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. Under the tier system, bars, breweries and distilleries where no meals are served remain closed.

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.

 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.
• Economic Impact Payment Information 
• Employment Development Department Coronavirus Resources
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Program provided unemployment benefits for people who don't usually qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance.
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation: A 13-week benefit extension for people who have used all benefits available in their regular Unemployment Insurance claim.
  • Pandemic Additional Compensation: An additional $600 federal stimulus payment automatically added to each week of benefits received between March 29 and July 25, 2020. Any unemployment benefits through July 25 will still be eligible for the extra $600, even if you are paid later.
• State of Emergency Tax Relief: Taxpayers who have been directly affected by disasters declared as state of emergencies both within California and nationally.

• IBank Disaster Relief Loan Guarantees: Program designed for small business needing assistance to overcome economic injury caused by COVID-19.
• Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz): Website with helpful information on financial and technical assistance, labor and work force support, and state business taxes.
• Small Business Resource List: The California State Treasurer’s Office has created a list of federal, state, county, city, and private businesses helping small businesses with loans, grants, and technical resources.
• California’s Coronavirus Response: website with more State resources.