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In an attempt to cull the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic, San Francisco and five other counties in the Bay Area have shut down all non-essential businesses. This of course has left many fearful of their financial future.
The declaration of a nation emergency by President Donald Trump last week has caused people to stockpile months worth of supplies in any way they can. This left many store shelves and online vendors – especially paper products – completely pillaged. This does however create a unique opportunity for those who are suddenly left with financial insecurity.
Places like Amazon and Safeway cannot move fast enough to fulfill online orders or stock shelves. This has caused a need for temporary workers in these industries. Here are places that you can apply for right now:
Amazon
Amazon announced in a blog post it is staffing 100,000 new warehouse workers across the U.S. to keep up with demands.
Amazon’s site says “Start as soon as 7 days. No resume or previous work experience required.”
You can apply here.
Safeway, Albertsons Stores
Many grocers are seeing items leave the shelf as soon as they are stocked as hour-long lines and scared shoppers snake through the aisles. The companies posted today that they are looking to fill spots immediately to meet demands.
We need your help. We’re hiring for immediate openings! Apply at your local store or online now! https://t.co/W05NnvLghP pic.twitter.com/lA5jPutg0N
— Safeway (@Safeway) March 17, 2020
Employment Development Department
If in fact these places aren’t hiring in your area there are other recourses available that can help in tough times. The Employment Development Department of the State of California has a page dedicated to those who’s employment has been affected by the virus.
Free Meals for Under 18 Students
San Francisco Mayor, London Breed, also tweeted out a list of sites for free meals for those who are under 18 during the school closure.
Starting today, @SFUnified is offering free meal distribution at sites throughout the City.
No ID or proof of enrollment is required, but a child must be present. Families will not need to enter the school building for pick-up.
More info: https://t.co/XjNv2gKSzh pic.twitter.com/WILwdyNkWP
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) March 17, 2020
Eviction Protection for Businesses and Individuals
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued Executive order N-28-20 on March 16 to create a ban on evictions for those who have lost their jobs or have reduced income because of COVID-19.
The order is currently in effect until May 31, 2020.
We will keep working to ensure that small businesses don’t get evicted during the #COVIDー19 pandemic. I fully support the Governor’s executive order allowing cities to protect both residential & commercial tenants. We will continue to pursue statewide legislation. https://t.co/TH0Yq1O2nw
— Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) March 17, 2020
What You Can Do to Keep Yourself and Your Family Healthy
- Take everyday preventive actions to stay healthy.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.