As a public service, the BenitoLink team provides a frequent roundup of recent COVID-19 related data, resources and articles about San Benito County.
As of 4:30 p.m. on August 10, 765 people in San Benito County have tested positive for the coronavirus since February, with 9,421 tested in total. Eighty-two are active patients, 679 have recovered and four have died. For the most updated information, visit the San Benito County COVID-19 Dashboard.
Health
-On Aug. 10, Gov. Governor Newsom said a coalition of private and philanthropic organizations have made commitments totaling $81.8 million to support isolation and quarantine efforts in communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
See more here.
-Last week it was revealed that there was a statewide data system error that led to the underreporting of COVID-19 test results. The problem was estimated to have caused hundreds of thousands of health records in the state to go unprocessed, therefore impacting the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange, also known as CalREDIE. State officials report that the software problem has been corrected and all backlogged cases should be entered by the end of this week.
“While we are not sure the effect this will have on San Benito County as total number of reported cases are still unknown, it’s clear that on a larger scale, somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000 health records, which included tests for the novel coronavirus, went backlogged because of the technological problem,” said San Benito County Interim Health Officer David Ghilarducci.
Schools
The San Benito High School District will be distributing student schedules, textbooks and Chromebooks on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and Wednesday, Aug. 12, via a drive-thru format. Each grade level will have a designated location on campus for distribution.
Students can pick-up their instructional materials on either day, during the time slot designated for them, according to their last name. Be prepared to provide the students full name and identification number, in an effort to minimize wait time.
9th Graders—Class of 2024
Baler Alley Parking Lot
Enter from Monterey Street
10th Graders—Class of 2023
River Parkway Parking Lot
Enter on River Parkway, between Ag Barn and Multi-Purpose Field
11th Graders—Class of 2022
Football Stadium Parking Lot
Enter at the far end closest to the Aquatic Center
12th Graders—Class of 2021
Tennis Court Parking Lot
Enter at the stop sign on Nash Road.
A-B 3-3:30 p.m.
C-E 3:30-4 p.m.
F-K 4-4:30 p.m.
L-O 4:30-5 p.m.
P-R 5-5:30 p.m.
S-Z 5:30-6 p.m.
To maximize safety and precaution, the school asks students and their parents to remain in their vehicles and keep face coverings on.
Government
On Aug. 8, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders for coronavirus economic relief. The orders defer payroll taxes through the end of the year for Americans earning less than $100,000 a year. They also defer student loan payments through the end of the year; continue eviction moratoriums; and extend enhanced unemployment at a reduced level of $400 instead of $600 that has been given up to July 31.
Resources
The State has several hotlines for residents to call for suicide prevention, abuse, and mental health:
24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or text 838255
24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or click Chat Now
Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards in almost every workplace in California.
Visit Cal/OSHA for information about workplace safety and health.
File a confidential workplace safety complaint.
File a whistleblower complaint if you suffer retaliation for reporting a workplace safety hazard
Obtain free consultation services from Cal/OSHA.
Contact Cal/OSHA at 844-522-6734.
State and federal elected officials’ COVID-19 web pages.
State of California: https://covid19.ca.gov/ https://covid19.ca.gov/es/
San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency/Coronavirus
Food Distribution Community Food Bank www.communityfoodbankofsbc.org
Drive-thru service at the marketplace Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1133 San Felipe Rd. in Hollister. Sign-ups for supplemental food are done by phone 831-637-0340
Food Distribution Salvation Army hollister.salvationarmy.org Drive-thru service Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. 910 Buena Vista Rd. Hollister Sign-ups not required To schedule delivery call 310-753-6520.
Public Assistance CalFresh/Medi-Cal/Cash Aid/GA hhsa.cosb.us apply online at www.c4yourself.com 831-636-4180.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Employment Development Department apply online at www.edd.ca.gov/ui_online 831-638-3306.
Senior Services Delivery of essential items and food City of Hollister and Jovenes de Antano recreation@hollister.ca.gov 831-636-4390.
Disability/Paid Family Leave Employment Development Department apply online at www.edd.ca.gov/sdi_online 831-638-3306.
United Way of San Benito County 2-1-1 Text your Zip Code to 831-898-211 or call 211 Text COVID2019 to 211211
Tips for avoiding COVID-19
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Keep a minimum of a six feet physical distance from others.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Stay at home. Only leave to take care of essential errands.
- Cover your cough and sneeze.
- Cover your face (mouth and nose) with protective covering when in public
- Disinfect frequently touched objects.
- If you think you might be infected call your health care professional and follow their directions.
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