Governor Newsom’s stay at home executive order still in effect
Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser is extending his order requiring residents to wear face coverings when outside and to continue practicing social distancing through June 19. The county is also moving to fully align with the governor’s “stay-at-home” order until amended or rescinded.
Riverside County residents are still required to remain in their primary residence under Governor Newsom’s existing “stay at home” order unless they are engaged in an essential business or activity, such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor. The governor’s order does not have an expiration date.
“While we work within the governor’s plan for re-opening the state, people must be mindful that COVID-19 has not been eliminated,” said Kaiser. “The new normal in Riverside County will still require social distancing, facial coverings and other precautions. Summer will only slow the virus, and we are already thinking about what will happen in the fall.”
Kaiser issued his orders as part of the county’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused more than 140 deaths and about 3,750 confirmed cases. The moves were necessary to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the illness, which threatened to severely impact the county’s health system. Prior orders included the closure of public and private golf courses in Riverside County, along with the prohibition of in-house and drive-up worship services.
Kaiser recently allowed golf courses to open – with various restrictions. The State of California later clarified that drive-up religious services could be permitted, although in-person services are still not allowed.
“Residents are answering the call to stay at home as much as possible, practice physical distancing and wearing a face covering to protect everyone. I thank you all for that,” said Board Chair V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District Supervisor. “It is making a difference, and this progress is a credit to everybody doing their part and using the best tools that we have right now to overcome this pandemic. As we begin to turn the corner, it is important that we also flatten the unemployment curve and work towards economic and social recovery.”
Kaiser’s orders closing Riverside County schools and limiting short-term lodging until June 19 remain in effect.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— COVID-19 has forced an unprecedented stay-at-home order in California. As a result, our small businesses have lost revenue that has increased unemployment to rates we have not seen since the Great Depression. Because of the uncertainty in the market and the effects on small business, Assemblymember Reyes is hosting a teleconference centering the small business community.
Joining Assemblymember Eloise Reyes for this Teleconference Town Hall is special guest Congressman Pete Aguilar. During the discussion, we will hear from SBDC Regional Director, Mike Daniel; Founder/President AmPac Business Capital, Hilda Kennedy; and Lead Economic Development Specialist, Godfrey Hinds from the SBA Regional Office.
“Small Businesses are the backbone of our economy, it is important we center their voices and make sure they have the resources they need to survive this pandemic,” said Assemblymember Eloise Reyes.
Because of the volume of callers we are expecting, live questions will not be possible. Those who wish to submit questions, please do so by Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m. by emailing Assemblymember Reyes’ District Office at Assemblymember.Reyes@Assembly.CA.GOV
REDLANDS, CA—- Garner Holt issued a challenge to other small business owners to pay the rent for small businesses in their communities that may be on the verge of failing as a result of COVID-19. In a video posted to social media Monday, Holt appealed to business owners with the means to do it to support local, non-chain businesses like restaurants and other service-oriented storefronts that are unable to pay rent on May 1.
Speaking of his own business, Garner Holt Productions, Inc. (GHP), Holt recalled the challenges of small business ownership and struggles to keep financially solvent. “I remember having to dump out the Sparkletts jar and count quarters to have pocket money after paying my employees,” he said. “That’s how tough things got.”
Many small businesses were not able to obtain benefits from the recent government stimulus programs, either as a result of confusion over the application process, or a lack of coordination from their financial institutions. Holt said, “We have been blessed with the wherewithal to help some of these local small businesses stay afloat. Missing rent in a few days can mean life or death for a business.”
Some estimates say that as many as half of small businesses in the United States cannot afford to pay rent on May 1 because of the effects of COVID-19. Holt continued, “I’ve decided to pay the rent for a couple of months for several businesses in our community that I know aren’t going to survive. These aren’t big businesses that I know are going to make it. These are the little, tiny businesses that just aren’t going to be able to pull this off.”
