The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage as the coronavirus outbreak threatens availability of the nation’s supply. Nearly 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in some 86,000 fewer blood donations. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need, and more than 80% of the blood the Red Cross collects comes from drives held at workplaces, college campuses and school locations.

Here in the Southern California Region, more than 160 blood drives have been canceled, resulting in 5,500 fewer blood donations. The Red Cross is adding appointment slots at donation centers and expanding capacity at many community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to ensure ample opportunities for donors to give.

The Red Cross expects the number of cancellations to continue to increase, which is causing heightened concern for blood collection organizations and hospitals across the country. This blood shortage could impact patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer.

“I am looking at the refrigerator that contains only one day’s supply of blood for the hospital,” said Dr. Robertson Davenport, director of transfusion medicine at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. “The hospital is full. There are patients who need blood and cannot wait.”

“In our experience, the American public comes together to support those in need during times of shortage and that support is needed now more than ever during this unprecedented public health crisis,” said Chris Hrouda, president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Unfortunately, when people stop donating blood, it forces doctors to make hard choices about patient care, which is why we need those who are healthy and well to roll up a sleeve and give the gift of life. Volunteer donors are the unsung heroes for patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give, please schedule an appointment to give now,” added Hrouda.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) has published a list of resources now available for Ventura County employees and employers who have been impacted by COVID-19

Following the County of Ventura’s Health Officer Order issued the evening of Tuesday March 17th, 2020, the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) has released a comprehensive Business Resource Guide now available for employees and employers who have been impacted by COVID-19. Published and housed online via the EDC’s website (edcollaborative.com/covid19), the guide encompasses a list of local, state, and federal resources available to affected members of Ventura County’s business community at large.

As the spread and impact of COVID-19 still remains unknown, within the guide the EDC – a non-profit public/private partnership focused on supporting economic vitality in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles County – recommends five immediate steps employers can take to help mitigate financial loss. Additionally, the guide outlines no-cost business consulting services, Work Share Programs, extension filing guidelines for payroll, personal, and business taxes, and a variety of Business Disruption Loans available for employers. Employees are encouraged to access the document to learn more about unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family-leave options.

“The EDC serves as one of the primary business service providers within the greater Ventura County Region,” states Clare Briglio, Communications and Business Disruption Resource Director of the Economic Development Collaborative. “During moments of economic disruption, it is critical for business owners to keep informed of the local, state, and federal resources available. We anticipate a greater roll-out of benefits from the state and federal government as the economic impact of COVID-19 continues to grow. For this reason, we encourage all business owners to visit the resource page on our website edcollaborative.com/covid19 for up-to-date and accurate information.”

The EDC’s Business Resource Guide also includes a comprehensive list of relevant websites and resources the Public can access to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information related to COVID-19.

Following the directive from Gov. Gavin Newsome and the California Department of Public Health, the VC Fairgrounds and Event Center is temporarily suspending all events involving attendance of 250 people or more.

The health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance to us.  In addition to the Governors directive, we will continue to follow all other recommended protocols for cleaning and sanitizing the facility after daily usage.

The following events at the VC Fairgrounds and Event Center have been affected:

3/29 Arts Collaborative Car Show: Postponed, date TBD

4/4 Crab Feast Fundraiser: Postponed to 5/30

4/26 Skull and Roses Festival: Postponed, date TBD

There are currently no plans to change the dates of the 2020 VCF, August 5-16, 2020.  We will continue to follow directives from the state.

We recommend that you follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyday guidelines to prevent the spread of any respiratory illness – including COVID-19.

The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) is committed to maintaining its four farmers markets as a vital food facility and local food source during this time of uncertainty with the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the VCCFMA announces that all four markets will remain open for the foreseeable future in Midtown Ventura, Downtown Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita.

In order to provide the safest operations possible, the VCCFMA is modifying its systems by implementing more stringent cleaning and disinfecting protocols at the markets, which include increased sanitization of the equipment and frequently touched areas. Additional hand wash stations and sanitizing products are also available at the markets’ Information Booths. All sampling practices are being discontinued as well as the elimination of cooked foods.

The move of the Thousand Oaks Market scheduled for March 26 to the Front Northwest Outdoor Lot at the Oaks Shopping Center has been postponed during this chaotic time. The market will remain at the East End Parking Lot on Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard until the market operations become stabilized. A new move date, projected for May, will be announced once the site has been approved. Shoppers can assist with safety by utilizing the hand washing stations, washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before eating or drinking and washing again thoroughly after using the restroom. Products will be limited, and shoppers are asked to observe social distancing as well. All food products need to be thoroughly washed when taken home. It is also advisable not to touch ones’ face, hair, body or clothes. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure everyone’s safety at the markets.

Current updates will be available on VCCFMA social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfm.org.

