As we begin another week in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to provide you ongoing updates about San Francisco resources and opportunities available to you from the tech community and beyond.
This Wednesday, May 13, sf.citi Executive Director, Jennifer Stojkovic, will be talking to San Francisco Planning Director, Rich Hillis, about the impact of COVID-19 on San Francisco offices. Bring your lunch and join us for this virtual conversation about the future of our local office space market and what that means for the economic health of the City.
Register for Our COVID-19 Office Space Discussion
- 67,930 confirmed cases in California
- 2,717 confirmed deaths in California
- 9,819 confirmed cases in the Bay Area
*As of 9:00am PT on 5/11
COVID-19 Updates from the SF Tech Community
UPDATES FROM THE TECH COMMUNITY
Many sf.citi members have taken leadership on developing their own policies and strategies to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on their employees, customers, and the general public. We’ve listed the most recent tech-driven efforts below.
- Google.org is adding another $50 million to its COVID-19 response donations, now totaling a staggering $100 million. The funds will be used to provide cash grants to those in need through GiveDirectly, partner with the Opportunity Finance Network to help women- and minority-led businesses, and support distance learning efforts. The nonprofit arm of Google is also committing 50,000 hours from Google employees to assist with coronavirus-related initiatives.
- Waymo is contributing supplies and funds in the San Francisco Bay Area through San Francisco’s COVID-19 relief fund, Give2SF, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
More Tech Resources for COVID-19
UPDATES FROM THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
- On May 7, Mayor Breed and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax announced that some San Francisco businesses can reopen as early as March 18 with modifications. Retailers such as bookstores, florists, and music stores will be among the first businesses (full list here) allowed to resume operating with storefront pickup on May 18. Customers must continue to practice social distancing and wear face coverings when picking up from businesses. The Department of Public Health will develop additional guidelines for businesses that are consistent with the statewide guideline, all of which will be posted here.
- On May 5, Mayor Breed and San Francisco Public Works announced that 18 of San Francisco’s staffed Pit Stop public toilets will remain open 24 hours a day during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City now has 49 staffed 24-hour restroom locations throughout the City.
- On May 4, Mayor Breed and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax announced that all essential workers in San Francisco can receive COVID-19 testing, regardless of symptoms. Essential workers include people who “leave their homes to do their job and cannot maintain social distance or who interact with the public.” They do not a need a doctor’s note and can get tested through CityTestSF or at one of several testing locations in San Francisco.
To stay up to date with all City of San Francisco updates, follow the Mayor’s updates here.
UPDATES FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
- On May 8, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to send mail ballots to all registered voters in California for the November 2020 election. Although some physical voting locations will remain open, the mail-in option for all California voters is a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.
- On May 6, Governor Newsom launched a new website that allows Californians to find a COVID-19 test near them. Users can enter their current location, address, or zip code to find both state and community COVID-19 testing sites.
- On May 4, Governor Newsom announced that, starting May 8, California will enter stage 2 of a four-stage framework outlining the state’s gradual reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under stage 2, certain businesses can reopen as long as they follow guidelines provided by the state, which include conducting COVID-19 training for their employees and implementing disinfectant protocols. For now, many of the retail businesses allowed to reopen must offer curbside pickup and delivery.
To stay up to date with all State of California updates, follow the California Department of Health’s updates here.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Support efforts by Mayor Libby Schaaf and the Superintendent of Oakland Unified School District to close the digital divide. They are looking to fundraise $2.5 million to ensure that students have access to distance learning resources for the rest of the school year and summer. The City of Oakland has a long-term goal of raising $12.5 million, which would ensure that every Oakland student and family has permanent access to a computer and internet connection. Contact David Silver at dsilver@oaklandca.gov to help close the digital divide in Oakland.
- Donate to your local food banks. Mass unemployment caused by COVID-19 has families and children across the country going hungry. Consider supporting your local food banks and community through Feeding America, a nationwide hunger-relief charity.
More Ways to Help with COVID-19 Relief
GRATITUDE AMID COVID-19
sf.citi would like to recognize the many courageous San Franciscans holding our City together during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which other San Francisco heroes need recognition during these challenging times? Let us know by tagging sf.citi on Twitter (@sfciti ) or Instagram ( @sf.citi) and using the hashtag #OneCitySF, or by filling out the form below.
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