Holt issued his challenge to fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners who have been able to benefit from the government stimulus or aren’t facing the same struggles. “I hope they can do what we’re trying to do here in their own communities,” Holt said of these owners. “Your barber, your tailor, your favorite taco place, any of these little places that are part of daily life in your community.”
While not a formalized program or charity, Holt hopes individual business owners will communicate with other businesses to form an informal, community-based network of help. “We’re all in this same boat together,” Holt said. “We need to help our fellow small businesses say above water.”
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to mount, many Americans may be considering where to go for care if they develop potential symptoms. One important – yet potentially overlooked – resource is telehealth, which may enable people to connect 24/7 with a health care provider via a digital device and avoid potential exposure risks associated with in-person trips to health care facilities.
“Telehealth may be especially helpful as an initial option for medical advice related to COVID-19 and to help evaluate other possible health issues, as well as to assist people who live in rural areas,” said Dr. Anne Docimo, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare.
To help people more effectively take advantage of this technology during the evolving COVID-19 situation, here are three tips to consider:
Identify available resources: To find telehealth resources, check with your care provider group, health benefit plan or employer. According to a recent Mercer study, nearly nine out of 10 employers offer telehealth visits to their employees, as do many Medicare and Medicaid health plans (in some cases by telephone). Meanwhile, 76% of hospitals connect patients and care providers using video or other technology, according to the American Hospital Association. In some cases, people can currently access telehealth visits without cost sharing. Since the outbreak emerged, some health plans are now encouraging patients to use telephone or live videoconferencing (if available) to connect people with local network medical providers, currently waiving cost sharing for COVID-19 related visits and treatments. Docimo points out this is especially important for people with certain complex conditions, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, as it may enable them to “see” their own physician for acute or follow-up care related to their condition and help avoid potential exposure to the coronavirus during an in-person visit.
Understand likely next steps: During a telehealth visit, care providers can give general medical advice to evaluate possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, dry cough or difficulty breathing). While diagnostic testing services are not available through a telehealth visit to help confirm a diagnosis for COVID-19 (if needed), care providers can help guide patients to a local care provider or public health authority for testing and follow-up care. Making these connections may help people take the appropriate steps in advance of an in-person test, which may help reduce the risk of your exposure and possible exposure to other patients and health care providers. For other illnesses (not COVID-19 related) that are treatable with medications, telehealth care providers can write prescriptions and discuss how to obtain them safely, such as using medication home delivery or drive-thru pickup at a local pharmacy. Due to the COVID-19 situation, it is important to note that people may anticipate potential wait times, as some care providers offering telehealth may be currently experiencing a surge in appointments.
Access other health services: While elective health care procedures may be delayed to help enable care providers to focus on COVID-19 cases, telehealth may help people more effectively manage other health issues without the need to go out and risk potential exposure to the virus. Telehealth can help address myriad medical issues, including allergies, pinkeye, fevers, rashes and the regular flu. In addition, so much time at home can also contribute to behavioral health issues, so people should consider telehealth as a resource to connect with a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. Importantly, people who experience a significant or serious medical issue should go to the emergency room (ER).
By considering these tips, people across the country may be able to more effectively use telehealth resources to help stay safe during these challenging times. For more information about the COVID-19 situation, go to www.uhc.com/coronavirus.
WASHINGTON—- The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) issued frequently asked questions (FAQ Watch) for healthcare providers related to COVID-19. The novel coronavirus outbreak has caused significant disruption to global health, especially for vulnerable populations in the U.S. The ABC created FAQ Watch to provide a succinct update on the science and clinical challenges posed by the disease and potential cardiac implications. FAQ Watch will be updated as needed or at least weekly by its editors Kevin M. Alexander, MD (Chair), Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH (ABC President), Peter Chin-Hong, MD, MPH, and Norrisa Haynes, MD, MPH.
