COVID-19 Resources
At San Mateo County Libraries, we want you to have the most up-to-date information about COVID-19. Below, we share trusted resources to keep you and your loved ones safe.
For non-medical, non-emergency information about the Coronavirus, the County of San Mateo is encouraging residents to dial 2-1-1. This confidential phone service is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week in 180 languages.
Remember that getting vaccinated, wearing a face covering and getting tested are the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Children 6 months to 5 years old are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more at smchealth.org/coronavirus, opens a new window.
The vaccine is our best opportunity to overcome the pandemic. By getting vaccinated, you will help keep our elders, children not yet eligible for the vaccine and other community members safe. This will allow us to return all aspects of community and family life back to normal where we can gather and have celebrations again. The pandemic has taught us that we are all connected, let’s honor that connection by keeping each other safe. Find out where you can get vaccinated through San Mateo County Health-sponsored sites:
smchealth.org/vaccine-clinic-calendar, opens a new window, visit the State’s site at MyTurn.Ca.Gov, opens a new window or call 833-422-4255
Children 6 months to 5 years old are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
Parents and caregivers of young children now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines should contact their pediatric provider to schedule an appointment.
Other options include Walgreens, opens a new window (for ages 3 and up) and CVS, opens a new window (for 18 months and older). Information is also available on MyTurn, opens a new window.
San Mateo County Health is providing COVID-19 vaccine for young children at targeted clinics in certain communities most impacted by the pandemic. San Mateo County Health is not offering or scheduling large-scale vaccination clinics for young children as they focus on those most in need.
County Health’s community clinics, opens a new window will continue to offer vaccines and boosters to residents 5 and older.
Please visit the county's COVID-19 Vaccination Program, opens a new window page to find the latest news.
Already received your vaccine? Request your digital record at the state's COVID-19 Vaccine Record Portal, opens a new window.
PCR Testing
Testing for COVID-19 is available for everyone who lives or works in San Mateo County. Help to stop the spread! If you have COVID-19 symptoms, opens a new window, please take advantage of one of the county’s free testing sites or contact your medical provider.
Learn about county testing and contact tracing efforts at smchealth.org/testing-contact-tracing, opens a new window
At-Home Rapid Testing
Residential households in the U.S. can order up to three sets of free at-home tests from special.usps.com/testkits, opens a new window
Those covered by private or group health insurance can be reimbursed for up to 8 over-the-counter at-home tests per month. Contact your health provider to learn more.
Who Can Apply?
Landlords who have income-eligible renters experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 with past due rent. Renters who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income.
How do I Apply?
To check eligibility requirements, apply or find a Local Partner Network organization who can assist you further, visit HousingIsKey.com, opens a new window or call 833-430-2122, toll free.
Did you know that you could receive financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses? FEMA is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress caused by COVID-19. Check to see if you're eligible here: fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance, opens a new window
Do you have a business in San Mateo County? Take a look at resources, opens a new window for everything including opening your business, financial relief, business continuity, and job opportunities.
In advance of the holiday season, the County of San Mateo and seven cities are asking shoppers to support local small business and rewarding those that do through a new points-based mobile app that lets them earn cash discounts at participating locations.
The Choose Local San Mateo County program is a way for both shoppers and businesses to benefit while helping the post-pandemic recovery.
Masks
Masks help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about keeping your friends and family safe here, opens a new window.
Outside your home
Are you looking for ways to spend time outside your home? Visit these state and county resources:
Can I spend time with people outside of my household?, opens a new window
Where can I go and what activities are allowed?, opens a new window
Do you need information and resources for youth? Below are resources from schooling to sports.
Find information about schools (as well as medical providers) for San Mateo County, opens a new window.
Find information about reopening schools from San Mateo County Office of Education., opens a new window
For information about youth sports, visit the state guidance on youth sports., opens a new window.
Do you have children in daycare? Find information about safety guidelines for daycares., opens a new window
Are you a senior? You may qualify for free delivery of meals, opens a new window.
Information on grocery, financial, or insurance help, opens a new window.
Do you need ideas of what to do at home? You can stream movies and music or download eBooks, check out a sewing machine, attend one of our virtual events, or learn something new with CreativeBug, which covers everything from drawing and painting to sewing, baking, canning and preserving.
The library offers free meals to community members at the East Palo Alto Library from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and the at Half Moon Bay Library from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 11:30 AM-12:30 PM on Saturdays.
Do you need help supporting your school aged child? Visit our Teacher and Student Resources page and find resources for teaching and learning from home, or check out our list of resources to help you talk to your child about COVID-19.
Want to learn more about COVID-19? Check out our list of books to keep you informed about the virus.
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