NOTE: As of  June 15, 2021, California fully reopened it's economy. The webpage is no longer being updated as of June 15th. _______________________________

Welcome to KAZU’s COVID-19 Coverage & Resource Page. Here you’ll find what you need to stay up-to-date on how the pandemic is affecting us here in the Monterey Bay: COVID-19 updates, local resources and stories you might have missed.

WEEKLY NEWS ROUNDUP 5/21/21: Don’t Ditch Your Mask. Fledglings Take Flight. Cabrillo College Celebrates Historic Class.

HELPFUL LINKS/INFO: 

How To Schedule A Vaccine Apt. Online If Eligible

Monterey County Health Department COVID-19 Webpage

COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule

Testing Sites

City of Monterey Coronavirus Webpage 

On June 2, Monterey County moved into the Yellow Tier in the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which means the following:

- Gyms and fitness centers can increase indoor capacity to 50 percent and open saunas and steam rooms;

- Outdoor gatherings can include up to 100 people;

- Bars can open indoors at 25% capacity.

A $28 million rental assistance program has been launched in Monterey County to help residents struggling with back payment of rent and utilities and short term future payments of rent. To qualify applicants must have lost income because of the coronavirus pandemic and a families' income must not exceed 80 percent of local median income. You can call 211 or visit MCRentHelp.com to apply.

How To Schedule A Vaccine Apt. If Eligible 

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency COVID-19 Webpage

COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule

Testing Sites

City of Santa Cruz Coronavirus Webpage 

New Guidelines For Youth And Adult Sports

On May 19, Santa Cruz County officially moved into the Yellow Tier in California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. It's the last stage in the state's reopening plan.

- Gyms and fitness centers can increase indoor capacity to 50 percent and open saunas and steam rooms;

- Outdoor gatherings can include up to 100 people;

- Bars can open indoors at 25% capacity.

My Turn - State's system for informing the public when it's their turn to get vaccinated

Vaccinate All 58 - State's plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

CA Safe Schools For All - State's interactive maps of school reopenings for in-person instruction 

Blueprint for A Safer Economy - State's system for tightening and loosening restrictions in counties

CA Notify - State's COVID-19 exposure phone app

Reopening amusement and theme parks - Industry guidance

Guidelines for activities and businesses - depending on a county's tier in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy 

California will keep its current mask guidance in place until June 15 when the state plans to fully reopen. For now, masks are required in most indoor settings, regardless of a person's vaccination status. Come June 15, California will align with the CDC's latest guidance. 

FEMA is offering financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. The funding comes from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. You can find out who is eligible and how to apply here.

If you'd like to see the ‘California COVID-19 Tracker’ please click here. The tracker provides a localized look at COVID-19-related cases and deaths in your county, as well as a risk assessment for your county’s population.

If you'd like to see a national map of COVID-19 cases check out COVID-19 Case Mapper.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

California Department of Public Health
California COVID-19 Webpage

Local COVID-19 Testing Appointments

HELPLINES & CALL CENTERS: 
 
Santa Cruz County COVID-19 hotline: 831-454-4242 or text “COVID19” to 211-211
Monterey County COVID-19 hotline: 831-769-8700 or 211