Michelle Albert, MD, MPH
In addition to informing health care providers about the science and clinical aspects of the coronavirus infection, the ABC is undertaking efforts to raise awareness in diverse populations. The organization is particularly concerned about the pandemic’s effect on the African-American diaspora and other underserved groups.
“ABC has been at the forefront of addressing cardiovascular disparities in our communities,” said Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, ABC Board Chair. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed severe inequities in access to healthcare and preventive services. As a nation, we have an unprecedented opportunity to address these issues, by working with affected communities, and the healthcare providers who serve them.”
FAQ Watch covers the clinical stages of COVID-19, associated cardiovascular complications and treatments currently advised for COVID-19 management. Recommended changes in practice for interventional cardiologists and catheterization laboratories as well as new guidance for transthoracic echo and transesophageal echo procedures have also been incorporated. FAQ Watch answers other critical questions, including how communities of color can diminish the spread of COVID-19 and decrease their risk of fatal outcomes.
ABC is inspired by how different communities are pulling together at individual, leadership, medical, scientific and public health levels to mitigate the impact of this pandemic. This downloadable FAQ is a new component of earlier actions ABC initiated in response to the virus:
ABC President Dr. Michelle Albert introduces ABC COVID-19 Information & Resource Hub and highlights the Council on Black Health’s brief, “What Coronavirus Means for Black Communities.”
ABC President Dr. Michelle Albert joins KDKA Radio host Lynne Hayes-Freeland to discuss COVID-19, health care disparities and African Americans. Listen toInterview
About ABC Founded in 1974, the ABC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease and achieving health equity such that all people can live long, healthy lives. Membership is open to all interested in the care of people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease, including health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate and institutional members. For more information, visit www.abcardio.org and connect with ABC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Pregnant women and single mothers may be experiencing particular food insecurity and hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Los Angeles County, there are several programs and services that help families who have been affected by recent events:
Home Visiting Programs are still enrolling new clients and serving families in LA County. Home Visitors provide support and services during pregnancy; coaches parents on how to support children during difficult times; offers techniques for lowering stress; and connects parents to educational training, job opportunities, and other resources. For the health and safety of our clients, all home visiting programs have temporarily moved all in-person visits to telehealth visits to continue providing support to all our families. For more information, call (213) 639-6434.
MAMA’s Program is providing services to pregnant women and those who have recently delivered during the COVID-9 crisis by offering telehealth telephonic and video visits for medical and behavioral health services, social care navigation, and nursing support. The telehealth platform lessens the face-to-face contact for these women without decreasing the number of visits they require or desire. Pregnant women in the safety net who need prenatal and immediate postpartum services can call 844-37-MAMAS for appointments and enhanced perinatal services.
Doula services provide emotional support, physical comfort, education, and advocacy to African American pregnant women and persons during pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn period. Call (213) 639-6448 for more information and eligibility requirements.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program provides healthy foods and other resources to pregnant women and families with a child under 5 years of age. For more information and eligibility requirements, text APPLY to 91997, visit phfewic.org or call (888) 942-2229.
Cash aid and food purchasing services are available through CalWORKS. This program provides monthly financial assistance to help pay for housing, food, utilities, clothing, medical care and other necessary expenses. For more information and eligibility requirements, call (866) 613-3777.
Early childhood education and childcare services are available for essential workers. Call (888) 92CHILD (922-4453) or visit lacoe.edu/childcare for more information and resources.
Emotional support services are available for pregnant and parenting families feeling anxious, panicked, or stressed. Mental health professionals are available at (800) 854-7771.
California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services are available and include nutritious foods and more resources that are available to all eligible families affected by COVID-19. WIC welcomes military families, migrant families, fathers, foster parents and legal guardians with eligible children. If your income has been affected by recent events, and you are:
Pregnant
Breastfeeding (up to the infant’s first birthday)
Non-breastfeeding women (until the infant is six months old)
Women up to six months after a pregnancy loss
For infants and children, up to the child’s fifth birthday.
