Oct. 13, 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 status reports every Tuesday and Thursday until further notice. Today’s report:
Modify Fall Traditions; Avoid Trick-or-Treating this Year Says CDPH
The California Department of Public Health released guidance for safer Halloween and Día de los Muertos celebrations during COVID-19 today for safer Halloween and Día de los Muertos celebrations during COVID-19.
Traditional trick-or-treating is one of several holiday activities that should be avoided this year according to the guidelines. "COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions to keep themselves and their communities safe," said Dr. Erica Pan, Acting State Public Health Officer.
Modifying annual traditions still allows for celebration but in different ways, such as. a candy scavenger hunt at home, online activities like pumpkin carving and costume contests, and car-based tours of Halloween displays.
Families wishing to remember deceased loved ones during Día de lost Muertos can place traditional indoor alters outside so others can view them from a safe distance and create virtual altars online.
See Halloween and Día de lost Muertos safety guidelines posted by San Mateo County Health, which include related San Mateo County Health Offer Orders at https://www.smchealth.org/health-officer-updates/halloween-safety-guidance
All celebrants are reminded to wear face coverings, maintain physical distance and only congregating with people in your household when outdoors.
Great Plates Program Continues through Nov. 7
Funding for Great Plates Delivered San Mateo County has been extended through Nov. 7, 2020. Currently, more than 2,500 participants are enrolled in the program.
The program provides three free meals a day to older adults in San Mateo County who are at heightened risk due to COVID-19 and are unable to obtain or prepare meals on their own while sheltering in place during the coronavirus outbreak.
Learn more about Great Plates Delivered at https://www.smchealth.org/post/great-plates-delivered-faqs
Assistance Available for Residents Eligible for Economic Impact Payment
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) can assist eligible tax-payers challenged with covering every day expenses during COVID-19 obtain the stimulus payment authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.
These payments do not impact CalWorks or CalFresh eligibility or benefits.
Payments are available at $1,200 per eligible adult, $2,400 per married couple, and $500 per eligible minor. Dial 2-1-1 to get connected with local tax prep resources.
For more information, go to https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/economic-impact-payment/public-resources-economic-impact-payments-eips.
COVID-19 Testing Capacity Expanded – More Locations & Dates
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/testing.
San Mateo County Event Center Testing
The San Mateo County Event Center Testing, which has the greatest testing capacity in San Mateo County at 1,000 tests per day, is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. To see testing availability and make an appointment, up to seven days in advance, visit Project Baseline.
Mobile Testing
Testing at sites served by a mobile operation is available Monday through Friday. See the schedule below for Oct. 14 – 16 and make an appointment at least seven days in advance at Project Baseline.
Daly City, Oct. 14 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Jefferson Union High School District Office
699 Serramonte Boulevard
East Palo Alto, Oct. 15 & 15 (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
2160 Euclid 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.
San Mateo County COVID-19 Case Count
San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 10,601 as of Oct. 12, 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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