FAQs on New Vaccines Now Available on County Website
The County of San Bernardino and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) are committed to implementing a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 vaccination process based on guidelines established by the CDC, California Department of Public Health and the San Bernardino County COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force.
To help keep our county residents informed and up-to-date, we will be sharing breaking news on the rollout of the vaccine through this County Update and on a dedicated page on the County website. Launching today are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that share what we know now about the upcoming COVID-19 vaccinations and phased rollout.
The FAQs cover the following topics:
- Vaccine testing process and current vaccinations under development (or available)
- Timing of vaccine availability and phases of vaccine allocation
- Safety of the vaccine and administering of shots
- Links to information resources
The FAQs can be found through the dedicated link on the https://sbcovid19.com/ webpage and will be updated as new information becomes available.
“There is no bigger news right now in our fight against COVID-19 than the arrival and successful delivery of these vaccines to all San Bernardino County residents,” said Board of Supervisor Chairman Curt Hagman. “Throughout this pandemic, we’ve prioritized sharing information as we get it with our residents and businesses, and the rollout of the vaccine will be no different.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is meeting on December 10 at which time it is anticipated that they will approve the first vaccine, which will be from Pfizer-BioNTech. Pre-positioned vaccines are scheduled to arrive in California on December 15 or 16. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is a committee within the CDC that provides advice and guidance on effective control of vaccine-preventable diseases, will meet in an emergency meeting on December 11 and 13 and is expected to recommend use of the first COVID-19 vaccine. On December 17, the FDA is meeting and is anticipated to approve the second vaccine, which will be from Moderna Inc. These first doses of the vaccine are intended to go to frontline healthcare workers in our County hospitals.
CARES Act Will Benefit County Long After Pandemic Ends
Earlier this year, Congress passed and the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, better known as the CARES Act. The legislation earmarked $150 billion in federal support to state and local governments, with San Bernardino County ultimately receiving $430.6 million.
Among the Board of Supervisor’s responsibilities were determining the most effective allocation of those funds to the County’s cities, towns, schools and school districts, fire districts and private hospitals — as well as investments made at the county level.
While many of the resulting expenditures focused on mitigating the spread of the virus, many organizations have made infrastructure improvements that will enhance efficiency and effectiveness long after the pandemic subsides.
“We’re very fortunate to have received emergency funding from the U.S. Treasury, and are impressed with the thoughtful ways our cities and schools have invested those funds,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “While most investments have been devoted to public health, many offer benefits we’ll be enjoying for years to come.”
Such investments range from the purchase of new Chromebooks and laptop computers for remote learning to critical technology upgrades that will enable the county and cities to improve service to their constituents long after the pandemic subsides.
A sample of what CARES has funded
One high profile program launched by the County was the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership, which earmarked $30 million for county businesses that agree to comply with a variety of COVID-9-related safety measures. Thus far, more than 5,300 county businesses have elected to participate in the program. Qualifying businesses still have four more days — until December 13 — to sign up for the program.
Municipalities in San Bernardino County received considerable funding to help them cope with the pandemic, and thus far, our 24 incorporated cities or towns have invested more than $20 million on 110 separate projects. Another $25 million will be made available for proposed infrastructure projects (which require a 1:1 match from the participating city).
Similarly, our schools and school districts have spent $30.5 million on 86 distinct projects with another $15 million available for infrastructure projects (again, with a 1:1 match from participating schools). These range from adding hand sanitizer stations to installing bipolar ionization upgrades to district-wide HVAC systems that will improve air quality and circulation. County school districts also invested almost $2 million to ensure low-income students have access to the technology needed to engage in distance learning.
Significant funds were also provided to the County’s private hospitals, with $10 million allocated directly on the basis of the average daily patient census, along with another $10 million worth of personal protective equipment, or PPE.
Non-profit organizations in the County have been allocated $5 million (through the Community Foundation) to reimburse demonstrable COVID-19 expenses. This is in addition to several non-profit groups that were also able to take advantage of the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership.
While the pandemic has been undeniably dreadful, we are impressed with the efficient ways our cities, schools, hospitals and others have identified urgent needs and responded appropriately. Our goal is to every dollar is spent efficiently and effectively for the benefit of county businesses and residents.
