NOTE: This page is an ARCHIVE of KAZU's online coverage, of April 6-12, 2020.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
6:15pm
The City of Santa Cruz Downtown Association has put together a list of restaurants and retailers still open for business.
- Retailers: downtownsantacruz.com/shoponline
- Restaurants: downtownsantacruz.com/downtown-delivered
- Keep Moving: downtownsantacruz.com/post/keep-moving-with-downtown
6pm
Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency: Positive Cases: 88, Deaths: 1
* As of April 12
MONTEREY COUNTY
6:20pm
The Department of Information Technology and Resources at Hartnell College began distributing Chromebook laptop computers to students who plan to graduate in May. About 50 laptops were loaned out and more will be distributed. Hartnell continues to seek out mobile wireless hotspots.There is free, wireless service in a parking lot on the main campus and a similar setup coming to the Alisal Campus soon.
6:10pm
Carmel Maker Space and Monterey Bay Makers have been making 3D printed face shields for local service workers. So far, they have printed 1,000 of them. Team members are from the Naval Postgraduate School, Stevenson School, MBARI, The Sustainability Academy, York School, Stanford Hospital, CHOMP and more. At 2pm on Monday, April 13, they will be holding a Zoom video conference call to discuss ways the public can help out. Click here for more information.
5:50pm
Monterey County Health Department: Positive Cases: 87, Deaths: 3
* As of April 11
5:40pm
CALIFORNIA
California Department of Public Health: Positive Cases: 21,794, Deaths: 651
*As of April 11
Ages of all confirmed positive cases:
- Age 0-17: 330 cases
- Age 18-49: 10,599 cases
- Age 50-64: 5,941 cases
- Age 65 and older: 4,870 cases
- Unknown/Missing: 54 cases
Gender of all confirmed positive cases:
- Female: 10,571 cases
- Male: 10,926 cases
- Unknown: 297 cases
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
MONTEREY COUNTY
3:50pm
The Monterey County Health Officer has issued an order directing all laboratories conducting COVID-19 testing to report results to the Monterey County Health Department. This includes positive, negative and inconclusive test results. The order is consistent with State reporting requirements.
1:50pm
The City of Monterey is reminding the public that police will be out this weekend to monitor city beaches and parks. Both are open, but those who do not follow social distancing rules will be cited. People are encouraged to walk in their neighborhoods.
1:45pm
The City of Monterey is taking advantage of the low traffic to make road improvements. Alvarado Street is getting some upgrades, including repaving, new ADA sidewalk ramps, storm drain and tree well work. The improvements are expected to be complete by Memorial Day. Work on Tyler street and in Cannery Row is also underway.
1:40pm
Beginning tonight (Friday, April 10), Colton Hall in downtown Monterey will be lit with red and blue lights in honor of first responders. The display will be on for the remainder of the coronavirus outbreak.
1:30pm
Monterey County hospitals have put in orders to receive testing kits so they can test for COVID-19 on-site instead of sending samples to the Monterey County Health Department. Today, the California Department of Public Health sent Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System an Abott testing machine. SVMHS was selected because it serves low-income families. The machine can run a test every 15 to 30 minutes, and will speed up results. SVMHS is still waiting to receive more equipment before their on-site testing can begin. SVMHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Radner said this will radically change how they can treat patients and will have a positive ripple effect throughout the county.
CALIFORNIA
3:45pm
As of April 9, 2020, there are a total of 19,472 positive cases and 541 deaths in California, according to the California Department of Public Health. More information on the cases can be found here.
Ages of all confirmed positive cases:
- Age 0-17: 269 cases
- Age 18-49: 9,469 cases
- Age 50-64: 5,347 cases
- Age 65 and older: 4,335 cases
- Unknown/Missing: 52 cases
Gender of all confirmed positive cases:
- Female: 9,387 cases
- Male: 9,745 cases
- Unknown: 340 cases
12:15pm
California State Parks advises the public to stay home and save lives ahead of what’s usually one of the busiest weekends in spring. We have a list of the latest State Parks closures for Monterey and Santa Cruz counties on our blog.
Monterey County (Effective sunset April 10 until further notice)
- Andrew Molera State Park (SP)
- Garrapata SP
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
- Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Santa Cruz County (Effective April 8 - April 15; Longer if deemed necessary)
- Big Basin Redwoods SP
- Castle Rock SP
- Forest of Nisene Marks SP
- Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
- Lighthouse Field State Beach (SB)
- Manresa SB
- Natural Bridges SB
- New Brighton SB
- Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Seacliff SB
- Sunset SB
- Twin Lakes SB
- Wilder Ranch SP
CENTRAL COAST
11:45am
Local Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced Friday that more than $4.9 million from the CARES Act will support federal housing programs on the Central Coast. The funding can be used to support emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness, senior services, child care centers, and more.