The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association is a non-profit farmers’ cooperative that has been in existence since 1986 and serves the communities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita with their four weekly certified farmers’ markets.

Ventura County’s food bank is stepping up its operations to ensure that those in need have access to food.

As an essential service, Food Share, Ventura County’s food bank, is not only staying open, it’s stepping up its operations to feed even more people in need. In addition to grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants, food banks across the state are being asked to stay open by Governor Gavin Newsom, even during the statewide stay at home directive.

Monica White, President & CEO of Food Share, has a straightforward and positive message, “Keep calm and we’ll feed on! We are open for business and will continue to feed those in need in Ventura County. Our mission is more important than ever. We have asked our older volunteers to put their own health first and stay home, but we need help to meet the increasing need. If you are over the age of 12, are not in a vulnerable health group and have no symptoms of illness, please go to foodshare.com/volunteer and sign up for a shift. Our community needs your help.”

Food Share has stepped up its already rigorous food safety and facility sanitation practices to minimize any risk to food recipients, volunteers or employees. Everyone who volunteers will be asked to wash their hands thoroughly on entry to the building, will wear protective gloves throughout their shift and will work 6 feet away from other volunteers.

“We are working diligently with our food pantries and other community partners to implement new methods of food distribution, such as drive-through and drop-and-go models to ensure appropriate social distancing” added White. “We have also waived all delivery fees in addition to the shared maintenance fees to help our pantry partners keep the food flowing to those in need.”

Up-to-date information on temporary pantry closures, pop-up distribution sites and emergency volunteer opportunities will be posted at foodshare.com/covid19/ and on Food Share’s social media channels.

For information on free Senior Food Kit distributions please go to foodshare.com/seniorkits

VCAAA also has information and resources for seniors at vcaaa.org/covid-19/

You can make a donation in support of Food Share at foodshare.com/give

The recent developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are rapidly evolving. While county, state, and federal agencies take the lead to address the public health-related concerns connected to the virus, our office is also working closely with the County, Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and other key partners to assist our local businesses through the developing economic impacts. 

On March 17, the County of Ventura issued a Public Health Order outlining new requirements including all permanent food facilities, along with bars and nightclubs that offer food. The Public Health Order also requires closure of the following types of businesses in Ventura County, which includes the City of Ventura: 

•    Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food

•    Movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, and arcades

•    Gyms, fitness centers, and aquatic centers

•    Wineries, breweries, and taprooms that provide tastings. 

The economic health of our businesses is a key priority. We understand that during these times, our local employees and employers are going to be affected by the impacts of COVID-19.  We are here with you and want to be your partner through these uncertain times.  

While recognizing social distancing is essential during this time, we do not want to overlook the importance of investing in our local economy. We encourage our residents to continue supporting our local businesses through pick up or delivery services.  At last night’s City Council meeting, City Council Leadership set the directive to allow for easier access to businesses offering pick up services.  Effective immediately, all parking meters downtown will not be enforced. Free parking will be available through April 12, 2020.  

If you are an employee or employer affected by COVID-19, please visit the Economic Development Collaborative website for a resource guide on information on economic recovery efforts. As new resources become available, this guide will be updated as needed. 

Lastly, please be considerate of others and help to slow the spread of this virus. Review the CDC’s guidance for more information on how you can do your part.

With the health and safety of employees, customers and communities of utmost importance, E.J. Harrison & Sons and its partners at Gold Coast Recycling and Agromin are closely following the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and all relevant federal, state and local agencies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Operations at all facilities are generally continuing unabated. The only significant change affecting customers is at Gold Coast, where the Buy-Back Center at its Colt Street facility in Ventura has been closed until further notice, to protect the safety of customers and employees. Residential and commercial recycling continues as usual.

At Harrison, “we do not anticipate having to change our normal trash-collection operations,” said Contracts Manager Dan Harrison. “We are monitoring the situation closely and if the need arises, we will adapt our operations. We will update the public immediately if we believe any significant changes are required.”

At Gold Coast, “our operation is in full working order,” said General Manager George Harrison. “We’re aided greatly by the recent systems upgrade, particularly to the picking line, where employees can easily stand six feet apart and all employees wear protective gloves and masks.”

At Agromin, “we do not anticipate having any changes to our normal operations,” said CEO Bill Camarillo. “Our facility is open for business based on the guidelines from local government and health officials. We will continue to monitor the situation and email updates as necessary.”

“We are grateful for your continued support,” Camarillo said. “Please take care of one another. Stay safe and healthy.”

Thanking all of the companies’ customers, Harrison spokeswoman Nan Drake said: “We appreciate your understanding at this unique and challenging time. We will continue to provide the essential solid waste and recycle services we have committed to perform. As always, we will operate under our company motto that Service is Everything.”

For additional information, visit the companies’ websites, at ejharrison.com, goldcoastrecycling.com and agromin.com.