Redwood City – The County of San Mateo continues to work to protect public health and safety in response to the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.
The County of San Mateo’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains open to coordinate countywide response and communications in response to the situation. The EOC’s Joint Information Center will provide daily status reports Monday through Friday until further notice. Today’s report:
Board’s Action Makes SMC Strong Funds Available to Small Businesses
At today’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors authorized San Mateo Credit Union’s (SMCU) Community Fund to administer and distribute $1 million in Measure K funds from the San Mateo County Strong Fund to San Mateo County small businesses adversely impacted by COVID-19.
The online portal to apply for funds is expected to begin accepting applications Monday, April 27, 2020 at www.SMCStrong.org It is anticipated that approximately 100 businesses will be assisted by the $1,000,000. All qualifying small businesses, regardless of the immigration status of the business owners, may apply.
Application information will be available in English, Spanish and Chinese. Decisions by SMCU’s underwriting department are expected to take seven business days from submission date.
County leaders, San Mateo County Economic Development Association, and Silicon Valley Community Foundation continue to raise funds to bolster the San Mateo County Strong Fund. Additionally, cities and other donors are contributing to the city-specific small business grant program. Funding pledges have been received from Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City and San Carlos. Other cities are in various stages of reviewing and considering contributions.
Reminder that Property Tax Payments Must Be Received by May 4
The County of San Mateo’s deadline for the second installment of property taxes is May 4. There are a variety of ways to make payments, including online at https://sanmateo-ca.county-taxes.com/public
South San Francisco, Redwood City and Half Moon Bay locations will accept cash-only payments in person, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on April 30, May 1 and May 4. You will be required to wear a face covering when paying in person. Check payments can be mailed or placed in exterior drop boxes at all locations or at the mobile drop box on Middlefield Road in Redwood City, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., on April 30, May 1, and May 4, only. See information about tax payment locations and hours https://tax.smcgov.org/
San Mateo County COVID-19 Testing Information On-line
A new page on San Mateo County’s website lists COVID-19 testing options, providers and posts answers to frequently asked questions about testing. The page also provides instructions about how to isolate if you have tested positive and how to quarantine if you have been exposed to someone who tested positive. See https://www.smcgov.org/covid-19-testing
San Mateo County COVID-19 Cases
San Mateo County Health has updated the number of positive cases to 935 as of April 20, 2020.
County Health provides detailed information on cases by age group and date and deaths by age group. Learn more at https://www.smchealth.org/coronavirus
Call Center
Residents with non-medical, non-emergency questions about the coronavirus can call 211 at any time, day or night. Callers from landlines and cellular telephones located within San Mateo County are connected with a trained service professional from 211, a confidential service available in 180 languages.