Receiving funding through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG):
- Gilroy City: $275,486.00
- Monterey: $152,845.00
- Salinas : $1,190,782.00
- Santa Cruz: $353,464.00
- Seaside: $199,874.00
- Watsonville: $443,984.00
- Monterey County: $816,541.00
- Santa Clara County: $906,287.00
Receiving funding under the Emergency Solutions Grants program (ESG):
- Salinas: $617,245.00
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
1:50pm
Food Not Bombs, an all volunteer program that shares free meals and groceries with the local community, is distributing food every day in Santa Cruz at Laurel and Front Streets. Weekday hours are from 1pm to 6pm. Weekend hours are at 4pm. Food Not Bombs is also providing books and gear for those who are experiencing homelessness. For more information, people can call 1-800-884-1136.
10:15am
Cabrillo College announced Friday it will receive over $4 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Half of the funding will help students meet the costs of attending college through emergency financial aid grants. Cabrillo College is one of multiple colleges and universities in the area that's receiving this funding.
Congressman Panetta provided KAZU News with this list:
- Cabrillo College ($4,027,260)
- Hartnell Community College ($3,615,339)
- Monterey Peninsula College ($2,415,633)
- California State University, Monterey Bay ($8,459,727)
- University Of California, Santa Cruz ($19,327,201)
- Gavilan College ($2,328,197)
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
CALIFORNIA
3:15pm
As of April 8, 2020, there are a total of 18,309 positive cases and 492 deaths in California, according to the state health department. For more information on the cases, click here.
Ages of all confirmed positive cases:
- Age 0-17: 252 cases
- Age 18-49: 8,939 cases
- Age 50-64: 5,003 cases
- Age 65 and older: 4,056 cases
- Unknown/Missing: 59 cases
Gender of all confirmed positive cases:
- Female: 8,776 cases
- Male: 9,130 cases
- Unknown: 403 cases
Racial Demographics
This initial information, representing 54 percent of COVID-19 cases and 53 percent of deaths, shows the race and ethnicity data is roughly in line with the diversity of California overall:
- Latinos: 30% of cases and 26% of deaths (39% of the state's population)
- Whites: 37% of cases and 38% of deaths (37% of the state's population)
African Americans/Blacks: 7% of cases and 8% of deaths (6% of the state's population)
Asians: 13% of cases and 18% of deaths (15% of the state's population) - Multiracial: 2% of cases and 1.5% of deaths (2% of the state's population)
- American Indians or Alaska Natives: 0.2% of cases and 0.4% of deaths (0.5% of the states' population)
- Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders: 2% of cases and .8% of deaths (0.3% of the state's population)
Other: 13% of cases and 8% of deaths (N/A)
3pm
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced new guidance on childcare for essential workers, including health care professionals, teachers and agricultural workers. The guidance addresses how prioritization will roll out and how child care programs and providers can safely care for children during this time.
MONTEREY COUNTY
3:35pm
Parents of Chinese students who attend Stevenson School in Pebble Beach came together to donate 42,000 face masks, surgical masks and N95 masks to support the Monterey community during the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the masks have been distributed to local post offices, Monterey County Health Department, Monterey County Office of Emergency Services, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Meals on Wheels and other local agencies. Tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, the remaining masks will be available to the public in paper bags of 10 masks.
Here’s a list of pick-up locations:
Friday, April 10
- Carmel Middle School (for people living in Carmel, Carmel Valley and Big Sur)
4380 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel
12pm – 2 pm and 6 pm – 7 pm
- Salinas Police Services (for people in Salinas and South County)
312 East Alisal Street, Salinas
3pm – 5pm
Saturday, April 11
- Greater Victory Temple (for people in Seaside and surrounding areas)
1620 Broadway Avenue, Seaside
10 am – noon
- Stevenson School (for people in Pebble Beach)
Pebble Beach
1pm – 2 pm
- Carmel Presbyterian Church (for people in Carmel)
Junipero St &, Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea
2pm – 4 pm
- Monta Vista Elementary School (for people in Monterey and Pacific Grove)
251 Soledad Dr, Monterey,
4:30 pm – 6 pm
2:25pm
The Monterey County Business Council, the Cal Coastal Small Business Development Center, County of Monterey and the City of Salinas are hosting a webinar tomorrow at 10am to share information about the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses. The tutorial is part of a series of free webinars for the business community. Click here to register.
