FAQs and resources available in the county

The outbreak of COVID-19 has rapidly changed everyday life in Butte County. It is a quick-moving situation in which it is important to stay informed. This is a list of basic information and resources. It will be updated online.

Last update: Saturday, March 21, at 5:45 p.m.

Are there any cases in Butte County?

There is one lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in Butte County, public health officials announced on Saturday evening. The person, a Chico man over the age of 65, is isolating at home.

The county was waiting for test results from 36 local individuals on Thursday. At least 26 individuals have tested negative so far. There may be more individuals who are waiting for test results through commercial labs.

There may be undetected cases, which is why public health officials have recommended people take precautions like washing their hands and limiting social interaction.

Butte County Public Health’s website is www. buttecounty.net/publichealth. There are also regular video updates posted on the Department’s Facebook page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is www. cdc.org. The California Department of Public Health’s website is www.cdph.ca.gov.

What if I’m sick?

Andy Miller, the county health officer, is telling anyone who becomes sick with mild symptoms in the coming weeks and months to isolate at home, away from others, until it has been at least seven days from the onset of symptoms AND 72 hours without a fever AND respiratory symptoms (cough/sneezes) have improved. If you get more sick, call your medical provider.

Can I get tested?

There is testing available, but only for those who meet certain criteria, like having severe symptoms. Health care providers ask that you call in advance. If you meet the criteria, they may recommend you come in so they can collect a swab. The swab then gets sent to a public health lab out of the county or a commercial lab to analyze. It can take several days for the results to come back.

Enloe Medical Center is screening patients at the door. It has launched a hotline for COVID-19 questions at (530) 332-9540 to provide information about staying safe and seeking medical attention.

Are we required to stay at home?

Gov. Gavin Newsom asked everyone in the state to stay at home except for essential business starting Thursday evening. The directive allows people to go out to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. Essential jobs include construction, critical infrastructure and more; see what qualifies at covid19.ca.gov. People should stay at least six feet apart. It’s the strictest order yet for Butte County, where local officials had not yet made the order to shelter-in-place.

What’s open and what’s closed?

Gas stations, pharmacies, banks and laundromats remain open, as do food outlets like grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants, though some may have limited hours.

Most local restaurants had already moved to to-go orders and curbside delivery by the time the stay-at-home order came. Bars and wineries have closed until further notice.

The Chico Chamber of

Commerce has a list on its website with the temporary status of its members and it is updated twice a day.

Cinemark Theater and Pageant Theatre have closed until further notice. Gyms and fitness centers have closed.

The Butte County Office of Education has recommended schools close through April 17. Glenn County schools have closed through April 10. Chico State has closed its classes and dorms until the end of the semester.

Government buildings have either closed entirely or limited access to the public. Officials recommend calling in advance. More information at www.buttecounty.net.

How do I get help?

For groceries and other essentials:

Volunteers from the Democratic Socialists of America Chico and the North Valley Mutual Aid are taking requests to fetch and deliver groceries and other essentials for those who are staying at home.

Schools are providing meals to children. Visit their websites for more information at Chico Unified, Paradise Unified, Oroville Union High School.

The California Department of Education has a list of special offers by telecom and data companies. Visit cde.ca.gov for more.

For unemployment:

The California Employment Development Department is taking claims. These include disability insurance claims if you are sick or quarantined, paid family leave claims if you are taking care of a family member or unemployment insurance claims if your hours have been reduced or, in some cases, if you have no choice but to stay home to take care of a child out of school. The website is www.edd.ca.gov.

The Alliance for Workforce Development helps train and connect job seekers and employers.

The Chico Chamber of Commerce maintains a list of employment-related resources.

The United States Bartenders Guild National Charity Foundation is taking applications for emergency grants, even from non-members (donate). To make ends meet: Residents in Butte, Glenn, Shasta and Tehama counties can dial 2-1-1 anytime to get information on the crisis and get connected to resources as they become available. Residents in those counties, along with Lassen, Siskiyou and Trinity, can also receive information by texting CORONAVIRUS to 211-211.

For mental health needs: The CDC is recommending people with preexisting mental health conditions continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website at www.samhsa.gov.

How do I help?

United Way of Northern California has established a fund to help local groups help people struggling. Donate at www.norcalunitedway.org or text CORONANORCAL to 91999.

The Northern Valley Community Foundation has established a fund to respond as well. Donate at www.nvcf.org.

The North Valley Food Bank is taking donations and volunteers. Visit www. northvalleyfoodbank.org.

The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, One Fair Wage Campaign, the California Restaurant Association Foundation and the United States Bartenders Guild are accepting donations.

The pandemic is affecting blood supply. Consider donating if you are not sick.

Contact reporter Camille von Kaenel at 530-896-7764.