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:
Recommendations for Safe Holidays — Livestream Event, Nov. 18
County Health is presenting a Facebook Live event tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11:30 a.m. on holiday and travel safety recommendations, testing and other COVID-19 topics. Representatives from County Health, Parks and the Office of Community Affairs will share information and local resources.
Join the livestream discussion on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at @SMCHealth and also on Facebook at @CountyofSanMateo and @SanMateoCountyParks.
See current guidance for safe gatherings from Bay Area health officials at https://www.smcgov.org/press-release/health-officials-ten-bay-area-counties-issue-recommendations-safer-holidays-and-travel
Health Chief’ Report: More Cases Could Bring More Restrictions
County Health Chief Louise Rogers today at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting spoke of the county’s return to the red tier in the state’s framework and the restricting of certain business activities see more here.
With rising case numbers, the state could impose further restrictions, moving the county to the purple tier this week or next.
“We are in the 20th mile of the marathon,” she said. “This is the hardest stretch.” But there is good news. Two promising vaccines are poised to be made available nationally, and San Mateo County Health is working with state and federal partners on plans to store, manage, and distribute vaccines in the county.
Rogers’ report comes a day after California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state was “pulling the emergency brake” by reinstating restrictions on activities due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in dozens of counties, including San Mateo County.
Rogers reminds community members that social distancing, wearing face coverings and testing are important steps in slowing the spread.
The County offers a no-cost COVID-19 test to anyone ages 5 and older who lives or works in the county. Health care providers also provide COVID-19 testing, which is considered key to reopening the economy and schools.
The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, easy and at no-cost to you regardless of where you receive it (insurance may be billed when available). Learn about options at https://www.smcgov.org/testing
In other COVID-related action items, the Board:
· Adopted an emergency regulation of the County of San Mateo to establish a temporary cap on commissions and fees charged by third-party food delivery services on local restaurants during the time period in which the proclamation of local emergency related to COVID-19 remains in effect.
· Adopted a resolution authorizing the contribution of $500,000 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funds, or other funds, to a program administered by the Institute on Aging San Francisco for the provision of rent assistance grants to residents of Residential Care Facilities for Elderly in San Mateo County who are unable to pay back rent or current or future rent due through December 30, 2020 in order to prevent eviction and resulting homelessness and minimize the risk of infection and death due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing for Adults and Children Throughout county
Testing for COIVD-19 is one way to slow the spread, receive early care, and protect loved ones. The test is safe, easy, and available at various locations in San Mateo County at no-cost to you regardless of which testing site you choose.
Adults age 18 and over can schedule a test Tuesdays through Saturdays at the San Mateo County Event Center or at a rotating series of neighborhood locations listed below.
Testing is now available for children ages 5 to 17. Learn more and register here
Adult Testing at Neighborhood Locations
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 Nov. 18 - 20 and make an appointment at least seven days in advance at Project Baseline.
Half Moon Bay, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nov. 18
Our Lady of the Pillar
565 Kelly Avenue
North Fair Oaks, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nov. 19 & 20
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.
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/testing.
San Mateo County COVID-19 Case Count
San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 12,684 as of Nov. 16, 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.
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