Information for Businesses 

Based on COVID-19 case count and test positivity rate, the State implemented four color-coded tiers representing levels of restrictive/less-restrictive guidelines for counties:

  • Purple Tier 1 (widespread) – most non-essential indoor businesses remain closed
  • Red Tier 2 (substantial) – some non-essential indoor businesses operations are closed
  • Orange Tier 3 (moderate) – some business operations are open with modifications
  • Yellow Tier 4 (minimal) – most business operations are open with modifications

Local county health officials may choose to be more restrictive than this framework. This framework also notes signals of concern, including impacted healthcare capacity that may lead toward state intervention. The California Department of Public Health is monitoring data (such as case count and positivity rate) and health equity measures (such as access to testing and contact tracing) to evaluate a county’s progress.

You can easily search for an extensive list of what’s open in San Mateo County at any given time on the State’s new Blueprint web page. 

All businesses must follow the State’s industry guidance for their sector. All businesses, including those with modified operations, must also continue to adhere to San Mateo County’s Health Order requiring social distancing and face covering and the safety measures outlined in the appendix.

For vaccination information visit the San Mateo County's vaccination plan web page or the State of California vaccine web page. For COVID-19 testing information visit the San Mateo County COVID-19 testing web page.

Grocery & Pharmacy Worker Hazard Pay Ordinance

The City Council on March 1, 2021 adopted an emergency ordinance requiring employees of large grocery stores or pharmacies to be paid an additional $5 hourly wage due to the risks of COVID-19 exposure. The ordinance applies to businesses with at least 750 employees nationwide and that are grocery stores, drug stores, or retailers dedicating at least 10% of their space to grocery sales. Review the ordinance for more information. The emergency ordinance will be in effect for 90 days, and Council is in the process of adopting a regular ordinance that would last for several months longer.

 Resources for Business Owners Impacted by COVID-19

  • U.S. Small Business Administration Coronavirus Relief Options
    • Paycheck Protection Program: This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program.
    • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): This loan will provide economic relief to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are currently experience a temporary loss of revenue.
    • SBA Express Bridge Loans: Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
    • SBA Debt Relief: The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • State of Emergency Tax Relief: Taxpayers who have been directly affected by disasters declared as state of emergencies both within California and nationally.

Resources for Employees Impacted by COVID-19