News and Updates
Safety & Public Health
Transportation & Construction Updates
There's Help - Resources for Residents and Businesses
Donate & Volunteer
Stay Informed
Mayor's Town Hall on COVID-19 RecapWatch Interactive Panel of Local ExpertsWhat a wonderful turnout for our first Virtual Town Hall on April 14, 2020! We had 200 people tune in and participate. You can still catch all the great info that was shared by watching it on our YouTube channel. We learned about the virology behind COVID-19, the community’s response, what’s being done to support local businesses and residents in need, and how each of us can take action to help out. Watch the Mayor’s Town Hall to hear from our speaker panel – virologist Dr. Greene, State Senator Jerry Hill, Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, Rosanne Foust of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association, Bart Charlow of the nonprofit Samaritan House, San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini and San Mateo Fire Chief Ray Iverson. Mayor Joe Goethals moderated the discussion and the community participated with great Q&A. We’ll continue to provide important local updates on our coronavirus web page too: www.cityofsanmateo.org/coronavirus |
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COVID-19 Testing and Safe Transportation to Testing Site Testing for the virus is critical to determining its impact in our community. While testing kits are still limited, our Countywide capacity to test more people is increasing. Just like testing for other infectious diseases, such as the flu, the first step is a full evaluation by your health care provider. The following organizations and health care providers offer potential testing options:
Project Baseline
San Mateo County residents should visit the Verily’s Project Baseline website to determine if they meet the criteria for a free appointment-only test at the San Mateo County Event Center. Based on the responses and testing appointment availability, you will learn whether you qualify for testing through this program at this time. Find out more by watching a short video to find out how Project Baseline testing works.
If you are in need of transportation to Project Baseline’s testing site at the San Mateo County Event Center, please call (650) 779-9375 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to arrange transportation. The County has reconfigured vehicles to protect both the patient and driver from contact. County residents must first visit Project Baseline by Verily to be screened for testing eligibility and obtain an appointment. Please note you must have an appointment.
Private TestingResidents seeking tests should contact their primary medical or insurance provider to determine if they meet the criteria to be tested. Review the County of San Mateo's web page for more information on COVID-19 testing.
Update on Economic Impact PaymentsAs a result of the CARES Act, some residents will receive direct Economic Impact Payments from the IRS in the coming weeks. For taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 and most seniors and retirees, no further action is needed. For those who did not need to file taxes over the past few years, you can visit the IRS website to provide the necessary information to ensure you receive payment as quickly as possible.
Check out the Economic Impact Payment Information Center to find out who is eligible and how much to expect.
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Samaritan House's Main Event Goes VirtualSamaritan House’s Main Event is going virtual! Fight poverty, give generously! Now you can help your neighbors by supporting the San Mateo-based nonprofit during their annual fundraiser. Samaritan House is a core service agency that provides direct assistance to those who need help with food, shelter, financial assistance, and other basic needs.
The Main Event raises critical funds to provide food, shelter, clothing and healthcare to those in need in our community. Now more than ever, we must come together. The Main Event is Samaritan House’s signature fundraising event and it is important to celebrate all of the fantastic work Samaritan House does. Not only in these certain times, but year-round for our thousands of neighbors in need. The Main Event will be held as a virtual gala on Thursday, April 30, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Make a donation today and register now for this free event.
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County COVID Data The County Health System is publishing information about the total number of detected cases of COVID-19 in San Mateo County through an online data dashboard. The data is broken out by demographic information including gender and age range. As of April 16, there are 767 COVID-19 cases with 28 deaths in San Mateo County. Visit San Mateo County's All Together Better site to explore local data on a broad range of topics, such as demographic information, health outcomes and important resources in our Country.
Please note that San Mateo Public Health has shared that their primary concern is the health and safety of residents, and the privacy of patients. At this time, they will not be providing further information on cases, including location, gender, age, and condition.
Video Briefings by County Manager on YouTube County Manager Mike Callagy is providing regular media briefings on San Mateo County’s response to COVID-19. You can watch the media briefings on the County’s YouTube channel. |
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A Message from the San Mateo Police DepartmentWe know this time is stressful and that the uncertainties and impacts related to COVID-19 incite a variety of feelings and reactions. You may experience feelings of anxiety, helplessness, or even anger; or have difficulty sleeping or feel socially withdrawn. These experiences are normal during this challenging time.
As we enter the County’s fifth week under the Shelter in Place Order, the San Mateo Police Department is responding to an increased number of family disturbances. Please remember, abuse is not normal and there are resources available to help remove you from a dangerous environment. Although it may seem like you’re on an island, help is only a phone call away and we have variety of partners across San Mateo County who are ready to assist you.
If you or someone you know is being abused, please call 9-1-1. For victims fearful of calling or for the hearing impaired, text your message to 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, please call the San Mateo Police Department non-emergency number (650) 522-7700. Visit our Mental Health & Well-being section below to find resources that match your needs.
Burglaries are on the RiseEven in this time of COVID-19, our cars are still being burglarized. With certain things out of our control, this is one thing you CAN control. Please don't leave anything of value in your vehicle, and right now that even includes masks and gloves. Criminals will take full advantage of any opportunity they can to get their hands on your goods. It takes less than 30 seconds to shatter your window and rummage through your car. A shattered window is inconvenient to repair and can cost upwards of $250, not to mention to cost of whatever was stolen. Take a few extra minutes out of your day to empty your car and lock the doors to deter car burglaries.
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Property Owners & ResidentsA friendly reminder to residents and property owners – most landscaping and construction are prohibited by the County’s mandatory Shelter in Place Order.
We’ve received a number of complaints and questions, and would like to remind everyone of the rules and how to appropriate report noncompliance. Unless you truly feel it’s necessary, please refrain from calling police to report gardeners or construction.
