Monthly Archives: August 2021

About the COVID-19 Delta Variant

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The latest information about COVID-19 has been heavily focused on the Delta variant, which is now the predominant strain of the virus globally. Earlier this year, COVID cases in the United States were declining as more people got vaccinated. With the new dominance of the Delta variant, COVID cases are spiking nationwide and putting severe strain on hospitals. The amount of information surrounding the virus and how to protect yourself is constantly evolving and can be overwhelming. So here are some important points regarding this more dangerous Delta variant.

The Delta variant is more contagious – The Delta variant is significantly more contagious than earlier strains of the virus, about twice as much as previous variants, and causes more infections.

It seems to cause more severe symptoms – Though COVID symptoms are the same, the Delta variant appears to be causing worse symptoms at a faster rate. Studies also suggest that patients infected with the Delta variant are more likely to be hospitalized than with previous strains.

Unvaccinated people are at greatest risk – Because this strain is more contagious and volatile, those who have not been vaccinated are more likely to contract the virus, suffer more severe symptoms, and spread it to others over a longer period of time. Though there are rare cases of vaccinated people getting COVID infections, their symptoms are far less severe and they are contagious for less time.

The CDC recommends masks for EVERYONE in crowded settings and public indoor spaces – For areas with substantial or high transmission, which is currently the vast majority of the United States, the CDC recommends that everyone, including vaccinated people, utilize masks in crowded environments and indoor public settings. You can view Delta variant hot spots and transmission rates on the CDC website.

Vaccination is the best defense against COVID-19 – Even though there have been rare cases of vaccinated people being infected, their symptoms have been milder than for unvaccinated patients. Vaccines are still widely available and FREE for everyone age 12 or older, even without insurance.

Find out where to get vaccinated by calling 833-422-4255 or visiting myturn.ca.gov.

Learn more about COVID-19, vaccines, and the Delta variant at www.cdc.gov.

Fire Season Means Fire Safety

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We’re nearing the end of the hot summer weather in California, but we are still in the midst of wildfire season. Given that the fires seem to start sooner, last longer and cause more damage each year, now is a great time for a reminder on some basic fire safety.

Smoke Alarms – Install smoke alarms if you don’t have them and check that those you do have are working. Make sure you have good batteries in the alarms and consider also getting carbon monoxide alarms in sleeping areas.

Gather dry brush and debris on your property – While it may just seem like an eyesore, dead, dried out leaves and brush around your home can be a fire risk. Clearing them out can make your space look nicer and reduce hazards.

Always be careful with flammables – There are so many easy ways to start an unintentional fire in your home. Unattended candles, hot plates, and even flammable materials, like a dishrag, too close to the stove. It is always good practice to carefully supervise any flame or heating elements when in use, and always be sure they are completely off or extinguished after use.

California COVID-19 Rental Relief Program

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On June 28, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that expanded on the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act. Under the new law, tenants that owe rent accumulated from September 1, 2020 are protected from eviction through September 30, 2021, provided that the primary cause was financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Renters must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income of their respective county to qualify. In order to apply, they must submit a completed declaration of COVID-19 hardship, as well as proof of lost wages and an attempt to receive unemployment benefits. If you submit a declaration, 25% of the past due rent must be paid before September 30, 2021 for the eviction protections to apply.

Owners of rental properties may also apply on behalf of tenants that qualify. Under the new law, rental owners will receive 100% of past rent owed by qualifying tenants, and starting October 1, 2021, they must verify that they attempted to receive assistance through the program before proceeding with an eviction.

Renters and landlords can access the application online at www.housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/ .