COVID-19 Update
There are 82 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 6,461 new tests performed.
There have been 3 additional deaths: 58 year old female, 65 year old male and 77 year old female.
Current doubling time is 1235.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .7 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .82 right now.
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RENTAL RELIEF
Funding for this program comes from $2.6 billion in federal rental assistance, with Ventura County designated to receive $52.2 million, which includes $39.3 million allocated to Ventura County and $12.9 million for the City of Oxnard. Ventura County is collaborating with the City of Oxnard to support this state-administered emergency rental assistance program, along with several community organizations that have contracted with the state to conduct local outreach to assist residents with the application process through in-person appointments in multiple languages.
“We are extremely grateful for our community partners as we jointly work to serve those throughout the County who are still struggling from this pandemic,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Together we have built an infrastructure to help get relief to both property owners and tenants with a focus on equity.”
Landlords who participate in the COVID?19 Rent Relief program can receive reimbursement for 80 percent of their eligible renters’ unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, if they agree to waive the remaining 20 percent of their unpaid rent from that same time. Eligible renters can also apply on their own to receive 25 percent of their unpaid rent that was accrued during the same 12 months, even if their landlord doesn’t participate. Some tenants may also be able to receive assistance to cover 100 percent of utilities for the past year and 25 percent of future rent when eviction protections expire.
To be eligible, tenants must make 80 percent or less of their location’s area median income (AMI), which is an annual income of $72,300 for a household of two. The state will prioritize those making below 50 percent of the local AMI, which is $45,200 for a household of two, and those recently unemployed. Applications are not first-come, first-served but will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
“Outreach to this rental assistance program will be key. We are currently working with our community partners in locating vulnerable tenants in pockets throughout our county to communicate with them effectively about this available rent and utility relief,” said Melissa Livingston, Director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency. “This program is really tailored to address the inequities of those most disadvantaged communities.”
Tenants and landlords can apply online at HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122 seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Assistance at the call center is provided in multiple languages with case managers available to help applicants in providing all the documents and information necessary to complete the application. Those needing further technical assistance filling out the application can contact one of the local partnering community organizations listed at https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/partner_resources.html.
Community members are encouraged to help spread the word about this opportunity.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to expand to 50+ April 1 and 16+ April 15
The State of California has announced that vaccine eligibility will expand April 1 to those 50 or older and to those 16 or older April 15. “This is exciting news for our residents. The County is aligning itself with the State on this expanded rollout and we are hopeful more vaccines will be coming soon so appointments can be secured,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks.
The County received 14,090 vaccines during the week of March 22. Appointments for 1st and 2nddoses quickly filled. The number of community members who are currently eligible exceeds the amount of vaccines provided to the County. The next shipment will include 18,000 doses. More than 36% of eligible community members have received the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 360,000 vaccine doses have been administered.
“We are eager to expand eligibility and have built the capacity to get the vaccines administered quickly but supply continues to be an issue. Several hundred thousand community members will be eligible by mid-April. We hope that the expansion of the eligibility will match the supply from the State,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.
The vaccine appointment system is transitioning to the state’s My Turn platform. All County sites will be on the new system by March 27. My Turn requires individuals who sign up for a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) to schedule both appointments together at myturn.ca.gov. They will receive a confirmation via email or text that includes appointment information along with a confirmation code. Instructions are included in these confirmations on how to cancel or change appointments. For those who don’t have access to email or text messaging, they can schedule and confirm appointments via the MyTurn phone line at 833-422-4255. The My Turn support line also assists in answering basic questions and looking up appointments to confirm details.
Anyone who had registered for their first dose on VC Recovers will need to make their corresponding second dose appointment the same way when eligible at www.venturacountyrecovers.org. All sites are still by appointment only for eligible groups that live or work in Ventura County. The County’s current assistance line 805-477-7161 may continue to support the community in making second dose appointments. Community members making new appointments for 1 st and 2 nd dose will need to call the My Turn phone line.
“We’re concerned it may be frustrating to many people anxious to get this vaccine with what is still relatively limited supply. We’ll make every dose available as soon as we get it,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.
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Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Matching Fund Opportunity for COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Amgen Foundation to contribute $300,000 in matching support to
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura County Community Foundation donors have granted out an incredible $14 million to support local small businesses, individuals and families in need, our essential workers, and our indispensable nonprofits on the front lines.
This crisis is not over! As the current health and economic challenges continue, so do community needs. This is evident by the increase in services from Ventura County Community Foundation partner, FOOD Share Inc. whose organization has gone from serving meals to 75,000 people per month to 150,000 per month since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To meet the demand for support, Amgen Foundation has announced it will contribute another $300,000 in matching funds to VCCF’s Rapid Response Fund.
“Over the next 6-8 weeks, our goal is to raise a total of $600,000 with the help of these matching dollars,” said Vanessa Bechtel, President and CEO. “We are so profoundly grateful to the Amgen Foundation for their partnership over the last year and their continued generosity in supporting COVID-19 relief efforts.”
Funds raised from the matching campaign will benefit local nonprofit organizations addressing the ongoing needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care, and more related to COVID-19.
As a critical partner in the launch of the Rapid Response Fund for Ventura County in March 2020, the Amgen Foundation has been there to propel this vital community-wide effort since the very beginning.
“This new $300K grant brings the Amgen Foundation’s support of VCCF’s Rapid Response Fund to $1M. We commend VCCF for its ongoing/steadfast efforts to address the enormous challenges faced by our community, particularly supporting local small businesses, individuals, families and our essential workers,” said Eduardo Cetlin, president of the Amgen Foundation.
To date, funds raised and distributed through the Ventura Rapid Response Fund have aided:
- 385 seniors through the delivery of 150,753 meals with Conejo Valley Senior Concerns
- Close to 500 families on the verge of homelessness with direct cash support to help pay essential bills through the Southeast Ventura County YMCA
- Close to 3,000 undocumented families, mostly farmworkers and local service workers with direct cash assistance for rent and basic needs
- 3,500 farmworker families impacted by COVID-19 with safe housing
- More than 2,000 local small businesses directly supported by the Economic Development Collaborative and Women’s Economic Ventures
- 150,000 people in need of food each month, through the support of FOOD Share Inc.
- 83 local Veterans navigating housing insecurity through the support of Gold Coast Veterans
- Over 6,400 families coping with school closures by providing safe environments for learning, including providing lunches and additional support services through Safe Passage, local YMCAs and Boys & Girls Club
“Over the coming weeks, we have an opportunity to raise vital funds for our community members still facing urgent need,” said Bechtel, “Ventura County is a place of deep compassion with a desire to help our neighbors. Time and again, we have come together in incredible ways, and I know we can continue our efforts together.”
To support the Rapid Response Fund during this critical matching period, VCCF welcomes financial contributions from individuals, organizations, companies, and institutions. Donations can be made at VCCF.org.
VCCF will not charge any administrative fees for this fund, 100% of donations will be awarded based on the criteria of the fund.
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Vaccine Information
How to make an appointment:
The vaccine appointment system is transitioning to the state’s My Turn platform. All County sites will be on the new system by March 27. My Turn requires individuals who sign up for a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) to schedule both appointments together at myturn.ca.gov. They will receive a confirmation via email or text that includes appointment information along with a confirmation code. Instructions are included in these confirmations on how to cancel or change appointments. For those who don’t have access to email or text messaging, they can schedule and confirm appointments via the MyTurn phone line at 833-422-4255. The My Turn support line also assists in answering basic questions and looking up appointments to confirm details.
Anyone who had registered for their first dose on VC Recovers will need to make their corresponding second dose appointment the same way when eligible at www.venturacountyrecovers.org. All sites are still by appointment only for eligible groups that live or work in Ventura County. The County’s current assistance line 805-477-7161 may continue to support the community in making second dose appointments. Community members making new appointments for 1st and 2nd dose will need to call the My Turn phone line.
Keeping it local: COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are for those that live or work in Ventura County. Those who do not live or work in Ventura County will be turned away at their vaccine appointment. The State’s My Turn platform allows anyone from anywhere to make an appointment. Please share with any out of County friends or family that a person must show proof of living or working in our County to get vaccinated at one of our sites.
Eligibility: COVID-19 Vaccines are available for adults age 65 and older, healthcare, food and agriculture, education and childcare, emergency services, qualifying regional center family caregivers and those 16-64 with serious health conditions. More information at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.
Expands to 50+ age group April 1 and 16+ April 15.
The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.
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2nd Dose Appointment
After receiving your first dose, you will become eligible for your second dose after a waiting period of 21 days if you received Pfizer and 28 days if you received Moderna.
You do not need to receive your second dose on the exact date you become eligible. You have a window of 6 weeks from getting your first dose to receive your second dose. Please do not schedule your second dose earlier than recommended. Refer to your vaccination card, which will list the date you received your first dose.
Appointments open weekly. There are two ways to secure a 2nd dose appointment:
2) You can also call the registration hotline 805-477-7161. This hotline is intended for those with limited access to the internet.
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COVID Business Assistance Grant Webinars
Click on a date below to register
BASIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• Must have a physical location and operations in Ventura County
• Must have been in business prior to 2021
• Annual gross revenue must be between $25,000 and $2.5 million
• Must have not received a County of Ventura COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant in 2020 (prior grant recipients are not eligible to apply).
• Nonprofit organization must be qualified as exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19)
• Churches and other faith-based institutions may apply
All eligibility, use of funds, required documentation and additional information can be reviewed at www.VCbusinessgrants.org or call 888.405.1004
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