COVID-19 Updates

My Office is working closely with state and county public officials to share accurate information and resources. As developments continue, my team will update* this page and share it on social media.

*Please note: We will make an effort to provide the most up-to-date information. Information is changing every day to meet the challenges brought forward. For the latest information please follow the links provided in each section.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. While we have gained a better understating of COVID-19, ramped up testing, and began the administration of vaccines; we must continue to slow the spread. By doing so, we will help our healthcare systems avoid any further healthcare-related surges.

Information & Key Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine: Make a plan to get a vaccine

Now is the time to make a plan for how you will get vaccinated when one is available to you. The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important tools we have to protect ourselves against and end the COVID-19 pandemic. As always it is still recommended to wear a mask, avoid crowds, stay 6 feet apart, and stay home if you are sick.

At this moment the State of California is allocating vaccines through a phase system. Currently, we are in Phase 1A, Phase 1B, and individuals age 16 years or older at high risk. On March 25, Governor Newsom announced that starting April 1, all individuals 50 or older can receive the vaccine, and on April 15 every Californian 16 or older can get the vaccine.  Learn more about California's phase system.

California’s vaccine efforts

The State of California has launched the campaign Vaccinate 58 to ensure equitable distribution to everyone in California who wants it. To learn more about the State’s efforts on the COVID-19 Vaccine, please visit https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines

The State has also launched My Turn, to find out if you are eligible to get vaccinated and schedule vaccination appointments. If it is not your turn yet, you can register to be notified when you become eligible. For more information on My Turn, please visit https://myturn.ca.gov

Getting a vaccine in Riverside county

The COVID-19 Vaccine is available to those who live, work, or study in Riverside County. As of April 6, Riverside County has extended the COVID vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 or older.  Individuals of the ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and register for a vaccination clinic that offers the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines can only be given to individuals age 18 years or older.

Please visit Riverside University Health Systems to book an appointment near you. If you need assistance making an appointment, please call 2-1-1. https://rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine

Riverside County has partnered with community health partners to distribute the COVID-19 Vaccine. Please visit https://www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine-Providers to find a community provider near you. Please contact the community provider to find out which vaccine is being administered. All vaccinations are by appointment.

City of Riverside

The City of Riverside has now opened a vaccination site at the Riverside Sears Building. Vaccines will be administered Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This center is open to those that live or work in the City of Riverside. As of April 6, the City of Riverside has extended the COVID vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 or older. For more information visit: https://vaccine.riversideca.gov

City of Moreno Valley

The City of Moreno has developed a quick list of sites where you can get a vaccine in and near the City of Moreno Valley. Please visit http://www.moval.org/coronavirus/vaccination.html for a location near you.

City of Perris

The City of Perris has opened a vaccination site at the Bob Glass Gym on the main City Hall Campus. Vaccines will be administered Monday – Friday from 8 am-5 pm, closed 12-1 pm. An appointment is required. Please visit myturn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines

(Source: Center for Disease Control)

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. This monitoring includes using both established and new safety monitoring systems to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed (also called immunity). Other steps, like wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth and staying at least 6 feet away from other people you don’t live with, also help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis. Learn more about finding credible vaccine information.

Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccine | Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine | What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine

What We Can All Do

(Source: Center for Disease Control)

  • Stay home and avoid non-essential actives (e.g., shopping, travel, gatherings)
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
  • Stay 6 feet apart from others.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Disinfect commonly used areas
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Monitor your health daily. If you become sick:
    • Avoid contact with others, stay home from school or work, and begin self-quarantine
    • Call before you go to your doctor or urgent care – please DO NOT just walk in.

What California is Doing

All individuals living in the State of California are currently ordered to stay home or at their place of residence, except for permitted work, local shopping, or other permitted errands, or as otherwise authorized. The order went into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice. It covers the whole state of California. Learn more about COVID-19 restrictions

On August 28, 2020, the State released the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to permit the gradual reopening of certain businesses and activities. Counties are assigned tiers that are updated weekly and determined by the county’s case rate and test positivity rate. Local jurisdictions may have more restrictive local orders than the assigned tier.

