COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Q: What is COVID-19?
A: The COVID-19 situation in the United States is evolving rapidly as more becomes known about the virus, how it is spread, and how it effects people. For the most accurate and timely information, visit the CDC’s website or monitor CDC social media channels. This page is being kept up-to-date as regularly as possible with answers to the most common questions 211s receive.
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
State of California: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/
County: Stancounty.com/coronavirus
Q: Are there confirmed COVID-19 cases in my community?
A: The CDC has made a map available to the public with information about confirmed COVID-19 cases by state. For specific information about your community, visit the website for your state health department and look for COVID-19 updates. Regardless of whether there is an active outbreak in your community, you should wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and stay home if experiencing cold or flu symptoms when at all possible.
Q: What resources are available to me?
A: If you do not have internet access at home, or cannot afford to maintain it, but need internet for work or school, there are several options available through providers:
- Comcast Internet Essentials, a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households, is now available for free for the first two months.
- Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households (no special for COVID-19 but still available at a low cost)
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans for Small Businesses
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. To learn more about the process for accessing SBA’s COVID-19 disaster relief lending, please go here. For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Unemployment Benefits
The U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance for state unemployment insurance programs to extend benefits to individuals whose employment status is impacted by COVID-19. Use this tool to find the agency that manages unemployment insurance in your state and visit their website for more information about eligibility and how to apply for benefits.
Mortgage, Rent, and Utilities Payment Assistance
At this time there is no nation-wide resource available to assist with mortgage or rent payments. Some localities have announced that no eviction-notices will be served temporarily. Additionally, some localities have announced that they will temporarily reinstate or not shut off utilities, most oftentimes water, due to non-payment.
Be sure to follow local news, radio, and official social media profiles to learn the latest in your community.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps
All of USDA’s programs, including SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, have flexibilities and contingencies built-in to allow us to respond to on-the-ground realities and take action as directed by Congress. Legislation is currently being considered in Congress.
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Visit this CDC page to learn more about things you can do to support yourself and your loved ones.
Q: What is 2-1-1?
A: 2-1-1 connects community members to information about critical health and human services available in their community through an easy to remember telephone number and through an online resource database. 2-1-1 also provides incident specific information during times of disaster, including road closures and shelters. 2-1-1 services (both phone and online searches) are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q: How does 2-1-1 work?
A: 2-1-1 has been designated by the Federal Communication Commission for community information and referral services, just as 9-1-1 is set aside for emergency services. 2-1-1 is a comprehensive information and referral (I&R) service that helps you find resources that may be able to assist you with health and human services. 2-1-1 utilizes both bilingual Call Specialists and a phone based translation service to offer 2-1-1 information and referral in over 150 languages.
Q: How can I access 2-1-1?
A: 2-1-1 Stanislaus County is available by dialing 2-1-1 in Stanislaus County or by dialing our toll-free number at 1-877-211-7826. You can search the 2-1-1 resource database online at www.211stanislaus.org (or clicking “Home” on this page).
Q: What if I need to find services in another area?
A: When you dial 2-1-1, let the Call Specialist know the area you need services for and we will gladly give you the toll-free number to the 2-1-1 service for that area. You can also find the toll free number for 2-1-1 services across the country at http://www.211.org.
Q: Can 2-1-1 give me money, or pay my bills, or find me employment?
A: No. 2-1-1 does not provide any direct services. 2-1-1 provides information, and connects the caller to appropriate resources by referral.
Q: Do I have to pay to use 2-1-1?
A: No. 2-1-1 is free and confidential to all users. Additionally, all 2-1-1 staff are professional, trained, and follow national standards of excellence.