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:
SMC Strong Awards $1 Million to Small Businesses
In just under three weeks since the San Mateo County Strong Fund (SMCSF) small business grant program was created with seed money by the Board of Supervisors, a major milestone was reached today with approximately 100 businesses allocated a total of $1 million to help them survive the impacts of COVID-19.
“It’s clear that the need is great for our small businesses. These grants are a start to help some of our small businesses – all which are vital to a vibrant community – get through financial hardship caused by this pandemic. Thank you to all our partners, including SAMCEDA and the San Mateo Credit Union to make these grants reality,” said Supervisor Warren Slocum, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
Read the entire announcement at https://bit.ly/3fvlXD6
Bay Area Health Orders Remain in Effect
In a joint news release, Bay Area Health Officers commended the tremendous sacrifices made by many to flatten the curve and protect community health and said they will carefully study the guidance outlined by Gov. Newsom today for non-essential businesses to reopen.
The regional Health Orders that took effect May 4 are still in effect. These orders – in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and the City of Berkeley – loosen restrictions on construction as well as outdoor activities and businesses. The Bay Area orders do not currently permit curbside pickup from non-essential, non-outdoor businesses, and that is not allowed to begin on Friday, May 8.
Health officers will continue working in collaboration with local elected officials, community and business leaders to find ways to reopen more businesses and activities safely, while sustaining the progress that has been made to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. In the current environment, if a county order differs from a state order, the more restrictive order takes precedence.
The entire news release can be read at https://bit.ly/2WeoqtO
Find frequently asked questions about the shelter-in-place order here: https://www.smcgov.org/shelter-place-faqs
San Mateo County COVID-19 Cases
San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 1,377 as of May 6, 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.