If you are having difficulty with paying rent, see below for news & resources related to COVID-19.
There is also a credit card option to pay through your online portal at Payments.RPM101.com.
If you have a financial hardship related to COVID-19, you may request a payment plan by emailing Support@RealHumboldt.com with as much detail as possible OR fill out this form > CLICK HERE: Request for Accommodation for COVID-19
NOTE: Even if you are on an Approved Payment Plan, you may still receive routine notifications of the balance due.
RPM Statement 3/21/20
The US Government and independent agencies are working to provide various financial resources as a result of this pandemic, but, without a COVID-19 related payment plan, rent is still due and payable as outlined in your Rental Agreement. Please see a list of Rent Assistance Resources here.
NOTE: RPM is not affiliated with any of the listed parties/agencies, nor is involved in completing any applications involved in requesting assistance.
THE LATEST NEWS:
3/19/20 - DHHS News Conference announcing Shelter in Place Executive Order begining at 12 am tonight and expiring April 9th.
3/18/20 - Treasurer Fiona Ma Offers Resources to Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19 -
3/18/20 - California Releases New COVID-19 Guidance for K-12 Schools - read more here.
3/18/20 - Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Allow Timely Delivery of Vital Goods During COVID-19 Outbreak
3/18/20 - Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Protect Ongoing Safety Net Services for Most Vulnerable Californians During COVID-19 Outbreak
3/18/20 - Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Protect Renters and Homeowners During COVID-19 Pandemic
3/17/20 - Local Health Officials Provide Information on Social Distancing
Many Humboldt County residents are seeking additional guidance on recommended social distancing measures following school and business closures across the county. Read more about COVID-19 Social Distancing (PDF)
3/17/20 - Public Health Lab Report
*Numbers below do not reflect testing by commercial laboratories.
People tested before the Public Health Laboratory came online March 7:
• 6 tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or California Department of Public Health
People whose tests were run by the Public Health Laboratory:
• 28
Results Summary to date:
• 34 total patients tested
o 1 positive, cleared
o 1 inconclusive, cleared
o 32 negative
Current test capacity:
• Public Health currently has a total capacity of approximately 195 tests and can process 20 samples a day with an approximate turnaround time of 48 hours.
3/17/20 - COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
3/17/20 - Contact the Humboldt County Joint Information Center with COVID-19 Questions
Do you have questions about COVID-19? Email the Humboldt County Joint Information Center at COVIDlnfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or call 707-441-5000.
¿Tienen preguntas acerca de COVID-19? Mande correo electrónico al Centro de lnformación Conjunta COVIDlnfo@co.humboldt.ca.us o llame 707-441-5000.
3/16/20: Bay Area Counties Call for “Shelter in Place” - Read more here.
3/16/20: Governor Newsom orders new restrictions (Closure of Bars, Wineries, night clubs and brew pubs, 50% reduced occupancy at restaurants) - Read more here.
2/20/20: First case of COVID-19 confirmed in Humboldt County
STAY UP TO DATE:
Humboldt County Office of Education school status list
City of Arcata Covid-19 updates & information
The California Department of Public Health issued new guidance on its website including information for businesses and employers.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY RESOURCES:
North Coast Small Business Development Center Resource Page
HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, COVID-19 FROM ST JOSEPH HEALTH
Please call ahead before coming in person to one of our physician clinics, urgent care centers or emergency departments. You can find phone numbers for our providers and locations at www.stjosephhealth.org.
See a provider virtually using Express Care Virtual*. With this service, you can visit with one of our providers via online video from the comfort of your home, seven days a week.
Click here to print eVisit flyer
Use our new online coronavirus assessment tool. We developed this “chat” tool to help you assess your risk and to connect you with a provider virtually if you are at a higher risk for the virus.
By calling ahead or connecting with us online, we can talk with you about seeking care, including options for testing, while minimizing the risk of exposing yourself or others through an in-person visit.
For more helpful tips visit the St Joseph's Coronavirus site
STATE OF CALIFORNIA RESOURCES:
Free Business Coaching
Avoid layoffs and closures here: https://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8714rrb.pdf
Health & Safety of your Workplace
Read CAL/OSHA Guidelines on protecting your workers in the workplace from COVID-19: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/Health-Care-General-Industry.html
Loans
Businesses with 750 employees or less may access loans from the State’s Small Business Finance Center (SBFC): https://www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business-finance-center/
Tax Assistance
Employers may request a 60 day-extension of time from the Employment Development Department (EDD) within 60 days of any delinquent payment
https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Unemployment Insurance
Employers can apply for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing Program if reduced production, services or other conditions cause layoffs:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/Work_Sharing_Program.htm
Sick or Quarantined
If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.
