LAKE COUNTY
May is ‘CalFresh Awareness Month.’
May is “CalFresh Awareness Month.” A month of public outreach to increase awareness and enrollment in the CalFresh program.
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income and provides economic benefits to communities. EBT is the automated system that allows CalFresh recipients to use a card, much like a debit card, to access their food benefits for purchases at grocers.
In light of the state’s unprecedented response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the expansive need that has resulted across the state, this years’ CalFresh Awareness Month will emphasize the critical role that CalFresh has and will continue to play in providing nutrition assistance to millions of California households, with low-income during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many individuals and families who need food are unaware that they may qualify for assistance. For instance, a family of four earning up to $2,790 gross per month may qualify for up to $646 in CalFresh benefits each month. If you have lost your job, if your income has stopped, or you are still employed but have reduced hours, you may be eligible.
The application process is confidential. Get help putting food on the table. Go to http://www.getcalfresh.org to apply now.
Your county has 30 days to approve or deny your case. Some people with very low income can get expedited services, and their cases should be processed in 3 days, not counting the day of application and counting weekends as one day.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some special temporary rules exist:
Your application interview may be skipped if your application is submitted complete, with all necessary verifications, including identity for the applicant and proof of income for all household members. You worker will tell you if you need to complete an interview to get benefits.
CalFresh can be used online for EBT purchasing at Amazon and Walmart beginning April 28, 2020, excluding shipping. To learn more visit: https://cdss.ca.gov/ebt-online.
To apply anytime visit www.getcalfresh.org, or call (707) 995-4200 Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm for information on other ways to apply.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
COVID-19: April 14, April 21 tests of raw sewage suggest encouraging trend
As previously reported, Special Districts has been working with an agency called Biobot to test raw sewage for the presence of SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus is shed in the stools of infected people, and its presence in raw sewage would indicate cases in Lake County.
Testing is conducted weekly but results have been delayed, as Biobot has become overwhelmed with additional agencies and municipalities requesting their services. As many will recall, testing of samples taken April 7, 2020, indicated the presence of SARS Cov2 at all four treatment plants: SE Regional; NW Regional; Kelseyville; and Middletown.
Results were received yesterday (April 30) for the last two weeks’ samples, taken April 14 and April 21.
Results for samples taken on April 14, 2020 showed the following results:
SE Regional (Clearlake and Lower Lake)
DETECTED
NW Regional (Nice, Lucerne, Upper Lake and North Lakeport)
NON-Detect
Kelseyville County Waterworks, Dist. 3
NON-Detect
Middletown Treatment Plant
NON-Detect
Encouragingly, results for tests conducted on April 21 did not detect the presence at any of the four treatment plants.
While this is excellent news, it does not necessarily mean there are no cases in these districts. This data does suggest there are not enough cases to be detected in the samples.
Special Districts wants to remind everyone, when SARS Cov2 (COVID-19) is detected in raw sewage, it is diluted with chlorine, detergents and disinfectants that kill the virus. Non-toxic levels of chlorine are present in many public water systems, and household and commercial laundry, cleaning, and disinfecting products also end up in sewage.
While raw sewage is toxic at all times, the presence of COVID-19 does not make it any more dangerous than it has always been.
The detection of COVID-19 in raw sewage has no effect on local water supplies, whatsoever. Delivery of tap water and management of wastewater are completely separate processes, and the water provided by Lake County Special Districts is safe to drink.
Special Districts intends to continue to conduct weekly testing through the month of May. Biobot has been working to increase their capacity, and they are hopeful results will be available in a more timely manner in the future. We will continue to report the results, as they come in.
Despite this encouraging news, significant risks associated with COVID-19 remain in Lake County, and it is essential people continue taking precautions:
- Maintain social distancing, keep good hygiene, and preferably wear masks when out.
- vulnerable populations (over 65 and/or with chronic medical conditions) should continue to stay safe at home.
- We strongly discourage people from crossing county lines, since this is an important way that the virus spreads.
For Lake County-specific Coronavirus information, or to pre-register for Drive-Thru testing, which will start next week, please visit the Lake County Health Services Department’s website: http://health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus.
The Lake County Coronavirus Response Hub has additional valuable resources:
https://lake-co-ca-coronavirus-response-lakecoca.hub.arcgis.com/
If you still have questions, send an email request to MHOAC@lakecountyca.gov, or call during business hours, 707-263-8174.
Lake County Special Districts can be reached at (707) 263-0119.
—Submitted