You have the power to help your friends, family and community. Add your phone to California’s exposure notification system to get COVID-19 exposure alerts and to protect those around you. CA Notify App will info your phone and get notified if you were near someone with COVID-19.

To learn about the state’s efforts in fighting COVID-19 and resources for Californian’s visit COVID-19.CA.GOV or call the Statewide COVID-19 Hotline: 833-422-4255 (833-4CA-4ALL)

Key Resources

EDD: Reduced Work Hours and Temporary Unemployment

If you’re out of work or had your hours or wages reduced, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD).

Learn more about how EDD can assist you during this pandemic and the latest news in unemployment.

Unemployment Benefits: Learn what benefits are available, how to apply, and what to expect after you’ve used all of your benefits or your claim has expired.

COVID-19 and Frequently Asked Questions with EDD

California Department of Motor Vehicles

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has begun to offer more services online and through its virtual office.

All driver licenses MAY now be renewed online. Your notice may tell you to come into an office but due to special circumstances related to COVID-19, try online first.

Behind-the-wheel driving tests will resume statewide on Monday, February 1. Appointments canceled between December 14 and February 1, will be automatically rescheduled within the next two weeks. Customers will be notified by text of their rescheduled appointment. New appointments for behind-the-wheel tests will be available in mid-February once all previously postponed tests have been rescheduled.

Learn about the services available through the Virtual Office

Learn about the services available through DMV Online

Learn about the latest information from the DMV on COVID-19

Housing and Homelessness

California is protecting people experiencing homelessness during coronavirus and preventing others from losing their homes. Learn more on California's COVID-19 resource page for housing

Help for renters, homeowners, and small landlords

The Tenant, Homeowner and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 provides renters, homeowners, and small landlords with relief if coronavirus or the quarantine has impacted your ability to pay all or part of your rent or mortgage. This act has been extended through June 30, 2021.

More information is available at Housing is Key.

Small Business/ Non-Profits Support

California and the federal government are providing broad assistance to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19.

California Businesses and Employers COVID-19 Resource Page

U.S. Small Business Administration: COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Student Loan Relief

On March 20, 2020, the office of Federal Student Aid began providing the following temporary relief on ED-owned federal student loans: suspension of loan payments stopped collections on defaulted loans, and a 0% interest rate. This relief has been extended at least through September 30, 2021.

Federal Student Aid: Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents

Please note that each loan service provider may have different relief programs in place, please contact your provider to see what assistance they can provide you with.

College Students

University of California COVID-19 Student Resource Page

California State University COVID-19 Student Resource Page

California Community College COVID-19 Student Resource Page

Financial Aid: California Student Aid Commission COVID-19 Student Resource Page

Association of Independent CA Colleges and Universities (AICCU) COVID-19 Student Resource Page

UC Riverside COVID-19 Resource Page

Cal Baptist COVID-19 Resource Page

Riverside Community College District COVID-19 Student Resource Page

Price Gouging, Scam Prevention, and COVID-19 Protections

The office of the Attorney General has information to protect you from price gouging, COVID-19 scam prevention, protection from fake charities, and wage garnishment and seizure.

Office of the Attorney General: COVID-19 Consumer Information and Resources

Stay Informed

CDC: Managing your mental health and stress

California: Resources for emotional support and well-being

California: Manage Stress for health

2-1-1 Community Connect

Residents can dial 2-1-1 at any time to get referrals for local services including food, shelter, and other health-related issues. 2-1-1 is also the County of Riverside Coronavirus Information Hotline.

If you have questions or need more information, do not hesitate to contact my office: (951) 369-6644.

Información y recursos en español

Si ha sido afectado por la pandemia de COVID-19. Haga clic en los enlaces para obtener más información y recursos.

Si tiene preguntas o necesita más información, no dude en comunicarse con mi oficina: (951) 369-6644.