The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect DI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim. For guidance on the disease, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
Caregiving
If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.
Reduced Work Hours
Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs. Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.
Potential Closure or Layoffs
Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM.
FEDERAL RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS:
Loans for Small Businesses (SBA)
The Small Business Administration has announced that California small businesses are eligible to apply for direct SBA loans. Congress is considering providing a special loan program through the banks; however, that is not yet finalized. For now, all businesses seeking a loan need to apply directly to the SBA.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Businessownerspace.com is partnering with AnewAmerica, MBDA, SBDC, and SCORE to help prepare loan paperwork. Additional information about the loans is available from the SBA.
Free Business Counseling: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/
IRS RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
The IRS has set up a special section to help taxpayers and businesses affected by COVID-19. The page will be updated as new programs are made available. Learn more here.
RESOURCES FOR THE HOTEL & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY:
• California Travel Association
https://www.caltravel.org/covid19-industry-resources
• Visit California
https://industry.visitcalifornia.com/marketing-communications/coronavirus
• California Hotel & Lodging Association
https://calodging.com/coronavirus-information-resources
•U.S. Travel Association
https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/emergency-preparedness-and-response-coronavirus-covid-19
ABOUT COVID-19
Background
An outbreak of respiratory illness, now known to be caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, was first identified in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. This novel coronavirus disease has been given the name COVID-19, and the World Health Organization (WHO) now characterized it as a global pandemic.
Please click here for a summary from the CDC on the source of this disease.
A real-time map tracking COVID-19 cases worldwide can be found here.
About Coronaviruses
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause respiratory illness in people, ranging from mild common colds to severe illnesses. Novel coronaviruses are new strains of the virus that have not been previously identified in humans.
The disease caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus strain does not appear to be as severe as other coronaviruses, such as SARS. According to the WHO, illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, the virus can cause serious illness. About 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care, therefore it is quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
The WHO is still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, and older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
Please click here for more information on coronaviruses provided by the WHO.
How Does COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19 is believed to be spread mainly by coughing, sneezing or by having close contact (within about 6 feet) with someone who is sick or with surfaces they have recently touched.
COVID-19 is not believed spread like measles (traveling through the air over long distances and times) at this time.
It can be spread person-to-person through larger droplets of fluid, like from a cough or sneeze, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth.
Please click here for more information on how the virus spreads.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to the flu or other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms have been known to present themselves between 1-14 days following exposure.
The most common symptoms include fever, a dry cough and extreme tiredness. Some patients have experienced aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. COVID-19 symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but do not develop symptoms or feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) have recovered from the disease without needing special treatment. However, COVID-19 can cause serious illness.
Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Those who are older, and those with other medical problems are more likely to develop serious a illness like pneumonia, and there is a risk of death in severe cases of COVID-19.
People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing are advised to seek medical attention. For more information provided by the CDC, please click here.
What Do I Do If I Think I Have COVID-19?
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing and have traveled outside of the US or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, please call a medical provider immediately.
Do not go to a physician’s office, a health care facility or lab without consulting with them by phone to arrange for testing.
If you are severely ill and in need of immediate medical attention call 911 and inform them that you may have COVID-19.
How Can I Prevent COVID-19 from Spreading?
There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The following steps are recommended to help protect you and your loved ones against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19:
Follow recommended guidelines on social distancing. Avoid large events, small gatherings and situations where you are in close contact with people who could be ill and not yet experiencing symptoms.This is where transmission of the virus is most likely.
Seniors age 65 and older should stay home even if feeling well.
Stay home if you are feeling sick or if you have a fever.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow, and throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately.
Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are ill.
Do not visit senior centers or health care facilities if you are feeling ill.
Call a medical provider and self-isolate at home if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Do not go directly to a health care provider, call first to arrange for testing.
If you are severely ill and in need of immediate medical attention call 911 and inform them that you may have COVID-19.
Please click here for more information from the CDC.