In the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis, California is doing what it so often does best – we are examining the possibilities, determining solutions, and taking to heart the needs of all Californians. As we continue to develop a path forward in managing and mitigating the impact of this moment, we will continue to assess risks and accommodate and safeguard the people of this state.
My office is working closely with the Governor and his administration, San Diego County, and local officials to ensure critical resources and support are available. I have compiled many of those resources below so everything you need is in one central location. We will be updating this page as the situation develops.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone at (619) 645-3133, on social media (Twitter [1], Facebook [2], Instagram [3]), or by sending us a message online [4].
San Diego Area Resources
General Information
Senior Assistance
Resources for Families
Domestic and Family Violence
Small Business Assistance
Statewide Resources
*COVID-19 Travel Guidance (NEW)
The California Department of Public Health [20] recommends delaying travel until travelers are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to test for COVID-19 or quarantine before or after their trip unless they have symptoms linked to the virus. If you choose to travel unvaccinated, get tested before and after, and follow the CDC's guidelines for unvaccinated travelers, which can be found here [21]. These guidelines are in line with CDC recommendations [22]. All travelers are advised to wear a mask when indoors on public transportation or in a transportation hub, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, read the CDPH's Travel Guidelines [23].
*CA COVID-I9 Rent Relief Program (NEW)
The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program [24] is available to help renters and small landlords who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID, and have past due rent or utilities. If you meet those criteria, you may be eligible to receive assistance to pay past due rent or future rent and utilities. The program also helps eligible landlords get reimbursed for unpaid rents.
To see if you or your tenant is eligible, you can call (833) 430-2122. You can also check eligibility, learn more about the program, and apply by visiting housing.ca.gov [24].
COVID Vaccine Information
Information on California's distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, and information on county-level vaccine distribution, can be found on the covid19.ca.gov website here [25]. The California Department of Public Health is staffing a phone hotline and email account to answer the public’s questions about COVID 19 and vaccines. You can contact them here:
*Internet and Phone Access (NEW)
If you’re struggling to pay your phone or internet bill due to COVID-19, there are resources available to help:
The CA Notify App
The CA Notify App is a new voluntary, free, and secure mobile exposure notification app developed by UC San Diego Health, CDPH, and the CA Department of Technology. It alerts people who may have been be exposed to the virus, giving them the chance to get tested and avoid potentially exposing others. Learn how to add it to your phone for free by visiting canotify.ca.gov [29].
California COVID-19 Website
Mental Health and Emotional Support
Small Businesses Resources
Information for Workers
DMV
Federal Resources
CARES Act
What if I think I have COVID-19?
If you think you may have COVID-19, because you’re experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), have recently been in contact with someone who has it, stay home and contact a medical provider or a local public health department for advice on what to do next. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. The state's website offers an easy-to-use testing site locator [48]. Testing is free, even if you’re uninsured and regardless of immigration status. Personal information will not be shared.
Who is an “essential worker”?
Essential workers provide a service that protects the community and ensures continuity of functions necessary to public health and safety, and economic and national security. Essential workers include, but are not limited to, health care providers, law enforcement professionals, and grocery store workers. Click here [49] for a detailed list of what is considered an essential job.
What is “contact tracing”?
California Connected is our state’s contact tracing program. Contact tracing is the process by which health workers speak with individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus to determine who they might have exposed. Keeping this information entirely confidential, the health workers will then notify you if you have been in contact with an infected person and encourage you to get tested. Public health departments have used contact tracing for decades to fight infectious diseases.
Contact tracing is an essential tool in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and an anonymous way to do your part. All you have to do is answer the phone. The more people answer the call, the more lives and jobs California saves. Your information is always kept confidential. Be wary of potential scammers taking advantage of the moment. Contact tracers will never ask for financial information or your social security number.
What extensions is the DMV granting?
As you can see in the chart, many services can be handled from home through the DMV’s Online Services Portal [40]. And, of course, if you still have any questions, you can call my office at (619) 645-3133. We’re always here to help you.
Is help available for renters who can’t make rent or landlords who have past due rents?
Yes! The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is available to help renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and small landlords who have lost income because of unpaid rent. To see if you’re eligible and apply, visit HousingIsKey.com [50] or call (833) 430-2122.
Links
[1] http://twitter.com/sentoniatkins
[2] http://facebook.com/sdtoni
[3] http://instagram.com/senatortoniatkins
[4] https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/contact
[5] http://coronavirus-sd.com/
[6] https://211sandiego.org/resources/health-wellness/covid-19-resources/#food
[7] https://www.sandiegohungercoalition.org/resources
[8] https://www.sdge.com/residential/pay-bill/get-payment-bill-assistance
[9] https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV/testing.html
[10] https://www.livewellsd.org/content/livewell/home/live-well-every-day/LiveWellatHome.html
[11] https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais/community-resources-for-older-adults-during-covid-190.html
[12] http://aging.sandiegocounty.gov/
[13] https://my211.force.com/s/search#keyword=Grocery%20Stores&sortby=relevancy
[14] https://sites.google.com/sandi.net/covid19/resources/food-services
[15] https://my211.force.com/s/search#keyword=Child%20Care%20Provider%20Referrals&sortby=relevancy&targetpop=a1p3h000000L45nAAC
[16] https://www.preventdv1.org/resources
[17] https://www.sandiego.gov/sandiegofamilyjusticecenter/services
[18] mailto:InfoSDFJC@sandiego.gov
[19] https://www.sdivsbdc.org/
[20] https://covid19.ca.gov/travel/
[21] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html#unvaccinated-people
[22] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
[23] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/CA-is-Open-Travel-Guidelines.pdf
[24] https://housing.ca.gov/
[25] http://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/
[26] https://covid19.ca.gov/emergency-broadband/
[27] https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/availableinternetplans.asp
[28] https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/lifeline/california-lifeline-eligibility
[29] http://canotify.ca.gov
[30] https://covid19.ca.gov/
[31] https://arcgis.com/apps/Nearby/index.html?appid=43118dc0d5d348d8ab20a81967a15401
[32] https://www.thehotline.org/
[33] https://covid19.ca.gov/resources-for-emotional-support-and-well-being/#top
[34] https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tYNAyRgzUfsAlLl7RJC0Ez_ClyyLXSsNWfB-1UPetQY/htmlview?usp=sharing
[35] https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/
[36] https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/workers.htm
[37] https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm
[38] https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/
[39] https://onwardca.org/
[40] https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-online/
[41] https://bit.ly/2xFISud
[42] https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program
[43] https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance
[44] https://www.sba.gov/page/covid-19-guidance-resources
[45] https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm
[46] https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
[47] https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/SFH/documents/IACOVID19FBFactSheetConsumer.pdf
[48] https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Nearby/index.html?appid=43118dc0d5d348d8ab20a81967a15401
[49] https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf
[50] https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/housingiskey.com