Local Doctor Promotes Next-Day Test Results
Dr Daniel Beilin, of Fortify Health, Aptos, wrote on NextDoor in response to a question about COVID-19 testing:
“We can do the test in my clinic — a very good lab that has next-day results, state of the art virology. $350 their price. Unclear whether covered by insurance.”
Fortify Health is located at 9057 Soquel Dr Ste A, in Aptos.
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Sheriff: Enforcing Shelter in Place
Sheriff Jim Hart and the Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday he will take a practical approach to the enforcement of the COVID-19 shelter in place order.
Here is his message:
“Our goal is to make the public aware of the regulations surrounding the Order to obtain voluntary compliance. We will be contacting local businesses to give direction and anticipate voluntary compliance from community members.
Deputies will be discouraging public gatherings.
The Order is enforceable pursuant to California Health and Safety Code 120295.”
“Everyone has a role to play to ensure community safety and we will get through this by working together,” said Hart.
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Housing Authority Closes Office
Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz will suspend public access to the main office until the Shelter-In-Place directive is lifted. The agency sent the following update via email:
During this office closure, the Housing Authority will continue to provide essential services to our community. Our top priority is housing families safely, in compliance with public health guidance. We have alternate means for you to continue doing business with us without visiting our office lobby:
- Emergency and urgent work orders will be addressed for Housing Authority managed properties. Call 831-427-8206 for after hours service.
- All face-to-face appointments, routine annual inspections, and other non-essential functions will be postponed until conditions allow these activities to resume.
- Please continue to pay your rent to your landlord. Submit any required paperwork and documentation to the Housing Authority as soon as reasonably possible given the current situation.
- Staff will continue to answer phones and email Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 4:30pm, and Fridays from 8:00am to 12:00pm. You can find contact information for our various key contacts and departments on our website at www.hacosantacruz.org.
- Most forms are available online on our website. Additionally, staff can provide forms via fax, mail or email.
- Program participants, vendors and tenants may drop off paperwork in the external drop box at the main office or fax documents to 831-469-3712.
Please contact our Information Center at 831-454-5955 for all other inquiries. You may also email [email protected].
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RTC closes office
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will close its office to public foot traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic until further notice. The RTC can be reached at [email protected], and individual staff members can be reached via their email addresses. For urgent RTC inquiries or an emergency, call RTC Administrative Services Officer Yesenia Parra at 831-460-3218.
The RTC has adapted the format of two meetings on March 19, a policy workshop and the interagency committee meeting, to be teleconferences.
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Yoga Within Offers Classes Online
Several teachers at Yoga Within in Aptos have moved their classes online, using an app called Zoom. Here is the message emailed by the owners:
“It’s very easy to use. More teachers are finalizing the technological details and will be offering their classes online soon as well.
Check the Yoga Within website’s schedule page for evolving details about classes you can take online. It’s free to install Zoom and then you can work out the payment details directly with your teacher.
We know many people in our community will be severely affected financially during these events. Please reach out, we want to continue to support you.”
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County Clerk: Services by Appointment Only
Effective Wednesday, March 18, the County Clerk’s office’s response to the COVID-19 spread will be to provide services by appointment ONLY. Contact 831-454-2060 to book an appointment. The services include: Passports, marriage licenses & ceremonies, professional registrations and other filings.
Wedding ceremonies can be booked online at www.sccoclerk.com. Ceremonies held in the wedding room will be limited to the couple and four guests. Weddings can be streamed live on the WedCam.
Fictitious Business Name filings can be done through the mail and customers are encouraged to use that method instead of coming to the office in person. Information is posted at www.sccoclerk.com.
“County government provides essential services,” County Clerk Gail Pellerin said. “Our plan is to continue to provide these essential services in accordance with the public health guidelines regarding cleaning surfaces, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, social distancing, and staying home if you are sick.”
This order is in effect until April 7. It may be extended depending on recommendations from public health officials.
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San Benito Open Studios Cancelled
Joyce Oroz writes: “Because of the times we live in, changing every day, Aromas Hills Artisans have decided to cancel their annual Garden Tour and participation in San Benito’s Open Studios.”
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Santa Cruz Police Adopt New Procedures
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills announced changes in operations March 17 to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- All requests to obtain police reports will now be made via phone ONLY. People can call Records at 831-420-5870.
- Officers may ask to speak with complainants outdoors when possible. We will try and keep a distance of 5-6 feet.
- Officers will have the discretion to handle some complaints by phone.
- Some thefts, frauds, or minor incidents (that are not in progress) may be triaged over the phone and determined if an additional in-person response is needed.
- Written statements can be emailed to officers.”
“If you can avoid having to summon a police officer, please do so. If your issue can wait, then please hold until this health crisis is over,” Mills said. “If calling for police services while experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, or respiratory distress, please notify the dispatch operators so first responders can take any necessary safety precautions before their arrival.”
He continued: “As a reminder, you can file many crime reports online, and we encourage citizens to utilize the online reporting system at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/police/report-a-crime/online-police-reporting-system. General business items will postpone until the immediacy of this crisis subsides.”