Expanded COVID-19 Testing in California

Dear Friend,

My work continues as Congress explores another legislative package to support families, workers, small businesses, and farmers through this crisis. As we look ahead to getting our economy back on track, your health and safety remain my greatest priority. 

Helping the Valley

My staff and I have been working daily with federal, state, and local leaders to ensure they have the resources they need. Here are some examples of our most recent efforts: 

• Sent a letter to House Leadership urging them to provide direct aid to our county and city governments in the next coronavirus package.
• Urged Congressional leadership to provide oversight of SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, including providing status updates to applicants.
• Sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Perdue to support access to PPE for the 8,000 USDA meat and poultry inspectors.
• Urged Governor Newsom to add a new testing site in Madera County to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the Valley. 

Find a comprehensive list of all the actions I’ve taken, here. 

Stay Safe and Do Your Part

Get Tested

Testing capacity in California and the Valley has expanded over the past few months. The State has met its goal of administering 25,000 COVID-19 tests daily and has established 86 new testing sites statewide. Logistics Health Incorporated (LHI) has developed a web portal where you can easily register and make an appointment at a location near you. 

I’m pleased to announce that Valley health clinics, including Golden Valley Health Centers, Camarena Health, and Livingston Community Health have received over $3.3 million from the Department of Health and Human Services to expand their capacity for Coronavirus testing. 

California’s Roadmap to Reopening

Thanks to your diligence in following California’s Stay-at-Home Order, we have made significant progress in ensuring the health and safety of California and Valley residents.

The State has developed California’s Pandemic Resilience Roadmap to outline a process for safely getting our economy up and running. As of Friday, May 8th, California will begin to move into Stage 2 and gradually reopen lower risk retail businesses with curbside pick-up, like bookstores, florists, etc. Please note the details of Stage 2 will vary regionally, and the specific outlook for Valley communities has not been resolved.

Reminder: the Stay-At-Home Order and Social Distancing Guidelines are still in place.

HOMETOWN HERO

Enid Picart, an incoming UCSF Fresno emergency Medicine resident, recently received the 2020 United States Public Health Service Award for her dedication to protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of our nation. During this public health crisis, it’s people like Enid that play a critical role in protecting our lives and livelihood. Thank you, Enid! We are both proud of your achievements and grateful for your service.

Earlier this year, Enid was my guest at the State of Union. A Valley native, she has dedicated her life to improving healthcare for our community. And she continues that fight now.

Know someone else who is making a difference in the community? Recommend them for a future shoutout!

Resources:

We’ve compiled all the resources you need in one convenient location on our website.  

If you need specific help from our district office, please submit a request and a member of our staff will contact you. Here are some highlights: 

• COVID Resources Toolkit for Families (ENGLISH)
• FAQs on the CARES Act
• If you are a veteran or active service member in need of financial assistance, apply for PENFED COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program. 
• Navigating Small Business Administration programs
• Food Assistance
• Ways to help your community

Recursos en Español 

• COVID-19: Manual Digital de Recursos Para Constituyentes

• State of California
• Fresno City
• Fresno County
• Madera County
• Merced County

Have you lost your job? The COVID-19 crisis has left millions of Americans unemployed. OnwardCA, built by Bitwise Industries in Fresno, is a great resource to help you find relief, training and jobs.

BEWARE OF SCAMS Scammers never rest – even during a crisis. Various federal agencies and utility companies are issuing warnings about the possibility of scams and disinformation. Find out how to protect yourself. You can also track reports of existing scams here.

DONATE BLOOD The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage due to the coronavirus outbreak. I ask you if you’re healthy to join me in giving blood to our local blood banks. It is a national emergency and a way we can all help out. Find out more on how to help.

If you need help, please do not hesitate to contact one of my offices. We are working every day to help people get through these challenging times.

Sincerely,

 
Jim Costa
Member of Congress

Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter