Dear Constituent,

Here's a recap of my April 30th Town Hall, which provided an update on the changes in the Bay Area's extended Stay at Home Order, some tips on how to access Pandemic Unemployment benefits (PUA), and a number of great volunteer opportunities here in the East Bay.

Revised Stay at Home Order

The Bay Area's revised Stay at Home Order takes effect May 4 and extends through May 31. Most of the previous rules remain in effect, but these activities can resume, with appropriate physical distancing and other safeguards:

• Workers in essential or allowed categories will be allowed to access childcare, day camps, or other educational/rec programs, and be able to employ someone in their home for childcare
• Nurseries, landscaping and gardening services, and other outdoor businesses
• Certain outdoor recreation such as skate parks, golf courses, tennis courts, and playing fields can be used. However, playgrounds, picnic areas, gyms, dog parks, and other shared spaces will remain closed
• All construction: housing and commercial
• All real estate transactions, with restrictions on open houses and limited tours

Details on the Order can be found on the health department websites of both Alameda and Contra Costa counties and on my Resource Page. Here is a frequently asked questions (FAQ) fact sheet .

Both Contra Costa and Alameda counties have also updated information about how and where to get Covid-19 tests. Many have asked about "antibody tests." Researchers at UC Berkeley and elsewhere have examined these tests and found that almost all are not reliable, having very high false positives and false negatives. For now, experts recommend to hold off trying to get an antibody test unless you are already enrolled in one of the studies currently being conducted. 

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was passed as part of the federal CARES Act. PUA benefits are available to self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and gig workers who are not eligible for traditional unemployment insurance or other state paid leave programs. You can apply for PUA benefits now on the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website.

The best way to apply for unemployment or PUA benefits is to do it online through the EDD website. There are two EDD call centers for those who experience difficulty with the EDD's online tool. NOTE: these call centers operate at different times, and are for specific purposes.

• If you have a general question, call this EDD number: 833-978-2511. It operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

• If you have already filed a claim and have a specific question about your claim, call this EDD number: 800-300-5616. It operates from 8 a.m. to noon weekdays.

The organization Legal Aid at Work has a great website that provides excellent information about unemployment benefits, paid family leave, sick leave, and other state and federal programs you may be eligible for.

Volunteer Opportunities

• The city of Oakland is hosting the "Great Oakland Check-In" this Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m.  Volunteers will offer an hour or two of their time to make weekly calls to vulnerable seniors and families who may be in need of meals or other resources. To sign up, go to bit.ly/GreatOaklandCheckIn
• East Bay 211: 211 is a hotline that connects callers to locally specific health, food, housing, and many other programs. 211 is operated by the United Way along with local organizations. Volunteers are needed, and you can field calls from your own home. To volunteer for East Bay 211, dial 211 and inform them you want to volunteer, or email CStahl@edenir.org.
• Census 2020: Many of our East Bay neighbors have not yet completed the Census. An inaccurate count means we could lose a local Congressional seat and millions of federal dollars in Medi-Cal and other funding. Alameda County's Census 2020 has organized phone banks to call local households that have not yet responded. To volunteer for Alameda County, click here or email Alessia.Simmonds@acgov.org or click here to volunteer for Contra Costa County.
• The City of Richmond has started "Stay Engaged" to link those who want to help to organizations in need like West Contra Costa Schools to help with daily lunch distribution, the Greater Richmond Interfaith Project, and more.
• Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano counties has experienced a huge increase in demand. They especially need volunteers to sort and bag fruits and vegetables. Click here to volunteer.
• HelpBerkeley.org is a new grassroots nonprofit that delivers restaurant-made meals to Albany, Berkeley, and Kensington seniors and other neighbors at risk. Click here to volunteer.
• The Bay Area Red Cross is operating blood donation sites and needs both blood donors and local organizations, like churches or others, willing to host a blood drive. To get involved, click here.
• Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound seniors. To volunteer in Alameda County, click here, and for Contra Costa County, go here.
• And the city of San Leandro has created a "Volunteer Hub" for residents.

An audio recording of my 5th COVID-19 Town Hall where these resources were described will be available soon on my Covid-19 Resource Page. I hope this information is helpful to you. It's an honor serving you in the state Senate.

Sincerely,

Nancy Skinner
Senator, 9th District