As of March 26th, 54 people in our county have been identified as positive for the COVID-19 virus. One is in intensive care. Most are recovering at home. Several have fully recovered. The number of people affected continues to rise, as expected.
The most recent information from county public health is that the majority of patients reside north of the Cuesta Grade and that the city of Paso Robles is a “high point” right now. This is definitely one time when we don’t want to be number one.
The number of cases county-wide is still small. Tomorrow another city may be the “high point.” Still, it is a reminder the threat is real and the threat is here. This new information underscores the need for us to observe the state and county shelter-at-home mandates. Now is not the time to be lax about hand-washing, face-touching, sanitizing work surfaces and maintaining physical distance from each other.
Our city government has joined the fight. In a special meeting today, March 27th, the City Council directed staff to work with a local bank to help local company Daniel’s Woodland secure a $300,000 line of credit to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for first responders and medical professionals.
The City Council has also acted to offer local lodging businesses the option to defer payment of Transient Occupancy Taxes until the end of August. The City Council has also begun work with staff to chart a course through the significant financial impacts this health crisis.
I continue to monitor local emergency responses as well as those of other cities, the county and the state. For the latest information, visit ReadySLO.org and PRCity.com.
The Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Paso Robles Wine Alliance, the Hispanic Business Association and TravelPaso are working hard to keep businesses healthy through this crisis. Find out more at PasoStrong.org. Please support these businesses now and in the future.
We are entering phase two of our fight against COVID-19. Now more than ever we have to keep our eye on the ball. We have to flatten the curve of infection. We have to wash our hands, keep our distance and report illness to our doctors.
This is Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin, reminding you to stay informed, stay involved and stay strong Paso Robles.
We’ll speak again soon.
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