COVID-19 Information

Check smcgov.org for regular updates from the County.

Updated 3/31/2020

SHELTER IN PLACE EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 3, 2020
Today, the current shelter in place order that was set to expire on April 7, has been extended to May 3, 2020 by order of the Health Officer of the County of San Mateo. This new order will supersede the previous order.  View the press release here. 

INTERPRETING THE CARES ACT
A $2 trillion coronavirus economic stimulus bill was signed it into law on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Click here for a Families First COVID-19 Constituent Service Resources Toolkit prepared by the U.S. House of Representatives, or  click here to use a stimulus check calculator provided by "The Washington Post".

NEW RESOURCE FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES
The San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) has developed a COVID-19 Business Continuity Action Plan for small and medium-sized business. Click here for a two-page document full of helpful links.

Updated 3/28/2020

San Mateo County has closed all County parks to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Click here to read the press release.

Updated 3/25/2020

BUILDING DEPARTMENT MODIFIES APPROACH TO RESIDENTIAL INSPECTIONS
The  City's Building Department has reevaluated its approach to residential projects and has decided to be available for regular inspections for ongoing residential projects.  After the Shelter in Place Order, the Department had briefly limited inspections to life safety matters only.  Going forward, they will try to use technology where possible and will not do inspections in confined spaces.  Click here for more detail.  

SHELTER IN PLACE QUESTIONS
After this Friday, March 27, the County Counsel Shelter in Place Question Line will close.  Until Friday, residents and businesses wondering how the Shelter in Place Order applies to certain businesses may continue to call 650-363-4588 through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  After Friday, questions will be answered by calling 211.  It's very likely your question has already been answered on the County's extensive Shelter in Place FAQ page here. 

SIGNIFICANT NEWS & PRESS RELEASES
County Board of Supervisors Adopts a Resolution Approving a Temporary Moratorium on Residential Evictions of Residents Unable to Pay Rent Due to COVID-19 - March 24, 2020
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Launches San Mateo County Strong Fund - March 24, 2020
Pacifica to Close Public Beach Parking Lots - March 24, 2020
County Health Officer Orders Laboritories Testing for COVID-19 to Report Testing Information to Public Health Officials - March 24, 2020
California State Parks Announces Steps to Reduce Crowds at State Parks - March 23, 2020
Statement to the Community Regarding the April 10th Property Tax Delinquency Date - March 18, 2020

Click here to view other COVID-19 related news and press releases of importance to the Burlingame community.

Updated 3/24/2020

VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
Tonight at 5:15 p.m.   Click here to learn how you can access Zoom and ask questions.

DONATE OR VOLUNTEER
Visit smcstrong.com or click here to hear Warriors Announcer Bob Fitzgerald talk about SMCStrong and make a donation.
Click here to learn more ways to volunteer or help.

COVID-19 TESTING
Testing is available for individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria.  Click here to determine if you are eligible. 

STAY VIGILANT ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING


Updated 3/23/2020

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
County Volunteer Form
County Volunteer Form for Medical Professionals or Disaster Specialists
Donate medical supplies such as masks, gowns, goggles, gloves, and face shields. Please email with the type, quantity, and location of supplies.
Are you a non-profit in need of volunteers? Email smc_volunteers@smcgov.org

Updated 3/21/2020

VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
On TUESDAY, March 24 at 5:15 p.m., Mayor Beach will host a virtual Town Hall on Zoom. Zoom is a teleconferencing tool that will enable users to watch and/or call from their computers or mobile devices to hear the Mayor give a live update. This tool is free.  Town Hall will give you a chance to ask the Mayor and staff questions about the current shelter in place, COVID-19, the City’s role, and where to find more information.  Click here to learn how you can access Zoom and ask questions.

WHO TO CALL
Please remember to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.  Do NOT call 9-1-1 to report shelter in place violators! Listen to this message from a County dispatcher. 

HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES 
The San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) is working with the County of San Mateo to develop the San Mateo County Strong Fund to assist in business recovery efforts. On Tuesday, March 24, the County Board of Supervisors will be taking action to approve $3,000,000 as initial seed funding for the San Mateo County Strong Fund. If you are a small business owner or sole proprietor, please complete this survey in the next few days.  The information gathered will help prioritize and inform efforts related to the Fund. Here is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BXH6H86

CITY PARKS ARE OPEN; PLAYGROUNDS ARE NOW CLOSED
Please remember to practice social distancing from other park visitors (6 feet or more). Parks are currently open to the public, but please use caution when touching playground equipment, benches, water fountains, etc.  Pick-up games are currently not allowed. Park restrooms are closed to the public.  Please respect that we need to keep each other safe even when getting some fresh air.

Click here to visit the Parks & Recreation Departments Virtual Recreation Center for classes, activites, and more! 

NO COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING OR GARDENING IS PERMITTED
Commercial landscaping and gardening services are NOT permitted under the shelter in place order as they are considered non-essential business activities.  Emergency repairs to irrigation are permitted, and residents themselves are still allowed to landscape and garden on their own property.

