribute to the small business grant program, visit https://www.smcucommunityfund.org/donate

    Summer Meal Program Ensures Children Don’t Go Hungry

    For many families replacing the meals their children receive in school becomes a significant challenge during the summer. The challenge has been compounded this year by the COVID-19 pandemic as food insecurity has grown for many.  

    This summer, food assistance is available for all San Mateo County children 18 and under at many locations throughout the county.  The summer meals are provided by school districts and other community organizations and registration is not required.  Meals are served “grab and go” style to ensure social distancing. 

    To find a location near you and the hours of service, text 876-876 or visit https://www.shfb.org/summermeals/

    See other food assistance services available in the county at https://www.smcgov.org/food

    San Mateo County COVID-19 Cases

    San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 2,721 as of June 18, 2020.  

    County Health provides detailed information on cases by age group and date and deaths by age group. Learn more at https://www.smchealth.org/coronavirus

    Call Center

    Residents with non-medical, non-emergency questions about the coronavirus can call 211 at any time, day or night. Callers from landlines and cellular telephones located within San Mateo County are connected with a trained service professional from 211, a confidential service available in 180 languages.

    # # #