To find out if you’re eligible, California residents can start by texting APPLY to 91997, call (888) 942-2229 or visit phfewic.org
If you want to learn more about the risks of COVID-19 to pregnant women, visit COVID-19: Advice to Pregnant Women. If you are pregnant and you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or you think you may have contracted the virus, visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing to schedule an appointment.
Lastly, pregnant women should take the same preventative measures as the general public to avoid infection. You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these actions:
Stay home. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Have food delivered to your home so you can avoid checkout lines at grocery stores.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom.
Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones).
African American-owned restaurants across California will be able to participate in a new state program that contracts eateries to prepare meals and deliver them to vulnerable senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Newsom announced the new “first-in-the-nation” initiative, dubbed “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors,”April 24.
“This partnership will allow restaurants to start rehiring people or keep people currently employed and start preparing meals, three meals a day, seven days a week, and have those meals delivered to our seniors all throughout the state of California,” Gov. Newsom said during his daily press briefing.
The program is being executed in partnership with California counties, cities, and Native American tribes, said the governor, who has a background in the food and beverage industry. Newsom co-founded the Napa-based PlumpJack Winery. Its parent company, the PlumpJack Group’s portfolio includes restaurants, hotels, wine, and event space ventures.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA) is bankrolling 75% of the costs. California, Newsom said, will subsidize the remaining 25% for counties and cities.
The meals program for seniors is part of a broader initiative organized to support California seniors who are isolating at home, adhering to the state’s coronavirus shelter in place order. The other programs are the “Social Bridging Project,” which brings together 1,000 volunteers to check in on older Californians during the crisis. The other is “Friendship Line California,” a toll-free telephone service that provides emotional support to aging adults across the state. The California Department of Aging is partnering with the Institute of Aging to roll out this effort.
“Older adults are heroes for being the first Californians to stay at home and save lives. However, they may be struggling to access food, and with the mental health implications of isolation. These programs will make sure our older friends, family, and neighbors have access to the food and friendship they need,” said Director of the California Department of Aging Kim McCoy Wade.
Since the COVID-19 shelter in place began in mid-March, many restaurants across the state have been running at half capacity — only open for pickup and delivery orders. Some of them are not open at all.
Reporting severe drops in their revenues, many African-American restaurateurs in California look at a steady partnership with the state — one that provides a constant flow of income — as a viable option.
The state of California estimates that 1.2 million people over 65 years of age across the state live by themselves, Newsom said. Overall, the state is home to almost six million aging adults.
“It’s not just about the meals,” Newsom said during his daily midday news briefing. “It’s about a human connection, about someone just checking in as they’re delivering those meals and making sure people are okay.”
African Americans account for nearly 11% of COVID-19 deaths in the state, the California Department of Public Health reports. Blacks make up only about 6% of California’s population of almost 40 million residents.
African Americans also fall behind when it comes to proprietorship and running restaurants. Blacks make up about 13% of the population, but consist of 8% of restaurant owners and the same share of restaurant managers, according to the National Restaurant Association.
Black-owned restaurants may want to be a part of the nutritional aspects of the program that could continue beyond the coronavirus crisis, some advocates for aging Californians say.
According to the state, the “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors” program has two main purposes. The first is to help older and other adults at high risk from COVID-19 to stay home and stay healthy by delivering three nutritious meals a day. The second is to provide an essential economic stimulus to local businesses and workers struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.
As local governments stand up their own nutrition programs over the next few weeks, more information will be provided at ?https://www.gov.ca.gov.
In the meantime, here are some resources for aging Californians that are available now:
o Senior citizens can enter their locations into 211.org to find local services, such as nutrition, financial, health care, and housing assistance.
o Every community has an Aging and Adult Info Line to connect people to services: ?(800) 510-2020..
o Seniors can also visit the California Department of Aging’s COVID-19 page (?www.aging.ca.gov) for a list of resources for older and other at-risk adults.
o For emotional support, call Friendship Line California @ 1-888-670-1360
“We are all in this together,” said Gov. Newsom. “We will continue to support older Californians who are more at risk during this public health emergency.”
