As the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb in Santa Clara County, those caring for the most vulnerable residents — senior citizens — are increasingly on edge. Senior home workers in the South Bay are wiping down commonly touched surfaces more frequently and taking inventory of items such as hand sanitizer, masks and gloves....
How is Silicon Valley helping the homeless amid coronavirus pandemic?
As Santa Clara County undergoes expansive measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, questions remain about how people experiencing homelessness will receive information and resources. With an increasing homeless population totaling more than 9,700 countywide, and close to 8,000 unsheltered per the 2019 homeless census, officials say they’re increasing outreach and resources related to COVID-19...
Coronavirus takes toll on San Jose small businesses
When Sean Yang was in college, he bussed tables at the San Jose sushi bar Kazoo. Now, some 28 years later, he owns the place. But since the coronavirus pandemic began, what he suspects is fear of the virus has caused a significant dip in business. He wonders how long his restaurant can tough it...
Vargas: We need a plan to protect vulnerable communities from COVID-19
As COVID-19, colloquially known as the “coronavirus,” spreads around the world, people are starting to use words like “epidemic” and “pandemic” to describe it. While the risk to otherwise healthy people is limited, the virus presents a very real danger to those who have a compromised immune system such as seniors. In response, many countries...
VTA adopts enhanced cleaning practices in response to coronavirus concerns
The Valley Transportation Authority is taking new steps to disinfect buses, light rail cars and stations to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Santa Clara County. The agency’s response to concerns about surface transmission of coronavirus drew praise from regular riders and advocates alike. “They are doing everything they can,” said transit activist...
San Jose adopts a ban on evictions amid coronavirus outbreak
Fearing severe economic consequences to vulnerable San Jose families, city lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously approved adopting a moratorium on evictions for residents who can’t pay rent because of lost income resulting from the coronavirus outbreak. As the virus continues to spread across the globe with new cases every day, leaders are advising residents in more than 90...
Coronavirus: San Jose State suspends classes, county bans mass gatherings after death
San Jose State University leaders on Monday announced they will suspend classes through Friday due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. University president Mary Papazian broke the news in a letter late Monday just as Santa Clara County officials announced the first death in the county from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. There are 45...
Bramson: Poverty and homelessness in the time of Coronavirus
We’ve been in a crisis for a long time. One where families choose between paying rent and buying food, where kids triple and quadruple up in dingy rooms just to get by, where disabled people sleep and sometimes die on the streets. With tens of thousands of people impacted in California alone, we’re talking about...
As coronavirus cases increase, San Jose mayor announces plan to protect renters
The number of coronavirus cases in California continues to rise, including in Santa Clara County, which has seen 10 new cases in just two days — bringing the total number to 32 confirmed cases by Saturday. The global pandemic is forcing more residents across the state to stay home and avoid public spaces, events and the workplace. But the stakes for...
Silicon Valley leaders react to coronavirus threat as Congress reaches $8.3B funding agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday declared a state of emergency, as the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to rise, including in Santa Clara County — where health officials confirmed there are three new cases of the virus within county limits, bringing the total cases to 14. While the state of...