This past weekend saw a sharp decline in the percentage of ICU beds available in our region. For clarification, these are not a true reflection of just San Joaquin County, but with the counties that align with ours- Stanislaus, Calaveras, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Tuolumne, etc- and this is not just the number of beds taken by COVID-19 patients, but by anyone who currently occupies the ICU. The reasoning is that in the event of an outbreak, our hospitals would not be able to provide necessary care in ICUs across the state as the numbers are now. While we understand the need for extreme caution with the spike we're seeing, it is a disheartening reality to be back under regional stay-at-home orders such as these, especially during the holiday season AND as it causes more strife, and potential detriment, to our local businesses. To read more about the new order, click here. 

The City of Lodi has taken steps to assist our local businesses in a big way, and we are happy to announce they are starting the Small Business Assistance (SBA) program. This program has been made possible due to the Community Development Block Grant and can potentially cover eligible business expenses for businesses who apply and are awarded funds. To find the form, click here. We appreciate the continued partnership with the City, and know that while it does not solve everything, it is a step in the right direction for many of our struggling businesses. We are hopeful that we can make it through these times together and implore you all to please shop small and local this holiday season (however you can).