Updated Guidance for Schools

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated K-12 Schools Guidance to align with the latest science, as reflected by the recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state’s updated guidance strongly recommends distancing of at least three feet for students in classrooms. 

Vaccines

The vaccine appointment registry system is live for all eligible community members, which now includes:

• SLO County residents age 50 and older  
• People ages 16-64 deemed at high risk due to medical conditions
• Education and childcare providers           
• Public transit employees
• Janitorial service employees
• Court employees and advocates

There are 9,000 vaccine appointments open for the week of March 29. Eligible individuals can register online at Recoverslo.org/vaccines.

Beware of Vaccine Scams

County of San Luis Obispo health officials are hearing reports from of scams involving the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage residents to remember if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are using telemarketing calls, email, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19-related scams

Always be sure to check for the latest vaccine information on www.RecoverSLO.org/vaccine, which lists county-run vaccine sites, current eligibility requirements, as well as the pharmacy partners that are currently providing vaccine in our community.

If you believe you have been the victim of COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to:
• HHS-OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS or tips.hhs.gov
• FBI Hotline: 1-800-CALL-FBI or ic3.gov
• CMS/Medicare Hotline: 1-800-MEDICARE

SLO County Still in Red Tier

San Luis Obispo County remains in the Red Tier with an adjusted case rate of 7.0%, a positivity rate of 2.5%, and a health equity rate of 4.2%. In order to move into the less restrictive Orange Tier, we need a case rate between 1-3.9% (less than 4 new cases per 100,000 residents) and positivity and health equity rates between 2-4.9%. More details

Small Business Grants 

Round 5 of Small Business Relief Grants goes live tomorrow. Details: 

• Applications open Thursday, March 25th through Wednesday, March 31st
• Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and nonprofits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, or 3 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria.
• Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000
• Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, & 3 do not need to reapply as they will be automatically moved into Round 5. New applicants will need to apply at careliefgrant.com

American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan for COVID-19 relief has created new avenues for aid for individuals, families and businesses, including:

• Federal stimulus checks 
  
• Restaurant Revitalization Fund 
• Shuttered Venue Operator grants 

COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act 

Local tenants and landlords can now apply for rental assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program. The program clears some accumulated rental debt, keeps the hardest-hit families in their homes, and is designed to lead to an equitable economic recovery. 

• Landlords can get 80% of unpaid rent if they forgive the other 20%
• Tenants can get 25% of unpaid rent
• Applies to April 2020-March 2021
• Paying 25% can help prevent eviction
• Eviction protections through June 30, 2021
• Foreclosure protections through Sept 21, 2021

Funeral Assistance

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized yesterday, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide. More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

COVID-19 Testing

SLO County has a greater chance of moving into the Orange tier if we continue to test at a high level. If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, please get tested immediately. 
 

Ayuda en Español

Si tiene preguntas sobre COVID-19, salud, asistencia financiera o vacunas, use los recursos que se enumeran a continuación.

• Línea Telefónica en Español/Mixteco: 805.363.0888
• Centro de Asistencia Telefónica COVID-19: 805-781-4280 o 805.543.2444. Domingo a sábado de 15:00 a 20:00
• Información de Médica: cfsslo.org
• Chatea con Especialistas de COVID-19: www.dignityhealth.org
• Asistencia Familiar: capslo.org
• Más

"Keep It Local" Gift Card Program

The City of Paso Robles has a program to encourage Paso residents to support their local businesses. See the participating businesses here. Businesses can apply for the program here.

Propane Assistance Program

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

Eviction Protection

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.

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.

COVID-19 Updates

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. Some of the restrictions and guidelines change frequently, it's important to stay up to date Details

Sign up for our COVID-19 email updates here.

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