HOPE SF Response to COVID-19: Prevention and Preparation

What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain of the virus that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. The incubation period for the coronavirus is 2 to 14 days after exposure. Some people may carry the virus without showing any symptoms. For more information, go to trusted sites like:

Preventative Measures
Practice social distancing measures such as:

  • Avoiding nonessential travel 
  • Avoiding crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces 
  • Staying six feet apart from others in public venues, if you must go out 
  • Older adults may be twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because immune systems change with age, making it harder to fight off diseases and infection. Older adults also are more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.
  • Please make sure you are taking care of yourselves and exercising caution to prevent the spread of bacteria by continuing to do the following:
    • Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds 
    • Use hand sanitizer 
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands 
    • Practice social distancing and avoid contact with people who may display symptoms 
    • Stay away from work, school, or other people if you become sick with respiratory, and symptoms of fever and cough 

Stay home except for essential needs

On Thursday, May 28, San Francisco’s Mayor with Health Officers updated the Public Health Order to be extended indefinitely with safe reopening plans, and require face coverings when you leave your home.  The current citywide approach is designed to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to minimize catastrophic impacts to the health of San Francisco residents and visitors, and the health system broadly. Starting Monday, June 1, 2020, all construction, and certain outdoor businesses and activities may resume, given certain safety precautions. See more information about the reopening plan in San Francisco. It is critical that we are reminded of the need to remain calm and vigilant. Our community’s wellness and safety take priority, and we hope that you continue to care for yourselves and loved ones. For additional information about the Coronavirus, visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website.

List of Important Resources 

General Information:

Community Resources and Events:

Unemployment, Disability, Paid Family Leave, and Financial Support:

  • San Francisco Paid Sick Leave & The Coronavirus by City and County of San Francisco: https://sfgov.org/olse/san-francisco-paid-sick-leave-coronavirus
  • Support services for food, cash assistance, health insurance, safety by the Human Services Agency: https://www.sfhsa.org/services
  • The Employment Development Department of the State of California provides a variety of support services to workers affected by COVID-19. Workers with reduced or eliminated hours may file for Unemployment Insurance claim; those sickened or quarantined due to COVID-19 can file for Disability Insurance claim, and those caring for an ill or quarantined loved one can file for a Paid Family Leave Claim. Links to the online claim forms and FAQs: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm
  • Smart Money Coaching is available to provide free, confidential, one-on-one, personalized financial guidance to anyone living, working, or receiving services in San Francisco. The dedicated service providers have transitioned services to phone and video appointments.  To schedule an appointment call 877-256-0073. For seniors and adults with disabilities, call 628-999-5871.
  • The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is accepting applications for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. The expanded assistance is designed for the self-employed, individuals who didn’t work enough to get regular state unemployment or those whose state benefits ran out: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm
  • Employees impacted by job losses or  reduced hours: https://oewd.org/employees-impacted-covid-19
  • COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund — Housing Stabilization, GIVE2SF program by Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development: https://www.give2sfhousing.org/

Health and Wellness:

Public Schools and Education:

Nutrition and School Meals:

Housing and Eviction Prevention:

Resources for Undocumented Immigrants:

Domestic Violence Prevention:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline is available anytime to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationships: https://www.thehotline.org/
  • La Casa de las Madres is available to respond to calls and help any resident suffering from domestic violence: https://www.lacasa.org/

Resources for Non-Profit and Business:

Volunteering Opportunities:

Additional CDC Guidance:

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