At Faith in the Valley, we believe in a society free of economic oppression, racism and discrimination in which everyone lives in a safe and healthy environment, everyone is respected and everyone is included and has agency over the decisions that shape their lives. That’s why it’s important that, during this COVID-19 pandemic, we make sure the people closest to the pain have a voice and get the help they need to weather this health crisis.
We also understand that as a faith community, we are what we need. Our collaboration, cooperation and co-creation during this moment will be the quickest way to prevent this virus from spreading in the Central Valley.
If you’re looking for help, use this website as your COVID-19 information and resource center for the Central Valley. If you’re looking to get involved in our coalition, we invite you to join us as we work to keep everyone safe and our faith in the Valley strong.
About the Disease
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. Symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.
To reduce the spread of the virus, the FDA has now provided emergency use authorization for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines and full approval for the Pfizer vaccine. Research shows that FDA-authorized or approved vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19, but it is still recommended that you take steps to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and avoid close contact with others.
Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public indoors settings. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Also, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
What you need to know:
How COVID-19 is spread
You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person.
Practice social distancing
If you must go in person to buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor or complete banking activities, stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Know your risk for severe illness
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness.
Frequently asked questions
How California Is Responding to COVID-19
On June 15, the State of California fully reopened its economy, which means there are no county more tiers, capacity limits or physical distancing requirements. But COVID-19 has not gone away. That means we need to keep taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the current safety measures and how you might be affected.
What's open?
Pretty much everything is open again and back to normal, especially if you’re vaccinated. There aren’t any required capacity limits, no more physical distancing and much looser mask mandates.
While all restrictions have been lifted throughout the state, counties, cities and local businesses still have the right to set their own capacity limits or other rules, as they see fit.
What restrictions are in place for large events like sports games and big concerts?
These sort of “mega events” are the only types of places that might have some COVID-19 restrictions still in place after June 15. These new state guidelines are going to be in place for conferences, conventions, concerts, sporting events and the like for the time being.
Do I still have to wear a mask?
Fully vaccinated people are allowed to do pretty much everything they were doing before the pandemic without needing to wear a mask. That includes grocery shopping, going to the gym, drinking at a bar, seeing a movie or going to church.
There are just a few places where vaccinated people still need to wear masks, including hospitals, prisons, homeless shelters, during travel (including air travel and mass transit) and while indoors at K-12 schools.
If you’re not vaccinated, you’ll still be required to wear a mask in all indoor public settings.
Are there travel restrictions in place?
California recommends people delay non-essential travel until they are fully vaccinated, but no travel restrictions are in effect. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test is required to enter the U.S. and your destination may still require proof of vaccination and/or a negative test result.
What if I need to visit the doctor?
If you are feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center.
If you need to go to the hospital, call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival. If you need to call 911, tell the 911 operator the exact symptoms you are experiencing so the ambulance provider can prepare to treat you safely.
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COVID-19 Conversations
Throughout the pandemic, our leaders have been holding talks to discuss how COVID-19 has affected our communities and how we can be strong in our response to this crisis. Check out the videos and join the discussion on our YouTube page.
