Q. What businesses' are open?
A. If you need to determine if your work/business is in a phase that it can be open, please visit www.Covid19.ca.gov or www.cisa.gov. There you will find information if your sector falls under this guidance. For further guidance, please refer to your work/industry association.
Q: What information can the City provide the community about COVID-19?
A: The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health is the lead authority for all public health emergencies for the County of San Bernardino, including our City. They are working closely with all jurisdictions including the Federal Government, California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep the community updated on new information concerning COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The contact information is provided under Information Related to COVID-19.
Q. Are there resources for Entrepreneurs?
A. Cal State University of San Bernardino (CSUSB) announced the Student Fast Pitch Competition. The program is offered by Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) that gives CSUSB students an opportunity to jump-start their entrepreneurial dreams with a chance to win $4,000. Please click here for more information.
Q: What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
A: Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Q. Is there any relief for my utility bills during COVID-19?
A. Both Southern California Edison (SCE) and SoCalGas have informed the City that they will temporarily suspend disconnection of service and will only provide essential and emergency services. For SoCal Gas bill payment services and options, click here or call (800) 427-2200. For more information from SCE, go to sce.com/safety or call (800) 655-4555. In addition, both agencies provide a discount for low income residents. Please visit their websites for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
A. Both Southern California
Q: What is the San Bernardino Unified School District (SBCUSD) doing?
A. The San Bernardino School District has temporarily cancelled classes. However, the district is still providing several services to the community. including breakfast and lunch.
- SBCUSD is providing breakfast and lunch to all students and charter school students age 18 and under at all SBCUSD schools. Please contact the SBCUSD prior to going to the locations.
For more information, including the time that meals will be served and schools will resume, please visit www.sbcusd.com/readysbcusd
Q: How often will the City provide updates?
A: The City will continue to utilize the website and social media platforms. The website is updated when new information is added. Community Updates with the Mayor can be found on the City's page sbcity.org under City Headlines.
Q: How do I report fraud or overpricing?
A: The County of San Bernardino's District Attorney's Office established a hotline (909) 382-7748, to report fraud and price gauging.
Q: Have there been any changes to Public Transportation?
A: Yes, in order to support public health efforts and continue to provide vital service, Omnitrans has decided to make temporary adjustments to our bus boarding procedures and implement reduced service as follows. Please click HERE for the most current information from Omnitrans.
Q. Will Burrtec continue to pick up my trash?
A: Yes, Burrtec is committed to providing service during this time. Burrtec has established precautionary measures as a safety precaution while in the community. Bulky item pick-ups have been suspended through February 1.
Q. Can I access library books and other library services online?
A. Yes, the City's libraries are closed at this time, but you can access Overdrive eBooks, eAudiobooks and other online resources. For more information, visit www.sbpl.org
Q. I have been hearing so much about COVID-19. How do I know what is true?
A. Always go to trusted sources of information like coronavirus.gov or other state and local government websites for information. FEMA created a page Coronavirus Rumor Control to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing 3 easy things; don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the federal (COVID-19) response.
Q. Are there any relief programs available?
A. The State of California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a series of actions to help California's small businesses. The programs are part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill signed into law March 27, 2020. Below is a list of federal and state support. More information, including how to apply, can be found on the U.S. Small Business Administration resource page.
- Paycheck Protection Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will guarantee loans with terms of up to 10 years and interest rates of up to 4% to businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Businesses can qualify for loans of up to $10 million, and the loans will be provided by lenders including banks and credit unions. Eligible businesses can get loan deferment for six months to a year, and the loan may be forgiven if the businesses maintains its payroll for eight weeks at employees’ normal salary levels.
- Expanded access to U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans: As part of its disaster assistance program, the SBA is providing working capital loans of up to $2 million to small businesses and nonprofits affected by the coronavirus. These loans carry an interest rate of 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits. Loan repayment terms vary by applicant, up to a maximum of 30 years. The stimulus updated the program so that sole proprietors and businesses with fewer than 500 employees qualify, and applicants don’t need to provide a personal guarantee on loans under $200,000. Payments can also be deferred for up to four years.
- Emergency grant of $10,000 to SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applicants: Even if your business is denied a loan, you can still access this grant, which can be used to provide employee sick leave, maintain payroll or meet other needs like paying rent.
Q. Can I still adopt an animal while the Animal Shelter is closed to the public?
A. All public contact with the San Bernardino Animal Shelter will be managed by appointment only. Go to www.PetHarbor.com to select an animal and proceed with an appointment by phone at (909) 384-7272 Monday- Thursday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Friday until 4:30 pm. This includes the following services:
- Adoptions
- Return to owners
- Rescue adoptions
Q. Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
A. The process and locations for testing are being updated by the San Bernardino County Health Department as information becomes available. As testing sites are established, the information becomes available on the County website at sbcounty.gov. As testing sites are announced, they are also posted on the City's social media platforms.
Q. What social media sites is the City using to publish COVID-19 information?
A. The City is using the following social media platforms to publish information related to COVID-19:
Q. When are face coverings required?
A. Face coverings are no longer required to be worn in public while in the County of San Bernardino. However, face coverings are highly recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Q. I was laid off. Where do I go to file for unemployment?
A. You may apply for unemployment ,by visiting edd.ca.gov. This site will provide you with all the information to file a claim online and provide information on what to expect next.
Q. What is social distancing?
A. Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
- Do not gather in groups
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
Q. Are food banks operating during COVID-19?
A. The County of San Bernardino has established a website to assist with locating local food assistance resources. For more information, visit www.SBCovid19.com/food-assitance.
San Bernardino City continues to distribute food and provide meals for seniors. Fore more information go to www.sbcity.org/parks.
For additional food distribution and other resources, visit www.211sb.org and click on Food. That link will provide you with information on community meals, grocery distribution and Meals on Wheels for seniors. You may also call directly by dialing 211 from your phone. If 211 does not work from you phone, you can dial direct at (888) 435-7565. However, the same resources can be found online.
Q. Can I open my business?
A. If you need to determine if your work/business is in a phase that it can be open, please visit www.Covid19.ca.gov or www.cisa.gov. There you will find information if your sector falls under this guidance. For further guidance, please refer to your work/industry association.