Updated 3/20/2020

The City's Planning Division staff is working remotely on a very limited basis.  There will be limited processing of current applications. However, there will be no in-person appointments or meetings.  Based on staff's limited availability, please note that there will be delays in receiving a response.  Staff will only be responding to inquiries about current applications.  No new Planning applications will accepted during this period.

The local neighborhood social media app Nextdoor has announced two new features to support neighbors in times of need. Nextdoor Groups provide a great way to organize your neighbors for emergency preparedness, your homeowners association or other neighbor groups. The Nextdoor Help Map lets neighbors in need request assistance with essential tasks, like picking up groceries during the stay at home order, and matches those needs to neighbors who volunteer to help. 

Updated 3/19/2020

Wondering how you can help? You can support our local businesses.  See a list of open restaurants, drug stores, retail shops, and grocery options by clicking here. 

Updated 3/18/2020

Please see the following updates from the City and the County with respect to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

City Updates:  The City of Burlingame remains closed with the exception of certain essential services as described in the March 16 update below. In addition, the Building Division has provided clarification as to its operations. 

Building Division/Construction Projects:  During the closure, the following construction projects are Allowed / Not Allowed to continue work (all subject to staffing availability):

• Current Residential Construction Projects (all types) - Allowed
• Current Commercial Construction Projects - Not Allowed
• Submittal of New Residential Construction (non-emergency) - Not Allowed
• Submittal of New Commercial Construction Projects - Not Allowed
• Building Inspection Services for Current Residential Construction Projects (only for life safety matters and for the maintenance of essential infrastructure) - Allowed
• Planning Review Services - Not Allowed

Building inspections will only be available for ongoing housing construction projects involving life safety matters or the maintenance of essential infrastructure, consistent with the San Mateo County Health Officer Order. Housing projects include multifamily residential, single-dwelling residential, and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) projects. Inspections may be requested by emailing the Building Division at buildinginspections@burlingame.org, and will be subject to availability of limited staffing levels.

Public Records Requests: Following the declarations of emergency by the Federal, State and County governments, the City Council for the City of Burlingame proclaimed the existence of a local emergency due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 16, 2020. Also on March 16, 2020, San Mateo County Health Services, along with six other Bay Area Counties and the City of Berkeley, issued an order directing individuals to stay in their residences and limiting travel and activities.  Accordingly, the City of Burlingame has modified its operations, with limited staff focused primarily on public health and safety.  As a result, while continuing to be committed to governmental transparency, there will be delays in responding to requests for public records for the duration of this emergency. Your understanding is appreciated.

County Updates

San Mateo County has a variety information on its website, including an FAQ about the Shelter in Place Order.  For questions about the Order, please call 650-363-4588 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or email healthorderFAQ@smcgov.org.

 
Business Resources: The County is working with the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) to provide assistance and guidance for businesses and workers affected by COVID-19.  Please click here for more information.

Medical Professionals:  The County is in need of additional medical personnel.  Please call 211 to offer your services if you’re available.

Social Services:  Residents needing social service assistance should call 211 for information about a wide variety of resources in the community.  Residents can also call one of the eight Core Service Agencies located throughout the county.  Due to social distancing, people should call the agency first, not go in person.  The agencies are moving most/all services to phone for the protection of both clients and staff. Click here for flyers about the Core Services Agencies in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tongan and Tagalog.

Volunteers:  If you are interested in volunteering to assist the County during this emergency, please fill out the form here.

County Statement on COVID-19 Cases at Assisted Living Facility in Burlingame:  “San Mateo County Health has learned from Atria, an assisted living facility in Burlingame, that six residents have been hospitalized and are receiving medical care.  Three have been determined positive for COVID-19.  Atria has suspended all non-essential visitation and appointments for their residents and has outbreak precautions in place, including twice a day temperature checks for its residents.  SMC Health-Public Health has partnered with the California Department of Public Health on the situation at Atria to assure that residents’ needs are addressed.”

Updated 3/18/2020

SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER

Do you have questions about how the County Health Order applies to various business types?  Email your questions to:  healthorderFAQ@smcgov.org. 

To access a Q&A of commonly asked questions, click here. 

The City encourages residents to purchase food and supplies from local businesses during this time.  To see a list of local businesses that have asked for your support, click here. 

FREE METER PARKING

At Monday's City Council meeting, the Council decided to waiver meter fees at all City parking lots and metered spaces in commercial districts during the County's shelter in place Order.  In addition, parking time limitations, will not be enforced.

Updated 3/16/2020

San Mateo County Health has issued an order directing all residents of the County to shelter at their place of residence except to provide or receive essential services, engage in certain Essential Activities, and work for Essential Businesses and governmental services.  This order is in effect from 12:01 a.m. on March 17, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. on April 7, 2020.   Read the order here.

Importantly, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and other essential businesses (defined in Section 10) can remain open during this time.  Restaurants also can remain open, but only for delivery and take-out. No dining in is allowed.

As this order was issued by the County Health Officer, all questions about interpreting the order should be directed to County Health by calling 211.  The County is also offering limited COVID-19 testing. Please click here for further information.

