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 4:04 p.m. on August 13, 792 people in San Benito County have tested positive for the coronavirus since February, with 9,975 tested in total. Sixty-one are active patients, 727 have recovered and four have died. For the most updated information, visit the San Benito County COVID-19 Dashboard.


Recent Articles
County offering COVID-19 Service Provider Recovery Assistance Grant program—Deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 17.
Excessive heat warning extended to Aug. 19—Daily afternoon highs are expected to be in the upper 90s to mid 100s in inland areas.
Gavilan College President to hold virtual Coffee and Conversations—In previous years, meetings were held at local cafes in each city in the district, but have now moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health
-San Benito Health Foundation and partners will host another second “Feeding the Frontline” food relief drive at 351 Felice Drive in Hollister on Aug. 15 from 4-6 p.m.
Business
-Aug. 15 is the last day of the Downtown Hollister Farmers’ Market.
-The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a webinar on COVID-19 updates for California and San Benito County on Aug. 14 from 3-4 p.m. SBC Health and Human Services Director Tracey Belton is the featured speaker, in addition to panelists Jared McDonald, owner/broker of Ram Property Management, and Julio Gil, owner/operator/creative of CC Sign & Design.
The webinar will discuss impacts on families, schools, teachers, students, businesses, nonprofits, employers and employees.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6673639133?pwd=WjU3dVE3RGlYRndOZXdiMzRWWWhlQT09
Meeting ID: 667 363 9133
-The Chamber will also host a webinar titled “HR in the Era of COVID-19” on Aug. 14 from 10-11 a.m.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/156536779413095694
Other
The second drive-thru Fair Food Fest at Bolado Park takes place this weekend:
- Friday 8/14 5-10 p.m.
- Saturday 8/15 12-8 p.m.
- Sunday 8/16 12-6 p.m.
New food includes hand-dipped corn dogs and cotton candy. Still selling funnel cakes and lemonade.
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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