What is COVID19?

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath.

For Additional information and answers to common questions visit: 

• Web: Santa Barbara County Public Health
• Call:  Dial 2-1-1 24/7, or 833-688-5551 M-F 8AM – 5PM
• Text: Your Zip Code to 898-211

For immediate medical emergency Dial 9-1-1

  COVID19 SBC Resources

County public counters are closed or closing until further notice. However, most departments have online, mail, fax, phone & drop boxes to continue accessing programs & services. Refer to a list of changes as of today posted at http://www.countyofsb.org/asset.c/5272

Financial Relief and Support from Companies: 

•  AT&T: Provides flexible payment options for COVID19 impacted customers to keep service including cellphones, television and internet running. Make payment arrangements 800-288-2020
• Bank of America: offers personalized financial assistance through its Client Assistance Program and can be reached at 844-219-0690.
• Chase Bank: Announced its efforts to help its customers affected by COVID19 and is encouraging customers to call a special care line at 888-356-0023 to discuss available hardship programs.
• Wells Fargo Bank: Committed to helping customers experiencing hardships, including from the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). If in need of assistance, customers can call 800-219-9739 to speak with a trained specialist to discuss options available for their consumer lending, small business and deposit products.
• Sprint: is offering payment options to qualified customers through its financial team to keep customers affected by COVID19 connected. Additionally GB will be provided at no cost call 888-211-4727 or visit sprint.com for more information.
•  T-Mobile: is providing payment options for customers affected by COVID19. Customers can call T-Mobile Customer Care to discuss options at 611 from a T-Mobile device or 877-746-0909 from any phone.
• U.S Bank: Customers are encouraged to visit the U.S. Bank coronavirus webpage or contact our designated line at 888-287-7817 to speak with a customer service representative about products or customer assistance programs that may be available, including mortgage relief options. Visit: https://www.usbank.com/splash/covid-19.html
•  Verizon: is offering flexible payment options and a “Promise to Pay” program for customers which can be set up in the My Verizon app or website, or available by calling 866-266-1445.
• CapitalOne: Customers affected by COVID19 may be eligible for assistance, of which will vary on the type of product they have and their individual needs. For more information visit: https://www.capitalone.com/coronavirus/
• Citibank: Customers affected by COVID19 may be eligible for waived fees, credit line increase and some mortgage customers can be eligible for hardship programs for more information visit: https://online.citi.com/US/JRS/pands/detail.do?ID=covid19
• COX: Due to the Coronavirus crisis increased access and speed is free to  low-income internet service Connect2Compete. New Connect2Compete customers will receive their first month of service free. Additional support available for customers call : 844-221-3930  or Visit : https://www.cox.com/residential/support/coronavirus-response.html?campcode=tnt-home-alert

 Additional Resource Information: 

Protect Yourself Financially from Coronavirus: Resources to protect yourself financially during COVID19: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/

Employment Development Department: The EDD provides a variety of support services (workers, caregiving, reduced work hours and self employed) to individuals affected by COVID-19 in California. For more information visit: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

DMV: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)  California law enforcement exercises discretion for 60 days in their enforcement of driver license and vehicle registration expiration dates beginning March 16, 2020. For more information visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/2020/2020_12

California Taxes: More time to file, for California taxpayers affected by the COVID19  pandemic:  http://www.oesnews.com/more-time-to-file-pay-for-california-taxpayers-affected-by-the-covid-19-pandemic/

IRS: The IRS has temporarily closed all Taxpayer Assistance Centers and discontinued face-to-face service throughout the country until further notice. The IRS is continuing to process tax returns, issue refunds and help taxpayers to the greatest extent possible. More information here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Price Gouging: It is illegal to increase prices, for more information on Price Gouging Law see PDF to report call : 805-568-2300 and file a complaint : English Form, Spanish Form

The Economic Development Collaborative: Compiled list of resources available for employees and employers who have been impacted by COVID-19: https://edcollaborative.com/covid19/

Business Owners and Employees: Federal, state and local assistance programs are available to small business owners, employers, employees and residents. Visit: readySBC.org/EconomicRecovery

 More information will be posted as available.