Confusion Reigns as Families Tackle COVID-19 Homeschool

by Ricardo Cano, CALmatters on March 21, 2020 at 8:55AM

Mornings this week have started as always for Ray Ortega and his second-grade daughter: They wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and prepare for their day at school and work. Except, this week, the classroom is their Sacramento home office, and the teacher is Ortega, who, with his wife, is juggling his job with homeschooling duties — the sudden result of California’s sweeping statewide efforts to slow the coronavirus pandemic’s spread.

County Confirms Second COVID-19 Case, Community Transmission Not Believed to be a Factor

by Thadeus Greenson on March 20, 2020 at 5:35PM

Humboldt County has confirmed its second case of COVID-19 but it was found in an individual who had recently traveled to a high-risk country, and officials do not believe community transmission was a factor. “Our thoughts go out to this individual and we wish them a full recovery,” County Heatlh Officer Teresa Frankovich said.

Local Schools Have Distributed 20K Meals Since Closing

by Thadeus Greenson on March 20, 2020 at 4:20PM

The press release notes that some school site are working to collaborate with family resource centers, churches and tribes to support distribution, adding that the meal services also allow school staff to check in with students and families to see if further support services are needed. “This effort truly showcases the amazing resiliency of our school personnel to provide essential services to our students despite this unprecedented situation we are all in,” said Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools Chris Hartley.

DA Warns About Price Gouging Amid COVID-19 Shelter in Place

by Kimberly Wear on March 20, 2020 at 4:00PM

Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming issued a consumer alert today regarding price gouging following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency proclamation. Pursuant to this state of emergency, price gouging, as defined by Penal Code section 396, is illegal.

Shelter in Place Order is 'Law of the Land;' Here's What it Means

by Iridian Casarez on March 20, 2020 at 3:55PM

Here's a quick look at what the order does and doesn't allow:

Local Tribes Notify Residents to Shelter in Place

by Kimberly Wear on March 20, 2020 at 1:11PM

Covered California, Department of Health Care Services Open Special Enrollment Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

by Iridian Casarez on March 20, 2020 at 12:40PM

California Responds to COVID-19 Emergency by Providing Path to Coverage for Millions of Californians Covered California Expands Special Enrollment and Medi-Cal Seeks Waivers to Foster Coverage • Effective immediately, anyone uninsured and eligible to enroll in health care coverage through Covered California can sign up through the end of June.

Northern California Community Blood Bank Seeking Healthy Donors

by Iridian Casarez on March 20, 2020 at 8:46AM

Local Schools to Remain Closed at Least Until April 10, Statewide Shelter Order Issued

by Thadeus Greenson on March 19, 2020 at 8:42PM

Just hours after Humboldt County issued a mandatory shelter-in-place order, Gov. Gavin Newsom made it statewide in an effort to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Newsom's move is an unprecedented step aimed at controlling an outbreak of the pandemic that will have dramatic impacts on the world's fifth largest economy.

Public Health Officer Explains Shelter in Place Order

by Thadeus Greenson on March 19, 2020 at 3:26PM

While the order largely prohibits non-essential outings, Frankovitch made clear that it does not prevent people from outdoor recreation, like taking bike rides, walks, hikes or runs. “Those types of things are fine; we’re just not doing them in group settings,” she said, adding that residents should avoid using communal equipment, like play structures and picnic tables.