A paddle boarder explores Monterey Harbor on a hazy morning. What's your favorite way to get out and enjoy the water? The marine layer kept Monterey cool today, and a cooling trend for temperatures follows for the rest of the week.

Misleading information and comparisons about the flu and the coronavirus have been circulating widely since the start of the pandemic. This misinformation has been amplified as the start of the flu season begins. Both are contagious respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, but COVID-19 is more dangerous, contagious and lethal than the flu, and extra precautions are needed.

How else are they different? Research shows a person with the flu infects an average of about 1.28 other people. A person with novel coronavirus infects an average of about 2 to 3 other people. With the flu, the incubation period is relatively short. People typically start feeling sick one to four days after infection, with symptoms often showing up within two days, the CDC says. That means people who get sick from the flu will know they're sick fairly soon and will likely stay home, avoiding contact with others. But the incubation period with coronavirus is about three to 14 days, so the potential to infect others is higher. Hospitalization rates from the flu is 2% while COVID-19 is 19%.

You can get a flu vaccine but not one for coronavirus. Experts say the number of flu deaths could be drastically reduced if more people got flu shots. Even if you get a flu vaccine and later catch the flu, the symptoms are usually less severe. The best ways to control the spread of coronavirus is with personal responsibility- limit trips outside of your home, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash hands often.

Find more information about the flu and coronavirus at chomp.org/flu. Visit mtyhd.org/flu for a schedule of No Cost Flu Vaccination Community Clinics, starting this week.

Voting is underway in Monterey County! Did you get your ballot in the mail? You can mail your ballot back or you can place them in a number of drop boxes scattered throughout the County. The recommendation is to mail them by October 27, although they can be postmarked on Election Day, November 3. Thank you Monterey County Weekly for sharing an interactive map of every drop box location, including in front of the Monterey Public Library (pictured).

Haven't registered yet? There is still time!

Online: October 19

By mail: Postmarked by October 19

In-person: November 3

Check the status of your registration or register to vote at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

City of Monterey's Emergency Rental Assistance Program is designed to mitigate potential homelessness and displacement of existing Monterey residents and workers who are experiencing a decrease in household income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and thus, unable to pay their rent. The City may provide up to a maximum of six (6) months of rental assistance. So far, a total of 43 households have been issued assistance for a total of $166,050. 53 more households are pending as we wait for completed documentation. Learn more about the program and qualifications, and apply at monterey.org/housing. Please share with residents or workers in need.

Thank you to our wonderful VOLUNTEERS IN PARKS who help beautify Monterey every Tuesday. Today, they were at the Sensory Gardens near Old Fishermans Wharf and Monterey State Historic Park. Interested in volunteering? Call 831-646-3860. 

The City of Monterey is working to provide local resources and support every day to help us get past the pandemic. Here's a look at the past six months: MONTEREY RESPONDS

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