Our Community’s Response to COVID-19

By Zach Friend

The community is faced with an unprecedented set of challenges in regards to COVID-19. From the very real health and economic impacts to the social and emotional challenges associated with pandemic, we must rely on each other’s response and help shape the duration and destiny of the impacts the virus. Now more than ever we must heed the advice of county public health experts, local medical, epidemiological and public safety professionals in regards to how we can best participate in controlling the spread of coronavirus.

As a community, it’s important to acknowledge a few things. First, things will get worse before they get better. We are entering (at the time of this article running and into the next month) a period where the potential for the county’s hospitals and health facilities becoming overwhelmed is a distinct possibility. The governor is anticipating the shelter in place order to last at least until May (and possibly longer). 

Additionally, many reading this article have lost their job or had a family member lose their job — putting additional strains on families in a community where the cost of living is already one of the highest in the country. The economic rebuild out of this challenge may take a while and depends upon the duration of the virus and the efficacy of some of the new state and federal infusions that should be arriving soon. 

But it’s also important to acknowledge that the future is not yet written. Each of us can play a large role in preventing the spread of the virus and as a direct result shortening the duration of any health and economic impacts in our community.

Here are some things we can do in response to support our families, friends and neighbors during this time.

1. Property tax dates are set by the state and therefore can’t be changed locally. However, the local Treasurer/Tax Collector has the ability to waive fees and interest if you are unable to pay due to the COVID-19 impacts. You can apply for this from the County’s website www.santacruzcounty.us – go to the Tax Collector’s website and select “Application for Tax Penalty Cancellation” from their main page.
2. Support local nonprofits helping vulnerable populations. Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank, Grey Bears and others need donations and volunteers. Information is available on their websites. If you need their services, you can visit their websites for requests.
3. Support our front-line health care and public safety professionals. The most important response from us is to maintain socially distancing and adhere to the shelter in place order — so that we minimize the likelihood we will need their help (which also places them at additional risk). If you or your networks have access to personal protective equipment, N95 masks or other items, there is a significant shortage and our local health care workers need this equipment.
4. Follow the guidelines set forth and updated daily at www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus. You can also call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m for a staffed hotline
5. Small businesses and their employees are at risk of losing their livelihoods. You can support local restaurants by ordering food for take-out and delivery. Please allow the food delivery to be non-contact by knock and leaving the food at the door. Ordering gift certificates from your favorite local retailers could allow them to stay in business until after restrictions are lifted.
6. Please try to avoid spreading false information. Check the source and focus on government health guidance.
7. Call your healthcare provider if you have fever, cough and respiratory difficulties before you visit your doctor — they will guide you to the appropriate next steps.
8. Finally, health is not determined by a single disease. Take time away from news to walk, sleep, eat healthy foods and care for yourself and your loved ones. Participate in community virtually — with livestream faith services and Zoom video discussions with friends and family. Be kind. It does not do you or our healthcare system any good to replace one healthcare threat with others.

We are a community that has come through many natural disasters — from earthquakes to fires and floods. We are exceptionally resilient and resourceful and I have complete confidence our response will tap into that to pull us through this — as a community.

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As always, if you need anything please feel free to call me at 454-2200 or email me at [email protected]