Merced County CARES Act Business Assistance Program

At the August 11th Board of Supervisor’s meeting, we approved the Merced County CARES Act Funding Plan. Out of the $9.5 billion that California Received as part of the Federal CARES Act legislation, Merced County was awarded $28,908,000. This funding is contingent on adherence to federal and state guidance and health requirements.

Out of the total allocation, the majority of the funding will go to offset our COVID-19 related public health expenditures. However, to support local small businesses, $3.1 million has been set aside for the COVID-19 Business Assistance Program. This program will be administered by the Merced County Workforce Development Board (WDB), and will provide Merced County small businesses with up to $50,000 in grant funding for the reimbursement of eligible COVID-19-related operating expenses as well as cover expenses related to implementing COVID-19 health and safety measures from March 19, 2020 through the date of the grant.

Eligible uses of grant funds would include certain payroll costs, rent/lease payments, and inventory or supply costs required to safely reopen the business. The maximum grant award will be calculated based on the business’ number of full-time employees. The program will distribute $3 million as direct grants to small businesses and $100,000 will be set aside for administrative costs to the WDB.

For the guidance and more information, visit scottysilveira.com/covid-19-resources/.

COVID-19 Testing Continues at the Los Banos Fairgrounds

A mobile testing facility will be at the Los Banos Fairgrounds from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday. To make an appointment, visit www.lhi.care/covidtesting.

As a reminder, it is a statewide mandate to wear a cloth face covering inside of, or in line to enter any indoor public space, or when unable to maintain six feet of social distance outside. Merced County Health Officials strongly recommends all residents (including business sectors) to practice the following safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a cloth face covering or face shield;
  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and elevator buttons;
  
• Practice social distancing;
  
• Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds;
  
• When handwashing is not possible, use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol base;
  
• If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms (check symptoms here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html) stay home and self-monitor.
  

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Department’s resource website at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus.

If I can be of service, you are having an issue, or need assistance, please call me at (209)385-7366, or send me an email at scott.silveira@countyofmerced.com.

Scott