Gardening: Please note most hired yard maintenance, gardening and landscaping is now prohibited. Residents and property owners must contact their gardeners to stop service until the shelter in place order is lifted. If you would like to make a report, please leave a detailed message on our hotline: (650) 522-7420.
Construction: Most residential construction and property improvements are also now prohibited. Please note there are some exemptions to construction, and certain projects are allowed to continue. Learn more on our FAQ page or the County's FAQ page. If you would like to make a report, please call our Building Division at (650) 522-7172.
Please Consider Helping those Who Typically Support Your Households If you’re an employer of a gardener, nanny or housekeeper and are able to continue to pay them without requiring them to do the work, the entire community appreciates your helping these employees shelter in place. You will continue to support the health and well-being of these families who support your households in normal times.
If you're unable to pay your gardener, nanny or housekeeper during this time, please share resources available through Samaritan House with your employees so that they can receive support during this crisis. You can be a direct link between the city/county and that employee.
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City's Essential Public Works Projects Since the County Health Officer’s original Shelter in Place Health Order on March 16, our Public Works Department has continued to progress on its infrastructure projects, including the building of our new wastewater treatment plant, the 25th Avenue Grade Separation project, and pavement improvement projects. Construction of public infrastructure is an essential service according to San Mateo County and our contractors and staff are taking all of the required precautions to ensure workers are safe.
At the April 13, 2020 City Council meeting, a list of all the essential projects was detailed and presented. The list includes the construction of the new Fire Station 25, new police barracks, work on our sewer system, landfill monitoring and reporting, North Shoreview flood improvements, road pavement improvement projects and the North San Mateo Drive project, to name a few. You can read the complete list on the Public Works COVID-19 FAQ webpage. |
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Commuting and Teleworking During COVIDWhile most of us are remaining at home during the shelter in place, some people working essential jobs may still need to commute to work. Others are finding themselves setting up home offices and teleworking from home. Whether you need to commute to work or want some teleworking tips, Commute.org continues to provide information and resources for San Mateo County residents and workers.
For those who need public transit to access essential needs or essential work, the county’s bus service SamTrans and the Peninsula’s rail system Caltrain are also continuing to operate on modified schedules and with health safety provisions in place. |
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We want to help make sure our community is supported and has access to resources as we all navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs has a list of some important resources and materials that we hope our community can use to get through this difficult time. A general list of the County’s core service agencies is also available online. The State of California has also put together a COVID-19 Resource Page for residents.
Resources for ImmigrantsWe want to connect community members to resources regardless of immigration or citizenship status. These County and State resource guides have information on community-based organizations and other services available for our immigrant community. |
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Pet Food BankThe Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA opened a Pet Food Bank for San Mateo County pet owners who are in need of pet food during the COVID-19 crisis. This service is for residents who are low-income or for those who are high-risk and in self-isolation. Income or health verification is not required, but the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA urge people to be honest and mindful of folks who are in need.
Pet food can be picked up at 1127 Chula Vista Avenue in Burlingame during distribution hours, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting Friday, April 10. If you are unable to visit the Pet Food Bank, delivery is also available but is very limited. Reach out to 650-988-5280 or Brian@phs-spca.org to provide information on your pet to arrange a pick up. Review the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA website for information.
Support Local Businesses!Please support Downtown businesses during this difficult time. The Downtown San Mateo Association has compiled a list of restaurants that are open for takeout and delivery and other businesses that have online services or virtual appointments. Check out the Downtown San Mateo Guide, and be sure to check the DSMA website regularly for their updated guide.
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Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 In addition to a global health crisis, COVID-19 is creating serious economic injuries for independent, small business owners. The City of San Mateo is here to support our business community now and in the coming months. The City continues to update the Resources for Businesses and Employees webpage that summarizes a variety of programs and opportunities that may help provide relief during this time. Be sure to review the list of corporate and foundation grants and programs.
As of April 16, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL). Businesses should check the SBA website in late April/early May for updates. The City will continue to update our webpage with new information. |
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Support Life & Consider Donating BloodWhile COVID-19 has changed a lot of our day-to-day activities, there is still a constant need for blood donations. There is no substitute for blood donation, which is an essential health care activity. Donation centers remain open – with extra precautions in place – to give you a safe way to support patients in need of blood. If you are healthy and would like to assist your community, please consider finding donation opportunities near you and schedule an appointment:
Volunteer OpportunitiesAlong with the County, we are actively working with neighboring cities and nonprofits to identify community needs and volunteer opportunities. While the most impactful thing you can do right now is provide monetary contributions to local nonprofits, there are also opportunities to donate your time. Visit our Volunteer page or the County's Volunteer page to learn more.
Emergency Workers Need Protective EquipmentAll of San Mateo County is lending a hand to ensure we keep our community safe. The County of San Mateo is accepting donations of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) from organizations and individuals. Visit their donation web page for more information.
You can donate: Unused N95 respirators and surgical masks. Boxes and packages can be opened, as long as masks have not been used. Packages of disposable gloves, preferably nitrile exam gloves in all sizes. New containers of commercially produced hand sanitizer. New containers of disinfectants and disinfecting wipes. Packaged, unused protective goggles. New surgical gowns; fluid resistant gowns; coveralls.
Please email smcmeddonations@smcgov.org for any questions about other items you may have to donate. Supplies can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1300 Maple Street Redwood City, CA 94063. Visit https://www.smcgov.org/covid-19-donations |
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Donate to San Mateo County StrongWe're so proud of our community members who've been stepping up to support others in need. Now there's a way to donate directly to those impacted by COVID-19 through the San Mateo County Strong Fund.
Whether you want to give to a nonprofit, families/individuals, or small businesses - all funds will stay local & help keep us #SMCStrong!
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