Due to the “Shelter in Place” mandate enacted here in the San Francisco Bay Area since March 16, 2020, with only essential services open, we are in the midst of a major disruption to our daily lives and livelihoods. There are numerous sources of federal and state government information portals as well as the availability of emergency financial assistance packages.
We’ve provided a summary of the various COVID-19 initiatives and links for further information in both the US and Australia.
Please be sure to reference the official sites for the updated timelines etc, as changes are occurring on a regular basis.
The AACC is here as your resource, so please contact us if you need any assistance.
Also please support our members and friends’ businesses that remain open.
Unemployment Assistance
The State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) https://edd.ca.gov/ provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California.
As part of the federal CARES Act, the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program helps unemployed Californians who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, and others not usually eligible for regular state Unemployment benefits who are out of business or services are significantly reduced as a direct result of the pandemic. https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm
Aus Gov COVID app and whatsapp chatbot: Receive expert and timely #COVID19 updates you can trust from the official Australian Government coronavirus app or WhatsApp chatbot.
Whatsapp - Message +61 400253787 or go to aus.gov.au/whatsapp in your web browser
1. Health – Please seek medical advice in the event that you have flu like symptoms (fever, coughing, sore throat and headaches), have recently travelled overseas or believe you may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you need further advice, please call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398.
2. What preventative measures is Australia putting in place?
The Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (the COVID19 Plan) was endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee on 17 February 2020.The Australian Government will continue to monitor the emerging information and evidence closely.
3. Where can I get information about public exposure sites in Victoria?
All potential public exposure sites are listed on the Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 daily update webpage. Anyone who was at any of these sites should be aware of their health and seek medical advice if they become unwell. All close contacts of confirmed cases will be contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services and told to home quarantine for 14 days. All other people who attended exposure sites are casual contacts and are not required to be home quarantined.
4. I have holiday plans to travel overseas, what should I do?
The Australian Government now requires all travelers coming into the country to self-isolate for a period of 14 days, no matter where they have travelled from. For the most up-to-date travel information visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au
Additional information