Six Ways to Protect Your Mental Health This Holiday Season
The holiday season, with its traditional emphasis on time with loved ones and expectations of joy that may go unmet, is likely only to exacerbate the strain this year. Even during the best of times, nearly two thirds of people with a diagnosed mental illness report that the holidays make their mental health challenges worse. This is part two of a three part series on mental health and 2020. With all of these overlapping concerns in mind, it’s more important than ever during this season of this particular year to prioritize mental well-being, which in the long-term helps to protect your personal brand as well. Here are some strategies for doing just that during this upcoming holiday season:
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Emphasize well-being. This may seem overly simplified, but it is an important foundational mindset shift to do the things that emphasize both mental and physical well-being in a year designed to challenge both. That may mean turning down holiday invitations that would usually bring joy in favor of protecting loved ones with a pre-existing condition. It may mean relaxing long-term financial goals for just a few months in favor of spending money to get through the holidays however possible. With every decision this holiday season, vow to emphasize mental and physical well-being.
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Consent to boundaries. In light of the concerns over COVID-19 infection, boundaries with family, friends and work engagements are crucial. Firm and thoughtful discussions over safety protocol should be consented to by anyone planning to gather, and respect should be shown for anyone who chooses not to leave the safety of their own home. This holiday season is the perfect time to set those frank boundaries, as the stakes are higher than ever.
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Create new traditions. Because of the pandemic or economic strains, certain long-held traditions, whether long-distance work or personal travel or local community celebrations, may become impossible this year. This can be extremely disappointing and exacerbate the holiday blues. Take time to acknowledge that sadness, but then choose to create new traditions instead of wallowing. Seeing relatives on video chat may not be a perfect substitute for an in-person gathering, but the upside may be that more relatives are able to talk in real-time than ever before. Build new traditions and focus on what is being gained, rather than what has been lost. It is a great time to try to be more positive, a trait that will be particularly memorable in a difficult year.
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Get outside. As the weather cools down across the country and the sun sets earlier and earlier, it can be tempting to hunker down under blankets and stay inside for days. With the proliferation of remote work, it is even more possible to entirely avoid leaving the house for long stretches of time. Resist that impulse, bundle up, and get (safely!) outside as often as possible. Studies have found that time outside in nature improves blood pressure, lowers stress hormones, and helps break the loop of negative thoughts. If getting outside is impossible, playing nature sounds indoors has been shown to have similar effects.
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Challenge yourself. In a season that emphasizes gift-giving, it can be easy to simply order the latest gadget or trendy fashion to surprise loved ones. Instead, consider using the opportunity of the season as a way to learn new skills. Perhaps a cross-stitch of a friend’s favorite television show or a homemade specialty sourdough loaf will put the new skills learned during lockdown to use while also touching the hearts of loved ones this year. Educational courses on digital platforms that help grow your resume are another way to learn new skills.
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Help others. One proven way to boost mental health is by simply taking the focus outward and being of assistance to others. Studies show that altruism improves both mental and physical health, making it an obvious choice, especially during the holiday season when others may be most in need of help. Volunteer with a local organization, gather supplies for a neighbor experiencing hardship, or even make it a point to check in more often on a lonely friend. Everyone will benefit from the mental health benefits of community helping.
In a year filled with unique challenges that even the CDC recognizes will pose extra mental health concerns, it is critical to take care of holiday season mental health. Choose to prioritize mental health, establish boundaries, create new holiday traditions, get outside, find ways to challenge yourself, and be a community helper. All of these strategies can help make this difficult holiday season brighter.
Upcoming Webinars to Help Business Owners and Workforce
San Bernardino County in conjunction with other partners both regionally and throughout the state are pleased to bring business owners and interested residents ongoing webinars on a variety of important topics. We aim to do everything we can to help businesses succeed during this difficult time. To see all upcoming webinars, visit the Workforce Development Board events page.
Harassment Prevention for Supervisors
This virtual training will take a fresh look at harassment, discrimination, retaliation and governing laws. We will examine scenarios and workplace incidents and discuss possible appropriate responses, as well as review a supervisor’s role in harassment prevention
Thursday, December 10, 10 a.m. to noon
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harassment-prevention-for-supervisors-tickets-126480499579
Sheriff Update on Inmates and Employees Testing Positive for COVID
A total of 602 County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Many of the inmates are only experiencing minor symptoms of the virus. The infected inmates are in isolation, being monitored around the clock, and are being provided with medical treatment. A total of 518 inmates have recovered from the illness.
A total of 461 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home; 292 employees have recovered from the virus. Other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks.
Latest Stats
111,518 Confirmed Cases (up 2.4% from the previous day)
1,208 Deaths (up 0.1% from the previous day)
1,245,718 Tests (up 1.1% from the previous day)
Current Southern California ICU Capacity: 9% (Goal to lift State Stay-at-Home Order: 15%)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobile tab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
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