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Voice of OC - Orange County's Nonprofit Newsroom

Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/orange-county-unemployment-amidst-coronavirus/page/3/)

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Orange County Unemployment Amidst Coronavirus

OC Restaurants Set to Reopen in Weeks, According to Guidance Provided by Gov. Newsom

Orange County Coronavirus
By Spencer Custodio | May 8, 2020

OC’s dine-in restaurants can begin reopening in the coming weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday, despite OC lagging on state goals.

OC Supervisors Split on Reopening, Plan to Follow Gov. Newsom’s Orders

Orange County Coronavirus
By Spencer Custodio | May 6, 2020

Orange County Supervisors are becoming increasingly divided on how to approach reopening the economy. 

Anti-Stay Home Protests Growing in Orange County as Coronavirus Spreads

Orange County Coronavirus
By Spencer Custodio | April 24, 2020

Anti-stay home order protests are growing in Orange County, and the state, as people are demanding the orders be lifted so they can go back to work, despite the continued spread of the novel coronavirus that has killed 36 people out of 1,827 confirmed cases so far.

Pantries Increase Efforts to Feed County While Facing Challenges 

Orange County Coronavirus
By Hosam Elattar | April 24, 2020

In partnership with the City of Anaheim, Vineyard Anaheim Church will host a mobile food pantry at Brookhurst Community Center from 1-3 p.m on Saturday

Orange County Officials Studying How to Use $554 Million of Federal Relief Money

Orange County Coronavirus
By Spencer Custodio | April 23, 2020

Orange County officials are studying how to allocate the $554 million in federal relief funding to cities and programs as the novel coronavirus continues to slowly spread throughout the county, killing 36 people out of 1,827 confirmed cases.

OC Officials Play Catch Up on Testing, Protests Mount While Coronavirus Slowly Spreads

Countywide
By Spencer Custodio | April 23, 2020

Portions of the economy could begin reopening soon as hospitals haven’t been severely impacted by the novel coronavirus, like originally predicted. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced hospitals can resume non-virus related surgeries Wednesday. Meanwhile, Orange County sees 34 dead out of 1,753 infections.

Economic Pain and Frustration Grow in Orange County Under Stay Home Orders

By Spencer Custodio | April 17, 2020

Some Orange County residents are becoming increasingly frustrated with the state’s stay home orders during the novel coronavirus pandemic and are turning to protests while the virus has killed 28 people in OC as of Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, unemployment claims are reaching record highs.

Orange County Virus Cases Continue to Grow Alongside Economic Woes

Orange County Coronavirus
By Spencer Custodio | April 16, 2020

The novel coronavirus has now killed 25 people in Orange County out of 1,425 confirmed cases, nearly a month after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stay home order to help combat the spread of the virus, which also produced record-breaking numbers of unemployment claims. 

How to Volunteer During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Orange County Coronavirus
By Hosam Elattar | April 13, 2020

OneOC is managing Orange County’s Emergency Volunteer Center to support emergency response officials by directing those in the County who wish to help out to community based organizations in need of support. 

OC Property Taxpayers Might – or Might Not – Get Late Fees Waived for ‘Significant’ Income Loss from COVID

Orange County Coronavirus
By Nick Gerda | April 7, 2020

On Monday, OC’s property tax collector opened the door to waiving late fees in certain income loss scenarios, which she declined to define specifically.

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UNEMPLOYMENT

How can I file for unemployment?

The County of Orange offers a website with resources on filing for unemployment. It also lists a virtual phone line for people trying to call and reach the state's unemployment office (call 1-800-300-5616 between 8 a.m. and noon Monday-Friday).

The state unemployment website offers these links to see what program(s) you may qualify for if you are unemployed or have had your business impacted during the pandemic (or, this chart if you are not sure where to start):

  • Types of Claims
  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Benefits Calculator
  • California Training Benefits
  • Benefit Programs Online

The state also offers a few special programs during Coronavirus:

  • California is participating in the Lost Wages Assistance program. This will provide an additional $300 per week for people who receive at least $100 per week in unemployment benefits. If you qualify, payments are for weeks of unemployment dating back to July 26, even if you are paid later.
  • If you are getting a phone call from the EDD, your caller ID may show “St of CA EDD” or the UI call center numbers 1-833-978-2511 or 1-800-300-5616.
  • The federal CARES Act has added these provisions to expand unemployment benefits so we can help more Californians impacted by COVID-19:
    • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – New program to provide unemployment benefits for people who don’t usually qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance.
    • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation – A 13-week benefit extension for people who have used all benefits available in their regular Unemployment Insurance claim.
    • Pandemic Additional Compensation – An additional $600 federal stimulus payment automatically added to each week of benefits received between March 29 and July 25, 2020. Any unemployment benefits through July 25 will still be eligible for the extra $600, even if you are paid later.
  • If you use all your Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits, you may qualify for a FED-ED extension.
What other help is available?

