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Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) is aware of the announcements of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). DCARA is continuing to closely monitor the situation and updates from the local and state health officials in the 14 counties that we serve. We are also monitoring the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and relevant authorities closely.

In addition to that, we are working to maintain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure a safe and healthful working condition for all employees. We are following all CDC recommended protocols for working with clients, community members and partners who may have been impacted. Your health and safety is our top priority.

We also realize that this is a fast changing information to share so please keep checking back for any further updates. Our goal is to minimize the exposure of COVID-19.

As a result, DCARA is postponing all community events currently scheduled and the Deaf Community Center (DCC) is closed to the public until further notice effective immediately.

However, DCARA offices and services will remain open to the public. We have a few tips for our clients.

• Call our office (510-343-6670) for immediate services
  If you need to come in, try to come alone. But if you must bring your family/children, please do so.
• Check our website and social media for updates
• If there are any further questions, please email hotline@dcara.org

Raymond Rodgers
Executive Director
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)

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DCARA has important updates to share with you.

Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, most of our offices and facilities will be temporarily closed to the public to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This means DCARA offices will be temporarily closed to the public until further notice. We can continue to assist you through VP and email.

Please keep visiting our website and social media pages for further updates about our offices and other important information.

Contact Information:

VP: 510.343.6670
Email: info@dcara.org

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Hello, I’m Mark Vanni, Employment Specialist with Fremont EDD Office.

All 5 EDD Offices are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Please don’t come to our offices in person.

You can still file with 3 benefits with EDD:

Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Disability Insurance (DI)
Family Paid Leave (PFL)

Contact us through VP or email for an appointment with filing UI benefits between Monday to Friday, from 8 to 5.

Thank you for watching.

Visit our websites for more information:

www.edd.ca.gov

[Video Description: Byung: A Korean-American man wearing DCARA t-shirt is seated with light colored background asking each question in this vlog. Nathan: A white man with eyeglasses and wavy dark blonde hair is standing behind a light colored wooden pleated background wearing DCARA t-shirt providing answers to Byung’s questions in this vlog.]

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1. What is shelter in place?

The term “shelter in place” means:

• Must stay at home (encouraged to stay home)
• Can only leave your home for “essential activities,” to work for an “essential business” which are defined in the Order
• Cannot host or attend any gatherings

Can leave your home for essential activities defined by Order:

• Get food
• Get a prescription
• See a doctor
• Go to work if you work is essential
• Help people you care for get the things they need to live and be healthy and safe
• You should also maintain 6 foot distance from other people as much as possible

2. How long does the Order last?

The Order is currently set to last for three (3) weeks. The duration can be either shortened or extended by the County Health Officer or the State Public Health Officer. We want to be sure the Order is in place for only as long as necessary, and the Health Officer will be closely monitoring the situation every day in order to determine what adjustments make sense.

3. When is the Order in effect?

Right now the order that the governor announced is now in effect for the whole state of California.

4. Is this mandatory or is it just guidance?

Yes, it is mandatory. This Order is a legal Order issued under the authority of California law. You are required to comply, and it is a crime (a misdemeanor) not to follow the Order (although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble). Also, it is critical for everyone to follow the Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, neighbors and the whole community. All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Order.

5. Can I leave home to visit friends or family members if there are no urgent needs?

No. For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. At every possibility, you should also maintain 6 foot distance from other people as much as possible.

Visit our website for more information: http://dcara.org/coronavirus

[Video Description: Ann Lynn: A black woman with chin length hair is wearing a light gray sweater and pastel multiple colored scarf is standing in front of a light colored background.]

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During this COVID-19 outbreak, you may be staying at home to avoid contact, taking care of loved ones who are sick, or putting yourself in self-quarantine. As you might wonder, is it safe to order food and groceries through delivery service?

Yes, CDC and FDA say it is still safe, and less risk for deliveries than person-to-person contact. These delivery services changed rapidly to keep up with this COVID-19 pandemic and maintain businesses with restaurants and grocery stores. There are a variety of app-based food and grocery delivery services such as:

• DoorDash
• Postmates
• Grubhub
• Uber Eats
• Instacart

People can take advantage of this online service since most of these companies waive delivery fees to support restaurants and provide free meals to healthcare workers and first responders. More and more food delivery services now switch to “no-contact” or “leave at my door” drop off services, to minimize the chance of spreading and acquiring the virus. Some apps will allow customers to specifically instruct the driver where to leave your food and to take pictures of your preferred location so drivers will know where.

Visit our website for more information: http://dcara.org/coronavirus

[Video Description: Ann Lynn: A black woman with chin length hair is wearing a light gray sweater and pastel colored scarf is standing in front of a light colored background.]

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FOOD AND GROCERY DELIVERY – PT. 2

Three tips on how to keep yourself safe:

1. More and more restaurants seal special labels or stickers on wrappers or cartons to prevent tampering. That way you will know if your food was touched or not. Make sure when your hot food arrives, you eat immediately, refrigerate within two hours, and save no more than three days to avoid food poisoning according to the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention.

2. When you go outside your door, pick up your bag(s) and bring them inside, IMMEDIATELY wash your hands throughout. Make sure you DISCARD, WASH, DISINFECT = throw away food wrappers or cartons, recycle bags, wash the surface before setting your plate down, and use your own plates, containers and utensils. As usual — wash your hands again after eating.

3. Last, but not the least, the best tip is– make sure you tip your driver well. They sacrifice their health, time and money to work to deliver your food and/or groceries. They should be appreciated.

Visit our website for more information: www.dcara.org/coronavirus