Restaurateurs can get more information and apply to be a part of the “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors” program here.
REDLANDS, CA— Following issuance of a new public health order from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health on Thursday, the City of Redlands is implementing plans to reopen park and recreational facilities “on a limited scale for passive recreation,” which includes individual activities such as “wildlife observation, walking or hiking, biking … and participating in non-contact sports like golf or tennis with members of their households.”
?City facilities that will be reopened under the order include tennis and pickle ball courts and parking lots at all City parks. City parks and trails have remained open.
The City Council and City staff continue to monitor state and county public health orders and to follow public health recommendations while providing necessary services to residents.
City facilities, including all City offices, community and senior centers, the A.K. Smiley Public Library, Lincoln Shrine, skate park, basketball courts and playground equipment will remain closed to the public until Department of Public Health orders have been rescinded. City services are still available by phone or online. Check the City website for information on accessing City services or making payments.
Beginning Monday, April 27, the A.K. Smiley Public Library will offer a Books to Go service. Smiley Library cardholders may request books, CDs, DVDs or magazines from the library’s catalog either online at www.akspl.org, via email at circ@akspl.org, or by phone at (909) 798-7565. Library staff will pull the material, bag it and contact the cardholder to make an appointment to pick up the material in front of the library’s Vine Street entrance. Full details can be found at the library’s website at www.akspl.org. Electronic resources are also available to any cardholder. Details about those resources including e-books, e-magazines, databases and video services are also available on the library website.
All City sponsored classes and activities and park reservations have been canceled until the public health orders are lifted.
City Council and Planning Commission meetings have been closed to the public until further notice or until the current local State of Emergency has been lifted. The City Council and Planning Commission will continue to meet to conduct essential business.
Public participation in the meetings is still encouraged. The public may view the meetings live at home through Redlands TV on Channel 3 for Spectrum cable customers or Channel 35 for Frontier cable customers, or online at https://www.cityofredlands.org/meeting-agendas-minutes.
Members of the public who wish to provide general comment to the City Council or comment on specific agenda items may submit comments up until 6 p.m. the day of the City Council meeting by email at publiccomment@cityofredlands.org or through the public comment form on the City’s website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/public-speaker-form.
Written comments may also be provided by 4 p.m. the day of the City Council meeting directly to the City Clerk’s Office at 35 Cajon St.
Comments received by the deadline will be read into the public record at the meeting.
City staff will continue to monitor, review and evaluate all steps the City has taken through the end of the current pandemic and make adjustments as appropriate.
On March 16, the Emergency Services Director declared a State of Emergency in Redlands and activated the Emergency Operations Center to a Level 3. The Redlands City Council ratified that action the following day. Declaration of a local emergency provides additional tools to the City in responding to the public health emergency and allows the City to purchase supplies, materials and equipment without going through the normal bidding requirements.
1,772 Confirmed Cases (up 1.2% from previous day) 82 Deaths (up 0% from previous day) 4.6% Fatality Rate 17,557 Tested (up 4.4% from the previous day)
Monday through Friday – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center – 400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, call 1-855-422-8029
Monday through Friday – SAC Health Systems (IEHP Members only) – 250 South G Street, San Bernardino 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, call (909) 771-2911
Tuesday, April 28 — Arroyo Valley High School –1881 West Baseline St., San Bernardino 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, all appointments filled
County Public Health is also conducting testing at select nursing facilities for at-risk seniors living at those facilities.
County to Open Up Criteria for Testing
Beginning this Thursday, April 30 at all testing locations and the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, people age 65 and older and health care or public safety workers can get tested, regardless if they are experiencing any symptoms. This is in addition to residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath).