The state offers a few specific pandemic programs for people out of work and struggling businesses:

  • Labor and Workforce Development Agency – Resources for employers and workers including workers’ compensation and paid sick leave.
  • Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQs – Employee leave options, compensation, and salary.
  • Department of Fair Employment and Housing – Job protection and employment discrimination.
  • OnwardCA – One-stop resource for Californians impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What food programs are available?

Voice of OC regularly writes about food pantries and other similar programs HERE.

The CalFresh Collaborative has a map showing available food programs.

FOOD INSECURITY »

  • Orange County Food Banks And Pantries Could Struggle To Keep Pace with 2021
  • Orange County Food Pantries Wrap Up 2020 With Holiday Food and Toy Distributions
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CORONAVIRUS »

As of Tuesday evening, Jan. 26, the OC Health Care Agency reports 1,365 new cases, 64 new deaths (2,768 cumulative) and 1,677 current hospitalizations (437 of those in ICU). As of the weekly update on Jan. 25, a total of 178,016 vaccination doses have been given (118,732 first doses and 59,284 second doses).

  • OC’s Coronavirus Vaccination Woes Continue, Some County Supervisors Lambast Rollout
How can I sign up for a vaccine?

For full details on the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County view our Voice of OC vaccine page that is constantly updated and has links of where to register for an appointment: http://bit.ly/occovidvaccine.

What is COVID-19? Do I have it?

INFORMATION View the CDC website. View OC's website. View the latest OC case counts.

TRANSLATIONS See the county's guides in non-English languages. Learn key Coronavirus facts in Vietnamese and Spanish via VietRise. See VietRISE guides in Spanish and Vietnamese.

PROTECTION To limit exposure, the CDC recommends: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when around others, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

SYMPTOMS The CDC identifies these key symptoms that can occur any time between 2 and 14 days after exposure: Fever or chills, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches,  headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect Coronavirus, CALL your primary medical provider.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS If you display any of the following emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

RISK The CDC identifies people most at risk for serious illness: Older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

What is open?

RESIDENTS The County of Orange offers a list of notices and news on what guidance is given for families and persons.

SCHOOLS The latest information for the county is available from the Orange County Board of Education.

STATE GUIDE TO WHAT IS OPEN A full list of statewide guidelines for what is open and what is closed.

SOCIAL DISTANCING Staying away from other people is called "social distancing." The aim is to SLOW the spread of Coronavirus so as to not overwhelm the nation's health care systems and so that people in need can get help. The Washington Post explains: "The spread (of COVID-19) can be slowed, public health professionals say, if people practice "social distancing" by avoiding public spaces and generally limiting their movement."

What support is available?

STRESS & ANXIETY Stress and anxiety can be triggered by the situation and resources are available to help from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and from the American Psychology Association. Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious, here are tips on talking with children about COVID-19.

MENTAL HEALTH The County of Orange offers a list of available mental health support services.

FIRST RESPONDERS The County of Orange offers these support services for first responders and health care workers.

BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS The County of Orange offers a list of up-to-date guidelines for business and faith-based/community organizations.

FOOD ASSISTANCE Voice of OC offers a weekly list of available food pantries in Orange County. You can also apply for food benefits over the phone through the CalFresh program at 800-281-9799 or online.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Buses and trains still offer service, but routes have been reduced so make sure to check your route ahead of time.

HOMELESSNESS The County of Orange offers a list of available shelter beds and other resources.

GENERAL FINANCIAL HELP Here are some services:

  •   • Find information on unemployment and disability benefits.
  •   • The Orange County Social Services Agency, despite closing its lobby, is processing online filings for assistance programs. This includes emergency cash assistance for immediate needs like rent or medical bills. The phone line has averaged a 30 minute wait time and offers a callback service, but people are encouraged to apply for benefits online.
  •   • Residents can apply for any of these programs by calling 800-281-9799.

RESTAURANT OWNERS & EMPLOYEES You can find a detailed list of resources available to restaurant owners and employees

How can I help?

VOLUNTEERING A statewide guide offers examples of ways to volunteer safely during Coronavirus. Options include, but are not limited to: donating plasma, making cloth face masks and supporting local food banks. Orange County's Second Harvest Food Bank lists support options online.

DONATIONS An Orange County Community Resilience Fund has been started through the OC Community Foundation to raise money for local nonprofits and volunteer organizations.

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