The emergence of the Omicron variant in late 2021 has stressed the local, state and national health care systems. This is a confusing time. We are providing information below to the best of our ability that is current as of today, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.
Redwood City — In response to the surge in the Omicron variant, the County of San Mateo is expanding opportunities for COVID-19 testing.
San Mateo County Health is offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at eight sites throughout the county during the month of January. Free and open to the public, these clinics will offer the Pfizer vaccine to children aged 5-11. Boosters and vaccines for other ages will not be available.
Amid sharp increases in new COVID-19 cases during this holiday season, County Health is urging residents to seek out testing and get vaccinated, especially those traveling or anticipating a return to in-person schooling.
Deputy County Manager Peggy Jensen, a skilled leader who is heading the County’s COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts, is nominated as the County of San Mateo’s second-in-command.
The County of San Mateo’s revenues increased by $224 million in Fiscal Year 2020-21, mostly due to one-time federal grants received to help address COVID-19, according to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) which is now available.
What we heard back: The joy of being able to hug loved ones. Feeling safer about kids returning to school. Worries over whether the pandemic will ever end. What we learned is that the past year has been one of hope, strength and struggle. We invite you on a journey that no one knows when will end. (View the story below on its own web page.)
Public health agencies across the Bay Area urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated and, if eligible, get a booster shot right away to protect against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.
The County of San Mateo will soon house hundreds of vulnerable residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness as early as next year thanks to $68 million in state Homekey funds.
The County of San Mateo’s Office of Emergency Services is now the Department of Emergency Management, or DEM. The promotion to a County department reflects the importance of emergency planning and preparedness as well as emergency response. County Manager Mike Callagy said the “frequency and complexity” of emergencies prompted the change.
Due to high demand for COVID-19 booster shots, appointments are now required for those 12 and older to receive a shot at the County-operated vaccine clinic operating at the Event Center.
San Mateo County Health will begin offering Pfizer boosters to eligible individuals on the following dates at the San Mateo County Event Center (1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo): ► Thursday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ► Friday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ► Tuesday, October 12, from noon to 7 p.m. ► Wednesday, October 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional booster clinics at the Event Center may be scheduled according to demand.