Important Reminder: Non Essential Businesses Remain CLOSED
In accordance with a County Health Order effective April 25, the County of San Bernardino has re-opened County-operated parks and lakes and is allowing the opening of city-owned and private parks, lakes, trails, and golf courses on a limited scalefor passive recreation.
There are no changes in the Health Order regarding restrictions still in place on non-essential businesses. Essential businesses are allowed to remain open with restrictions. To read more on what is considered an essential or non-essential business, as well as more details on what comprises passive recreation, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the County’ COVID-19 website.
Social Distancing While Golfing
As County residents enjoy our wonderful parks and recreation facilities, it’s critical to remember — and practice — the social distancing measures we’ve been following.
One sport that allows you to get fresh air and sunshine while social distancing is golf. Here are a few guidelines to help ensure your safety and that of your companions.
Maintain social distancing — stay at least six feet from the other players.
Do not share golf carts, unless your golf partner is a housemate. Each golfer should travel in his or her own cart, and courses are required to offer this option.
Remember to bring and wear your facemask when in proximity to others.
Arrive at the course with your golf shoes already on. Clubhouses will be closed so you won’t be able to change at the course.
Bring your own water bottle(s).
As a reminder, pro shops, restaurants and other clubhouse services are not open. To-go food orders, however, are allowed. Please, let’s all adhere to these important rules so we can continue to avail ourselves of the beautiful outdoors while keeping each other safe and healthy!
Mental Health Monday with Dr. Veronica Kelley
We are pleased to share this informative video from Dr. Kelley, who is the Director of Behavioral Health for the County of San Bernardino. Her tips on helping children cope during this crisis are invaluable!
Tips for Helping Your Children Cope
Everyday life — difficult and stressful enough under normal circumstances — has certainly become much more challenging during this medical crisis.
This heightened stress and anxiety not only afflicts adults. Children are perhaps even more influenced by worried parents and caregivers and dramatic changes to their day-to-day routines.
To help parents and others who engage with young people, we asked Dr. Veronica Kelly, director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, to share some suggestions for helping children cope during these unprecedented time. Following are a few of Dr. Kelly’s useful tips:
Stay calm and reassure your kids. Children look to their caregivers for clues on how to react to a particular situation, so remember that it’s not only what you say, but how you say it.
Limit their screen time. Many young people are attending school remotely, so it’s neither possible nor desirable to ban the use of computers, smartphones and iPads. However, you should encourage children to reduce their online activities and engage in pursuits such as reading, playing board games or card games, cooking, helping around the house, playing a musical instrument or working on crafts.
Avoid “blaming language.” A virus can make anyone sick — young or old, male or female, black or white. Moreover, those afflicted are not responsible for their condition. Avoid saying things that could lead to stigma.
Talk about “facts” vs. “feelings.” Separate objective facts from the emotional response to those facts. A fact is that the government has issued stay-at-home orders to help limit the spread of the virus. A feeling is how we feel in response to those orders. Both are legitimate — but it helps to maintain the distinction.
Maintain open and honest communication. Let your children know that you want them to ask questions and to share their thoughts and feelings. And let them know that much of what they’ve heard or read on the internet or social media is based on rumors and false information.
Keep communications simple. Speak clearly and directly to your children; now is not the time to get cute or to use clever metaphors. Provide information that is not only truthful, but also appropriate to their age and development level.
Get COVID-19 Daily Updates in your Email Inbox
You can now get daily COVID-19 news updates sent directly to your e-mail. Click the “Get email updates on the latest COVID-19 news” link on the County’s homepage,http://www.sbcounty.gov/main/default.aspx, or the County’s COVID-19 page, sbcovid19.com, or sign up here.
For all COVID-19 related information, including case statistics, FAQs, guidelines and resources, visit the County’s COVID-19 webpage at http://sbcovid19.com/. Residents of San Bernardino County may also call the COVID-19 helpline at (909) 387-3911 for general information and resources about the virus. The phone line is NOT for medical calls and is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have questions about social services, please call 211.
