by Peter Weinberger | pweinberger@claremont-courier.com

It’s easy to tell when driving through Claremont that something just isn’t right. First of all, it’s cold and rainy, with cold temperatures on tap for the next week. And everything is also very quiet—fewer cars, less people, and even plenty of parking in the hardest spots in the Village.

There are many business owners who want to remain open, especially those who operate restaurants and are ready to prepare takeout orders. There will be limits on groceries you can purchase, but shelves are being restocked, leaving no need to hoard whatsoever…. even toilet paper!

Because news is on a 24/7 schedule, we will hear over and over similar dire facts. Turn that TV off and read a book or tackle a home project you’ve been putting off. In an effort to encourage social distancing, cities will close business, except for the essentials we all need. We are going to make it through this, but we have to listen to health officials. 

Los Angeles County has only one confirmed death of someone with coronavirus, but as of Monday, 94 others have tested positive. That’s a very low number given the 10 plus million who live here. Southern Californians are off to a good start, but we have to work our way through this patiently. It will get worse in hotspots before it gets better, but it’s going to get better. 

Stay safe out there.

Coronavirus online resources

Here’s the latest information from the LA Department of Health. 

• COVID-19 Website
• What You Need to Know About COVID-19
• What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19

Federal Support

• Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide up to $2M in Disaster Assistance Loans to businesses impacted by COVID-19. More
• SBA Guidance for employers to plan and respond to COVID-19.
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan, prepare and respond to coronavirus. More
• Department of Labor – OSHA- Check out this guide – Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. Download.

State Support

• Employment Development Department (EDD) – Reduced Work Hours – Unemployment Insurance Work Sharing Program – alternative to layoffs. Employer Info
• EDD Tax Assistance – request a 60-day extension to file payroll and more. Call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center 1-888-745-3886 (toll-free). More from EDD>>>
• CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBANK)- Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP), Jump Start Loan Program and more.
• Department of Industrial Relations- Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus. Review the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) and required protection.