April 22, 2020
Colma Community.
Starting today, April 22, the County of San Mateo and other Bay Area Counties are now mandating the use of face masks when in public. This includes all essential workers in the workplace as well. The only exception to this is if you are doing outside exercise – which in this case, you must practice social distancing. More information can be found at San Mateo County Health.
With the internet at our fingertips, there is certainly no shortage of information coming at us what feels like on a minute-by-minute basis. While it is nice to have so much information, I wanted to just give you a quick reminder that not everything you read might be reliable. We recommend you keep up to date with information from official sources like the following:
- San Mateo County Health
- https://www.colma.ca.gov/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- California Department of Public Health
- World Health Organization
You can also call 211 for non-emergency and non-medical questions about coronavirus. Also, be sure to sign up for SMC Alert.
UPCOMING FOOD DISTRIBUION EVENT, THURSDAY, APRIL 23
The Second Harvest Food Bank along with the Pacific Islands Together are pleased to bring “Drive-Thru” Food Distribution events to our community! Every Thursday and Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Distribution is held every week at Jefferson High School, 6996 Mission Street, Daly City. It’s open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis; no requirements. Each household will receive a box of food, with contents ranging from fresh produce, dairy, protein, and dry goods, depending on availability.
COVID-19 TESTING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Testing
If you are interested in getting tested for COVID-19, you can complete an online screening based on guidelines from public health officials through ProjectBaseline.com (Verily). Based on the responses and testing appointment availability, you will learn whether you qualify for testing through this program at this time.
San Mateo County Provides Free, Safe Transportation to Testing Site
The County of San Mateo is ready to assist residents who qualify for COVID-19 testing but lack transportation to get to the Verily testing site at the San Mateo County Event Center. The County has reconfigured vehicles to protect both the patient and driver from contact.
County residents should first visit https://www.projectbaseline.com/study/covid-19/ to be screened for testing eligibility and obtain an appointment. At that time, individuals with no other means to reach the testing site can call 650-779-9375 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to arrange transportation.
CAN’T PAY YOUR RENT DUE TO COVID-19? HERE’S WHAT TO DO
Below are some helpful links to guide you through this difficult time. More information can be found at youarecommunity.org. Here are some documents that will help you:
- A form you can use to notify your landlord
- Eviction Moratorium FAQs
- Eviction Moratorium Summary
- A Worker’s Guide: Your Rights During Coronavirus
- Legal Aid at Workers list of known relief funds for undocumented workers
In Spanish:
- Formulario de Notificacion Para su Propietario
- Moratoria de Emergencia para Desalojos: Preguntas Frecuentes
- Resumen de la Moratoria de Emergencia para Desalojos
- La Guia del Trabajador: Sus Derechos Durante el Coronavirus
- Lista de fondos de alivio para trabajadores indocumentado/as publicado por Legal Aid at Work (Ayuda Legal Laboral)
Do you have to choose between money for rent and money for food? Here are the places you can get free food:
As always, the Town of Colma is here for you. We have set up a dedicated website, https://www.colma.ca.gov/covid-19/ which is updated often with new information and resources. We can also be reached at Town Hall at 650-997-8300.
Sincerely,
John Irish Goodwin, Mayor
Town of Colma