COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 
As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Santa Cruz County continue to rise the City of Santa Cruz is taking necessary precautionary efforts to contain the spread of this virus and mitigate its impact.

We also recognize that our business community is particularly impacted by the guidance to practice social distancing and steps need to be taken to both continue business operations and protect employees and customers. We encourage the community to remember that Santa Cruz has faced major challenges and impacts before and it is important to stay calm, but take the necessary steps to prepare and protect yourself and our community.

In response to the increased impacts we have pulled together a number of business-specific resources regarding how to prevent workplace exposure, strategies to support your employees and customers, and financial programs available from State and Federal agencies for businesses and workers who become financially impacted from the COVID-19 outbreak and response.

Health Related Resources

For general information on COVID-19 visit santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus for updates and links to state and federal guidance, or call 211, or text coronavirus to 211211

At this time, it is important for you and others to contact the Santa Cruz County 211 Helpline for the latest information and updates regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19. United Way’s helpline is supporting our County's Health Public Health Department by fielding questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - you can connect with 211 in three convenient ways:


For updates on City services and response to COVID-19 visit cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus
County Public Health Information for District 17  

Business Related Resources

8/5/2020 - Blue Check Sign Program Launches
The County of Santa Cruz is pleased to announce the launch of a new program designed to protect the health and safety of the community by providing a public health endorsement to businesses following safer health and safety practices.
A collaboration between the Public Health Division and the Office for Economic Development, the Blue Check Program is a voluntary program giving businesses that follow public health guidelines for staff and customers, signage endorsing their operations. Participating businesses will be given a unique “COVID-19 SAFER, Blue Check” display to post near entrances.
Businesses joining the Blue Check Program attest that they follow basic Social Distancing Protocols, including the use of face coverings, enforcement of physical distancing, limits on the number of customers in a store, disinfection of shared equipment and more.
The program is voluntary and open to all Santa Cruz County businesses. Complaints about non-compliance with participating businesses should be emailed to bluecheck@santacruzcounty.us.
Businesses can obtain the sign via the Office for Economic Development website, www.sccvitality.org.
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Safety Pledge Tool Kit:

Printable Flyers for Businesses (in different sizes):

8.5 x 11 Size
8.5 x 11 Size (Spanish)
11 x 17 Size
24 x 36 Size


Santa Cruz County - Employer Toolkit
California Resilience Roadmap
Social Distancing Protocol for Businesses (Spanish)
SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness Program Resource Guide
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) GUIDE
Santa Cruz Microloan Program 4/16/20
Santa Cruz Chamber COVID-19 Survey Results 4/3/2020
Resources for Workers and Employers
US Chamber Summary of Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response 
​Federal, State and Local Information for Businesses
EDD: Partial Unemployment Guidelines
EDD: Disability Leave
EDD: Unemployment Insurance Claim

School Districts and Higher Education Information

Other State Resources

California agencies are helping to provide relief to those impacted by COVID-19. 
The Employment Development Department has provided guidelines for individuals unable to work due to illness, caring for a loved one who is ill, or has reduced employment hours as a result of COVID-19.  You may qualify for unemployment insurance, state disability or paid family leave depending on your unique circumstances. 
Other services include, public health guidelines, extension for drivers licenses and appointments, state tax filing deadline extensions, and emergency services.