The City of Burlingame continues to evaluate how we can maintain some limited services to the community at this time.  Check the City’s COVID-19 web page for updates and changes to City services.  Here is the latest information on City services:

• City Hall, including Finance/Water Office: Closed to the public effective March 17. To pay your water bill, please go online here.  You can also mail any payments to the City to 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 or deposit them in the boxes marked “Water Payments” that are located at the north entrance of City Hall and the southwest parking lot exit. If a payment receipt is requested, one will be mailed.
• For general questions, please email info@burlingame.org or call 650-558-7200 and we will try to assist you with our skeleton crew.
• To report a critical issue or service request, click here or use the accessBurlingame app on your phone.  Click here for a printable list of important City phone numbers.
• Library:  Closed to the public effective March 16. Unfortunately, we will not be able to keep the building open to pick up holds and use the self-checkout machines.
• Recreation Center: Closed to the public, including restroom access.
• Parks and playgrounds: Open to the public, but please use caution when touching playground equipment, benches, water fountains, etc., wash your hands with soap and water, and practice social distancing.
• Park restrooms:  Closed to the public.
• Police Department: The building lobby will be closed to the public for routine business but open for reporting crimes. Livescans and station tours are on hold.  Please call 911 in the event of an emergency, or 650-777-4100 for regular business.Broken water mains and leaks, sewer stoppage issues, and street and sidewalk safety issues: Please call 650-558-7670.
• Trees:  For tree emergencies, such as a limb down or tree failures, please call 911 or Burlingame Police Dispatch at 650-777-4100.  For non-life-threatening tree issues, please call 650-558-7330 and leave a message.  Messages will be checked twice daily. If your tree issue can wait, please call back after April 7.
• Subpoenas and claims:  The City Clerk’s Office will accept delivery of subpoenas via email at mhasselshearer@burlingame.org.  The original should be mailed to the City Clerk’s Office with check for witness or record fee attached.  The City Clerk will also be accepting claims against the City via email at mhasselshearer@burlingame.org.

Updated 3/13/2020

Dear residents,

The Mayor has recorded a special message for the community, which can be accessed here.  To hear Councilmember Ortiz share the Mayor's message in Spanish, click here. 

In addition, the Mayor, City Council, and City staff thank you for your patience as we work to determine how to proceed in the best interests of the community during the public health emergency caused by COVID-19.  The health and well-being of the community and our employees is of paramount importance.  We are working in coordination with San Mateo County, San Mateo County Health, and peers in neighboring cities during this ever-changing situation. 

After reviewing the executive order from Governor Newsom and updated orders from the County, the City of Burlingame has decided to take the following actions to help flatten the curve and reduce the spread of the virus:

• Programs offered by the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Department are being postponed/canceled effective Saturday, March 14, through Friday, April 10. To see the full message and a list of all cancelled programs, click here. The front entrance of the Recreation Center will remain open during normal business hours so that Washington Park visitors can access the Center’s restroom facilities.  The rest of the building will be closed to the public.
• The Library has canceled all programs through April 10. In addition, the Main Library and Easton Branch will be closed to the public as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, through April 10. However, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Main Library only, patrons will be able to stop by and pick up available holds. This will be self-service with limited staff available, so you MUST have your library card or card number with you. Phone lines will still be open for assistance with holds or information.
• Offices in City Hall will be transitioning to appointment-only by Wednesday, March 18.  We will provide additional information next week once the plans have been solidified. 
• Monday’s City Council meeting will proceed, but those wishing to participate are encouraged to remain at home and email their comments either ahead of time or during the meeting to publiccomment@burlingame.org.  Staff will be checking this email account regularly during the meeting.  Your comment will be read out loud (the three-minute limit remains) at the appropriate time.  Council meetings can be viewed online at www.burlingame.org or on television on Comcast Channel 27, Wave Channel 26, and AT&T Channel 99.
• The Planning Commission meeting on March 23 will proceed as scheduled, and those who wish to participate are encouraged to do so via email.  All other commission and committee meetings are canceled.

 This is a constantly evolving situation, and all of the dates and times listed above are subject to change. We will do our best to alert the community as soon as information becomes available via the City’s website, the eNews, NextDoor, and other social media channels. 

 We recognize the disruption this public health emergency is causing to our community and local businesses. We are all in this together, and we will do our best to continue serving the community, albeit in a limited capacity, going forward. 

 For more information, please check the City’s website at www.burlingame.org or email info@burlingame.org.

Updated 3/12/2020

Dear Residents,

The Mayor, City Council, and City staff wanted to update the community regarding the coronavirus.  As is the case with all other cities in San Mateo County, the City of Burlingame has been receiving frequent updates from the County of San Mateo Joint Information Center Emergency Operations Center regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) since Monday, March 2, 2020.  The County Joint Information Center is obtaining its information from the San Mateo County Health Department, the California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Because information is rapidly evolving, the City urges all residents, businesses, and visitors to directly access COVID-19 related facts and information directly from these three sources since we consider them to be the most timely, accurate, and credible sources of information.