As COVID-19 guidelines continue to shift, we want to ensure that IHSS providers have the latest available information and resources. This pandemic is overwhelming and difficult for all of us, but we are thankful to have each other—and our union—so that we can fight together for a better tomorrow. See below for some important updates.
New booster vaccine mandate
As of Dec. 22, 2021, it is now mandatory for some IHSS and WPCS providers to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. Under the updated requirements, providers will be required to get a booster shot for the COVID-19 vaccine by Feb.1, 2022, or within 15 days of becoming eligible for a booster if not yet eligible as of Feb. 1, 2022. The mandate only applies to IHSS or WPCS providers who care for a non-family client or a client who does not live with them.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are free to all. Register for a COVID vaccine or booster appointment at myturn.ca.gov or call the California COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) for assistance.
For more information on exceptions, visit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) website.
Free COVID-19 tests
Free, at-home COVID-19 tests rolled out on January 18 and can be ordered through the USPS website at special.usps.com/testkits. Every U.S. residential address is eligible to order four rapid COVID-19 antigen tests for free from the U.S. Postal Service, which will begin shipping tests in late January. Order your tests today:
Fighting back against omicron
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of the omicron variant, which is contributing to a massive uptick in COVID-19 cases in California and across the country.
While transmission numbers are rising, we have the tools to fight omicron: vaccines, masks, and testing. Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. Masks continue to offer protection against all variants. The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status. For advice about masks and the types of masks that may be right for you, visit cdc.gov. Lastly, tests are the key to early detection and slowing transmission. Visit your local health department’s website or check out your county in the list below to look for the latest local information on testing.
Please also continue to wash your hands thoroughly and often, use social distancing, and limit time spent with those outside your household as much as possible.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the CDC’s guidelines to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.
For detailed information regarding quarantining if you test positive, visit the updated CDC website, here.
For 10 things you can do to manage your COVID-19 Symptoms at home, click here. For languages other than English, click here.
Caring for someone sick at home
Advice for caregivers in non-healthcare settings
If you are caring for someone with COVID-19 at home or in a non-healthcare setting, follow this advice to protect yourself and others. Learn what to do when someone has symptoms or when someone has been diagnosed with the virus.
*Note: Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing more severe illness from COVID-19. People at higher risk of severe illness should call their doctor as soon as symptoms start.
Seek emergency medical attention if someone is experiencing any of these signs*:
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility; Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Heroes Pay for IHSS providers
Last September, the current administration increased funding for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and thanks to our advocacy, it includes funding to give IHSS providers Heroes Pay: a one-time payment of $500 to any provider who worked a minimum of two months between March 2020 and March 2021. The state has started disbursing the funds, which they are calling “Care Economy Payments” and payouts should be completed by Jan. 28, 2022. If you believe you are eligible and have not received your payment by mid-February, please let us know!
UDW’s Member Benefits Center is here for you
We are here as a resource to all members during these ever-changing and tumultuous times. Call us at 1-800-621-5016* Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Our Member Resource Center can:
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, feel free to call us to request PPE and other supplies or assistance.
*Services available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
REGIONAL COVID-19 RESOURCES
Vaccine Information
Testing information
What to do if you have COVID-19: Click here. [En Español, aquí]
OC COVID-19 HOTLINE: (714) 834-2000
The OC COVID-19 Hotline is available to answer questions about vaccine-related issues, including booking appointments, or assistance with transportation. Live operators are available Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (714) 834-2000.
HEALTH REFERRAL LINE: (800) 564-8448
Call the referral line for any medical questions. COVID-related health tip handouts are also available.
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
State of California Visit: covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/#how-to-get-tested |
COVIDClinic.org Visit: www.covidclinic.org Call: (877) 219-8378 Email: [email protected] |
Latino Health Access Call: (714) 805-7838 |
If you need assistance registering for a vaccine or booster appointment, call one of the agencies below:
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Transportation:
Riverside Connect (formerly Special Transportation) Riverside Connect is a city-owned and operated paratransit service that provides disabled residents and seniors age 60 and over transportation to destinations within the city limits of Riverside including free rides for COVID-19 vaccinations and testing. To reserve your ride call (951) 687-8080 More info: www.Riv-Connect.com
Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce The Coalition for Black Health and Wellness will provide free rides to ANY resident to COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Reserve your ride: (951) 823-0175 or visit website More info: https://riversidecountybcc.org/
Alpine
* For assistance in booking your vaccine appointment, call MyTurn at 1-833-422-4255.
Madera
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Mariposa
Vaccine information:
* For assistance in booking your vaccine appointment, call MyTurn at 1-833-422-4255.
Testing information:
Merced
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Mono
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Stanislaus
Vaccine information:
For additional community and healthcare vaccine providers*, click here.
*Appointments are not managed by the County and are subject to provider vaccine supply and appointment availability.
Testing Information:
Find additional testing locations on the state’s interactive map.
Tuolumne
Public Health COVID-19 information line: 209-533-7440
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For your counties, most up-to-date information, click here.
Vaccination information:
Testing information:
Kern
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
San Luis Obispo
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
For additional resources, visit your county website.
Santa Barbara
COVID-19 questions?
Call 211 or (800) 400-1572
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Butte
For all local information regarding vaccination and testing sites, click here.
Need transportation? Using B-Line to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine (blinetransit.com)
El Dorado
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Nevada
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Placer
For local resources and information, visit www.placer.ca.gov/coronavirus/testing
Call 2-1-1 for telephone assistance to schedule testing and/or vaccine/booster appointments, including transportation resources.
Vaccine information
Testing information
click here to explore Placer County testing options
Plumas
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Sierra
Local COVID-19 information hotlines
Sierra County COVID-19 Email
California COVID-19 Hotline: 833-544-2374, available every day, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Plumas Sierra Crisis line: 877-757-0029, available 24/7
Vaccine information:
Testing information:
Sutter
Vaccine information:
Testing Information:
1425 Veteran’s Memorial Circle, north parking lot
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Phone registration can be completed at (888) 634-1123
Learn how to obtain a copy of your vaccination records by click here.
COVID-19 Hotline: (442) 265-6700
Vaccine information
Testing information
Hours of Operation for Mobile Testing Unit: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.