December 10, 2020
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    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:

    Health Advisory Stresses Community Interventions to Limit Surge of COVID-19

    San Mateo County Health issued a new health advisory Dec. 9 with recommendations for community interventions that can limit the surge of COVID-19.  Acknowledging that pandemic fatigue can affect adherence to additional governmental restrictions, health officials emphasize three recommendations:

    • Always mask in public, particularly when talking.
    • Insulate your household and any small, stable “social support bubble” from the virus.
    • Mask, isolate, quarantine and test. immediately for any symptoms, or after an exposure.

    “The majority of transmissions occurs from people with no symptoms of COVID-19 and airborne droplets are the primary way the disease spreads,” said Curtis Chan, MD, the county’s deputy health officer “This is why we’re emphasizing always wear face coverings even if you have no symptoms and particularly when you’re talking.”

    Because transmission also occurs because of social gatherings and within households, particularly from asymptomatic individuals, County health officials encourage the use of “social support bubbles” that provide essential physical, emotional, and social support.  Social support bubbles should be small (1-2 households) and stable with the same members across periods of weeks.

    To minimize household transmission, County Health recommends immediate actions when symptoms develop, including masks for all in household, isolate those with symptoms, quarantine household members and seek testing immediately

    The advisory, which was sent to health care practitioners in the County and reinforces recommendations and actions for the public, may be found here.

    Unsure What’s Open, What’s Closed -- Check out These FAQs

    We all want to do the right thing to keep each other safe especially as the holidays near.

    If you’re a little confused about what is allowed given that San Mateo County is in the purple Tier 1 on the state’s four-tier, color-coded system or if a curfew is in place, read our new FAQ for information on these topics and many more.

    You can also get clarity on what is considered essential and non-essential travel, learn how and when the state’s regional stay at home (SAH) order may be implemented and if pre-emptive SAH orders in neighboring counties impact you.

    The FAQ provides just enough background to inform without overwhelming. For those who just want to get to the basics, we’ve included a succinct “bottom line” wrap-up for each topic.

    COVID-19 Testing Available in County for Adults and Children

    Safe, easy and no-cost testing is widely available at County-sponsored locations for everyone who works or lives in San Mateo County — regardless of symptoms.

    To get a COVID-19 test, San Mateo County residents should first contact their health care provider.

    If you cannot get a timely test through your health care provider, select from the testing options listed at https://www.smcgov.org/testing for a no-cost (free) COVID-19 test at a County-sponsored location.

    Testing for Children and Adults

    Testing for children ages 5 to 17 as well as adults is available at the San Mateo County Event Center and at the Jefferson Union High School District office in Daly City. Testing is available at no cost to you, but insurance may be billed. Learn more about testing dates and the process here and register for an appointment.

    Testing for Adults

    Appointments are available Tuesdays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the San Mateo County Event Center. Make an appointment

    Testing for COVID-19 is also available at mobile operations that rotate among five communities Monday through Friday for everyone 18 and older who lives or works in San Mateo County

    See the schedule below for mobile operation locations, Dec. 11 – Dec. 16, and make an appointment at least seven days in advance.

    South San Francisco, Dec. 9, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    398 B Street

    East Palo Alto, Dec. 11, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    2160 Euclid Avenue

    San Bruno, Dec. 14 & 15, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    975 Sneath Lane

    Half Moon Bay, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    Our Lady of the Pillar

    565 Kelly Avenue

    Remember: If you don't have access to the internet, an on-site volunteer may be able to help you register and get tested. The County STRONGLY recommends advance registration as you cannot be guaranteed a test otherwise.

    San Mateo County COVID-19 Case Count

    San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 16,884 as of Dec 9, 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.