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 4:10 p.m. on Feb. 22, 5,629 people in San Benito County have tested positive for the coronavirus since the first confirmed case in February 2020. Seventy-five are active patients, 5,492 have recovered and 57 have died, with the latest deaths reported Feb. 9. The county’s current positivity rate is 7.3%. For the most updated information, visit the San Benito County COVID-19 Dashboard.
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital currently has no ICU beds available. Monterey County hospitals have a combined number of 19 ICU beds open and Santa Clara County hospitals have 69 with six beds in St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy. For more information visit COVID-19 Hospitals Dashboard.
Vaccine allocation for the week beginning Feb. 22. Also of note, per the county, last week’s vaccines which were delayed due weather are anticipated to be in route this week to vaccine providers in San Benito County.
Health
San Benito County Interim Public Health Officers Dr. David Ghilarducci and Dr. George Gellart address the community’s COVID-19 questions every alternate Friday. Next scheduled event March 5.
Visit www.sbccovid19.us for more information.
Vaccinations
Residents of San Benito County identified in Phase 1B Tier 1 and 2 of the state’s vaccination plan can complete an interest form at the SBC Vaccination Interest Portal, which will provide Public Health Services the ability to notify those interested about where they may obtain a vaccination as the phase and tiers progress.
It is not a vaccination appointment system; it is a tool to eventually schedule a vaccination appointment.
The Vaccination Interest Portal can be found here: https://hhsa.cosb.us/covid-19-vaccine-info/
Current County vaccine distribution:
- Individuals 65 and older
- Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors:
- Education and childcare
- Emergency services
- Food and agriculture
Californians can also sign up for vaccination through the state. Check eligibility and make appointment here.
Businesses
In a news conference on Feb. 22, President Joe Biden announced changes to the Paycheck Protection Program. According to the Associated Press, the changes will target more aid to the nation’s smallest businesses and ventures owned by women and people of color. See more here.
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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