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 status reports every Tuesday and Thursday until further notice. Today’s report:
San Mateo County Advances to State’s Orange Tier
The state of California today announced the easing of certain restrictions on businesses, indoor and outdoor gatherings and other activities in San Mateo County. The changes take effect at 12:01 on Wednesday morning.
The county moves into the less-restrictive orange Tier 3 in the state’s four-tier, color-coded plan for reducing COVID-19 with criteria for loosening and tightening restrictions on activities.
“This is a total team effort, and by team I mean everyone who lives and works and loves San Mateo County,” said County Manager Mike Callagy. “Every time you wear your face covering, wash your hands, practice social distancing and take other common-sense precautions, you contribute to the team effort to reopening our economy and returning our lives to as normal as possible.”
See what restrictions have been eased, what requirements continue, and more at https://bit.ly/31MU9oD
Most San Mateo County Park Playgrounds Reopen
San Mateo County Parks reopened 9 of its 10 playgrounds Saturday, Oct. 24, including Magic Mountain at Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo and the new Moss Beach playground. The play structure at Flood County Park in Menlo Park is scheduled to open early November.
“We were excited to reopen our playgrounds because we understand how important access to outdoor recreation is especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said San Mateo County Parks Director Nicholas Calderon. Before kids could climb, swing or slide, each playground was examined by the department’s certified playground inspectors which is standard procedure following an extended closure.
In keeping with California Department of Public Health Guidelines, signs at playground entrances state the maximum occupancy of adults and children allowed and play areas are marked to show 6-feet distancing, including play structures. Adults are required to accompany children at all times and face coverings must be worn by children 2 and above.
See a list of San Mateo County Park playgrounds and guidelines at https://bit.ly/3muF7Mf
Deadline for Small Residential Property Owner Grant Applications Nov. 6
Small residential rental property owners who live and rent in San Mateo County and lost rental income due to COVID-19 have until Nov. 6 to apply for grant funding through SMC Strong Fund’s Small Property Owner Assistance Program.
Applications are now being accepted at https://www.smcstrong.org/smallpropertyownergrant
Property owners can review the information at https://www.smcstrong.org/copy-of-frequently-asked-questions to understand the application process, which properties may qualify for grant funds, and what documents must be submitted when applying. Qualifying property owners may receive grant funding for up to $6,000 per eligible unit.
COVID-19 Testing Available for Adults and Children
It’s a smart to consider if you, family members and friends should be tested for COVID-19. Whether you’re concerned because of your job or your living situation, or you’re afraid you’ve been exposed, or if you’re just worried about COVID-19, testing is a wise choice and is available in San Mateo County.
Testing for Children
The County and its testing partner Curative Inc. are offering no-cost, self-administered oral swab COVID-19 testing for children age 5 and older at the San Mateo County Event Center.
Testing is open by appointment to all families that live in San Mateo County with children ages 5 and older. Appointments for the drive-through testing are available weekdays from 1 to 8 p.m. and can be made here.
Adult Testing
Testing for COVID-19 is available to everyone 18 and older who lives or works in San Mateo County regardless of symptoms or increased risk of exposure. The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, easy and at no-cost to you regardless of which testing site you choose.
Information on testing options, including at the San Mateo Event Center and at neighborhood mobile sites in San Mateo County, can be found at https://www.smcgov.org/covid-19-testing.
Mobile Testing
Testing at sites served by a mobile operation is available Monday through Friday. See the schedule below for Oct. 28 - 30 and make an appointment at least seven days in advance at Project Baseline.
San Bruno, Oct. 28, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
975 Sneath Lane
North Fair Oaks, Oct. 29 & 30, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Stanford Parking Lot
2685 Bay Road
Remember: If you don't have access to the internet, an on-site volunteer may be able to help you register and get tested.
San Mateo County COVID-19 Case Count
San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 11,198 as of Oct. 26, 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 or 800-273-6222 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.