State Extends Stay at Home Order

The State extended its Regional Stay at Home Order for the Southern California Region, which includes San Luis Obispo County, on Tuesday. 

SLO County’s COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed in December, resulting in more deaths and hospitalizations. However, SLO County’s ICU capacity rate remains higher than the rest of the Southern California Region and local officials have petitioned the State to create a new Central Coast Region with Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

The order was extended in San Luis Obispo County because the Southern California Region’s ICU capacity projected out four weeks (from day 22 after the Regional Stay Home Order started in the region) is less than 15%. The order will remain in effect in SLO County until the region’s projected ICU capacity is equal or greater than 15%. State officials say this will be assessed approximately twice a week. Details

Federal Coronavirus Aid Bill

The $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief and government funding bill was signed on Sunday, directing $600 stimulus payments to single people making $75,000 and less, or $1,200 to married couples making $150,000 or less. Partial payments will go to single people who make up to $87,000 and couples who earn up to $174,000. Heads of household are eligible for the full $600 payment up to an income of $112,500. Families will also see an additional $600 stimulus payment for most dependent children under age 17. We don't yet know if the Senate will approve increasing the stimulus to $2,000 per person. More details

Safe New Year's Ideas

SLO County’s COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed in December. Staying home and celebrating with the people you live with or celebrating virtually with loved ones is the safest choice this year. Do not attend large gatherings this year. If you do host or attend a small gathering, everyone can take steps to make celebrating the New Year safer.

If you host a celebration

• Discuss expectations with guests.
• Limit the number of guests.
• Keep celebrations outdoors, if possible.
• If indoors, open windows and doors. Use a window fan to blow air out, which will pull fresh air in through the open windows.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
• Have guests bring their own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Have extra unused masks available for your guests and encourage everyone to wear them inside and outside.
• Keep background music volume low so guests don’t need to shout.
• Fun NYE ideas

Small Business Relief Grants

The State of California has announced a $500 million package of assistance, including grants of up to $25,000 to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Important Dates:
Application Opens December 30, 2020 at 8:00 AM
Application Closes January 8, 2021 at 11:59 PM
Start of Approval Notifications January 13, 2021

Visit careliefgrant.com for more information and to begin preparing your documents.

Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans

As part of an end-of-year pandemic relief package, Congress has passed several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and created a “Second Draw” PPP for small businesses who have exhausted their initial loan. Other changes impact eligibility for initial PPP loans, the loan forgiveness process, and the tax treatment of PPP loans.  Read the guide

Childcare Supply Drive

The Economic Vitality Corporation of San Luis Obispo County, in collaboration with First 5 SLO County, Child Care Planning Council SLO County, and the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, is establishing a COVID-19 relief supply drive that will run through January 27, 2021. This supply drive will benefit more than 290 local child care programs, licensed to serve over 6000 children, that are experiencing devastating losses and mounting costs due to the pandemic. See how you can help

Food Resources

North County food and pantry services, free meal sites for kids and resources for homebound seniors.

• PRJUSD
• Countywide
• Food Bank Calendar
• Loaves & Fishes
• Meals for Homebound Seniors

Unemployment Insurance

In December 2020, the federal government passed legislation providing an additional 11 weeks of benefits. This is in addition to the additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits that was part of the CARES Act. The legislation also includes a $300 per week supplement to unemployment benefits.

Apply for benefits through the Employment Development Department.

Eviction Protection

Rent is still due and evictions can still occur. You may benefit from additional city or county protections against eviction depending on where you live. Visit Housing is Key for more information.

Mortgage Assistance

Utility Assistance

Many utility providers are not shutting off services due to non-payment. Check with the California Public Utilities Commission for more information.

The Water Board restricts the shut off of water during the COVID crisis. Report any water shutoff or reconnect issue at COVID-19 Water Shut-Off Complaint Report.

COVID-19 Updates

Because of the dynamic nature of the changes being announced as California, SLO County and Paso Robles are working together to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and hasten the reopening of businesses.  We have created a website that provides links to business and resident resources, County Public Health updates, volunteer opportunities, and more. Details

Sign up for our COVID-19 email updates here.

Connect with Us on Social Media