Out-of-work gig workers in California whose employers have not paid into the state’s unemployment insurance fund — as well as Californians without jobs who have run out of unemployment benefits — will be able to file new unemployment claims.
Starting April 28, the state will begin accepting unemployment insurance (UI) applications from both of those categories of jobless Californians through the California Employee Development Department (EDD) website.
“We have been working on making sure that we get Californians what they are entitled to under PUA,” California Labor Secretary Julie A. Su wrote in an open letter last week. She was breaking down the new federal government Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program that provides Californians an additional $600 a week on top of whatever amount — between $40 and $450 — they qualify for under the state’s unemployment insurance program. The supplemental unemployment money is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) act, which the United States Congress approved and President Trump signed into law last month.
The EDD has built a new system to handle new CARES Act claims for both the regular state unemployment insurance benefits and payouts from the new federal PUA program. The website has specifically been constructed to accommodate claims from independent contractors, the self-employed and individuals who lack sufficient work history.
For every week a gig worker was out of work between Feb. 2, 2020 and March 28, 2020, he or she will receive $167 in unemployment benefits from the state of California, according to the EDD. In the next phase, which runs from March 29 to July 25, unemployed gig workers will receive $167 for each of those weeks, plus an additional $600 in PUA payments. For the final phase, which goes from July 26 to Dec. 26, they will go back to receiving only the $167 in PUA benefits if still needed.
The state has recently updated the PUA web page to include eligibility criteria. Anyone who has lost work due to COVID-19 related complications is eligible, whether he or she been diagnosed, is acting as a caregiver, or has lost work due to complications.
“There’s one and a half million that are self-employed, one and a half small businessmen and women, individuals that have no other employees, and they’re also deserving of direct assistance,” said Governor Newsom in a recent press briefing, announcing the initiative.
Su provided some specifics of the PUA program during the same press conference and in a letter addressed to all Californians on April 15.
According to Su, the PUA program will have a fast turnaround so that benefits can be administered within 24-48 hours. Also, benefit payments will be retroactive, going back to the first week of February, if the applicant can prove that his or her loss of work was due to COVID-19. She added that the extra $600 from the federal CARES Act will also be retroactive.
To handle the increased hours and high amount of calls, the Unemployment Insurance branch has added 740 new EDD employees and 600 others across state government.
Su said the state has taken other steps to make sure that people affected by the crisis receive their money without delay, including extending call center hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and adding phone lines. Also, Labor Secretary Su announced April 23 that EDD has temporarily suspended Unemployment Insurance certifications for the weeks ending March 14 through May 9. EDD will issue regular unemployment payments during those weeks, and will not stop payment unless notified that the recipient has found new employment.
Labor department call center staff members answered on the first ring when California Black Media made investigative calls twice this week after hearing reports that unemployment insurance support phone lines were down when applicants called on the first day seeking help.
On April 14, Su held a Facebook Live discussion to update the public about unemployment benefits. She answered questions from concerned self-employed workers who had received $0 UI determinations from the EDD and had trouble getting a representative on the phone. According to Su, a $0 determination means that there was no money paid into self-employment from a previous employer. She also said that self-employed workers who applied for UI would possibly have to apply again for PUA once it’s available.
“Let me also acknowledge that there has been frustration and disappointment about how long things take, uncertainty about what it means when you can’t get the payments that you need right now,” she said. “I also just wanted to acknowledge that it is a difficult time and I know that it is very, very hard for people throughout California, throughout the country, and throughout the world.”
Gov. Newsom also announced a $75 million Disaster Relief Fund for undocumented Californians who are ineligible for UI benefits and disaster benefits, including the federal stimulus check, due to their immigration status. According to Newsom, individuals can apply for a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult capped at $1,000 per household beginning next month.
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