Corona Virus COVID-19

Information

Santa Clara County Public Health Department COVID-19 Information Page
Face Coverings: Santa Clara County recommends residents use cloth face coverings to cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential activities, such as grocery shopping, doctor appointments, and going to the bank. Cloth face coverings are generally fashioned from multiple layers of breathable fabric, that allows for breathing without restriction. Examples include a t-shirt, scarf, or bandana. Medical masks, such as N95 and surgical masks, are still strongly discouraged for general use due to the severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the healthcare personnel. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for more information.
Guidance for Essential Retail and Grocery Stores: The County of Santa Clara has released further guidance for essential businesses and their workers on measures to protect themselves and others from exposure when they are performing and traveling to and from their job duties. In addition, the County Department of Environmental Health prepared a handout with specific risk mitigation measures for permitted food facilities.

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
Applications for SBA Loans for Self-Employed: The Payroll Protection Program (PPP), part of the CARES Act Federal stimulus package, is now open to independent contractors and the self-employed. Starting April 10, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. The US Treasury Department has created a PPP Fact Sheet that contains more information. Local Businessownerspace.com (BOS) partners SBDC, AnewAmerica, MBDA, and SCORE can offer advice and may be able to help prepare loan paperwork.

Silicon Valley Strong: is matching volunteers with participating organizations that need their skills and resources. People who wish to volunteer for any of the participating organizations should go to the Silicon Valley Strong web site at http://SiliconValleyStrong.org. They will be matched with organizations that need their skills and resources.

Join California Volunteers, Californians for All to be matched up with a volunteer opportunity near you if the need exists.

Hand-Sewn Masks: Donations and reusable, hand-sewn masks are being accepted by the Valley Medical Center Foundation (supporting the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center). These masks will be used by non-patient care staff as added protection as we face the COVID-19 crisis.

Donate Blood: The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.

Second Harvest Food Bank: SHFB has requested volunteers to help them package meals for delivery to people who are isolated. Many of their regular volunteers cannot help due to COVID-19 precautions, and they’re reaching out to ask for help.

Deliver Meals: Vulnerable seniors are at greatest risk amid COVID-19. Let’s help keep them safe and cared for. Contact your local Meals on Wheels organization, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Team Rubicon: is asking members to volunteer for remote support during the response to COVID-19. They are looking for background checked members with a strong internet connection, a phone and computer to staff call centers for hospitals and disaster information programs, such as 211 to increase surge capacity. Team Rubicon was started for veterans but is open to everyone who wants to help.

Support Nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable communities – like seniors and low-income families – need your help. Find a fund to donate to nonprofits in your community on the Philanthropy California COVID-19 Response Page: https://www.philanthropyca.org/covid-19-response.
Financial and Legal Assistance for Workers: The Santa Clara County Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) and the Fair Workplace Collaborative launched Santa Clara County CAN (COVID-19 Assistance Navigation) to assist workers impacted by COVID-19. People who have questions about safety net benefits, EDD eligibility and application, or other coronavirus-related resources can call the multilingual hotline at 408-809-2124. In addition, the OLSE Attorney Staffed Advice Line at 1-866-870-7725 is available to workers seeking legal guidance for a potential violation of their rights in the workplace. This line is also available to businesses seeking compliance information. For more information go to www.SantaClaraCountyCAN.org or www.SCCFairWorkplace.org

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is seeking the public’s help in finding businesses that are operating in violation of the shelter-in-place order. Reports of businesses operating in violation of the order can be directed to pubhealthreferral@dao.sccgov.org. A voicemail can be left by calling 408.792.2300 in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Wellness Checks - Check on older neighbors with a call, text, or talk through the door. Stay at least six feet away from others.