Resources for the COVID Pandemic

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By Pedro Hernandez

In the past weeks we have seen many local communities affected by the COVID, including three major health center outbreaks. With detections increasing each day, it is difficult to affirmatively say when society will return to “normal.’ Until we reach that point, the Ivanhoe Sol is providing several resources that Ivanhoe and Tulare County residents can utilize as we all navigate the pandemic.

Tulare County’s first COVID detection occured on March 11th and as of April 26th, there are nearly three million cases worldwide with 504 cases in Tulare County. Just south, Kern County has 809 cases while Fresno has 458. Interestingly enough, Kings County has a much smaller count of 67 detections. According to the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, the analysis of Tulare County’s COVID cases is as follows:

  • 504 – Total positive cases
    • 27 – Travelers
    • 348 – Person to Person/Contact
    • 129 – Unknown/Under Investigation
    • 94 – Recovered Cases
    • 32 – Deaths
  • 566 – Under self-quarantine and being monitored by Tulare County Public Health officials
  • Age Groups
    • 28 – Ages 0 – 17
    • 48 – Ages 18 – 25
    • 114 – Ages 26 – 40
    • 145 – Ages 41 – 64
    • 169 – Ages 65+

Resources for Domestic Violence 

Although many of us are sheltering in place to stay safe from the COVID, some community members may be at higher risks of domestic violence. A press release from California Attorney General Zavier Becerra dated April 13th, 2020 states,”

During this crisis, we’re all working to do our part to help flatten the curve to keep our communities safe.That means staying at home and listening to guidance provided by state and local public health officials. Unfortunately, home isn’t always a safe place – that’s why it’s crucial that we all have the tools necessary to protect ourselves and our loved ones. There’s never an excuse for violence against an intimate partner. My office is grateful to all those who continue to work to support survivors of abuse during these trying times. We may be physically apart, but nobody is alone.”

The Attorney General’s office then provided numbers and organizations for community members who may be affected or may be in need of resources to contact. This list includes

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
    • Website: https://rainn.org/ (online chat available)
    • Phone: 1-800-656-4673 (1-800-656-HOPE)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
  • The Victims of Crime Resource Center 

Stimulus Checks

In March, a federal spending package was approved to provide economic relief for households in the county. This month, the Internal Revenue Service created a new website to track the status of your stimulus checks. The website is named “In Where’s my check?” (https://www.irs.gov/COVID/get-my-payment ) and can be used to identify the status and even find out if the check has been deposited. To access this information, you need 1) your Tax Identification Number OR Social Security Number, 2) Date of Birth, 3)Address, and 4) Zip Code.

 

Unemployment Information 

A record number of over three million Californians have applied for unemployment benefits since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. As mentioned in last month’s Ivanhoe Sol, the state of California has relaxed eligibility requirements for people affected by partial or total loss of income due to the COVID. If unfamiliar with computers or in need of assistance it is strongly encouraged to identify a neighbor or relative to assist since the  EDD website states that “due to current events, we are experiencing a large increase in claims filed and are extending our staff resources to keep up with the demand. For faster services use UI Online to file your claims, certify for benefits, and get payment information.” 

 

United Way Rental Assistance 

The United Way of Tulare County also is providing a limited amount of financial assistance for rent measures. If residents are in need of assistance it is encouraged to apply as soon as possible since the United Way recommends waiting at least five days before checking on the status of your application. Please direct any questions to Jenny Cornett at (559) 685-9541 or (800) 283-9323.

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