2pm
In the city of Monterey, city parks and beaches will be open this weekend, but warning signs against group gatherings will be up. If people don’t follow the rules, the city may close the parks beginning Saturday. Monterey Police and the Parks Department will be out monitoring.
1:15pm
Monterey County Supervisor Jane Parker will host another virtual Hot Topics meeting on Monday, April 13 at 5:30pm. It will feature presentations about the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions will be accepted during the zoom chat. You can also send questions in advance of the meeting to district4@co.monterey.ca.us. To join, click https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/402565563 or call 669-900-6833 with meeting code 402 565 563#.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
4pm
The Santa Cruz County Public Health Division is reminding the public that gatherings are not allowed under the current shelter-in-place order. This order does impact religious observances. The county is urging church leaders and religious organizations to close in-person services and ensure large gatherings are not happening. According to the county, many local churches have turned to live streaming and online recordings.
2:40pm
Second Harvest Food Bank will host another food drive tomorrow, Friday, April 10. The drive-through food distribution will take place at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk parking lot (100 Beach St) between 9am and 1pm. To participate, people must show proof they live in Santa Cruz County, such as an ID. There will also be a walk-up distribution line for residents of the Beach Flats neighborhood. For more information, people can call the food bank’s Community Food Hotline at 831-662-0991 or click here.
1:50pm
Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel is reminding residents that all parks, beaches and trails throughout the county will be closed through April 15th. This period includes Easter weekend and much of Passover. Dr. Newel said the county is seeing infection outbreaks when people gather in large groups. She said due to the holiday weekend and upcoming sunny weather, she wants the community to closely follow the order. It applies to the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County as well as the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville and the recreation districts of La Selva, Boulder Creek, Alba and Opal Cliffs plus the Port District of Santa Cruz. The order prohibits walking, running, cycling, surfing and other similar activities in those areas. The intention is to reopen the parks and beaches in a week, although some areas may continue to be temporarily closed. Dr. Newel said state parks, dog parks and skate parks have been a problem.
11:45am
The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency is currently reporting 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. The agency has unveiled a new data dashboard on their website, which provides information about the cases. So far, one person has died, 13 have required hospitalization and 30 have recovered from the virus. Most of the patients are between the ages of 35 and 49 years old.
11:40am
The Santa Cruz County Law Enforcement Chief’s Association has agreed to join together and operate under one unified command to respond to COVID-19. Beginning on Monday, April 13, Santa Cruz County law enforcement will activate a joint Law Enforcement Operations Center. This center will coordinate countywide law enforcement response. Agencies will also make decisions for overall emergency response actions and share critical resources. The involved agencies include: Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, Santa Cruz Police Department, Scotts Valley Police Department, UCSC Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and California State Parks.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
CALIFORNIA
4:30pm
The California Department of Public Health today says as of April 7, California now has 16,957 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 442 deaths. Local health departments have reported 1,651 confirmed positive cases in health care workers. Starting April 8, racial demographics of COVID-19 cases and deaths, along with expanded data on infection rates of healthcare workers, will be available. Approximately 168,800 tests had been conducted in California.
3:15pm
Local Congressman Jimmy Panetta has announced the distribution of over $4.5 million in Federal Funding to Central Coast community health centers, to help respond to the novel coronavirus. The funding for these grants comes from the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Breakdown of the funding:
San Benito Health Foundation (Health Center Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding) - $699,095.
Salud Para La Gente (Health Center Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding) - $1,026,020.
Clinica De Salud Del Valle De Salinas (Health Center Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding) - $1,356,320.
Monterey County (Health Center Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding) - $603,410.
Santa Cruz County (Health Center Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding) - $847,760
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
10:25am
Santa Clara County’s Health Officer, Dr. Sara Cody, has issued an order today requiring entities and individuals to report large inventories of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators. This one-time disclosure will help the county understand what supplies currently exist as they plan for hospital surges. Reporting is due by 11:59pm on April 15 via an online survey.
MONTEREY COUNTY
8:30pm
On Wednesday evening, the Monterey County Health Department announced another death from the coronavirus. Now, three Monterey County residents have died from COVID-19. Officials with Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System notified KAZU News via email that they had a patient in their care who tested positive for the virus and passed away Tuesday. SVMHS fficials said it was the first such death they've had at their hospital and that the patient was a Monterey County resident who is in the age category of 65 plus.
5:15pm
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is partnering with the Food Bank of Monterey County, the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County and the cities of Marina and Seaside to offer another ‘Food for Families in Need’ drive on Friday, April 10 from 1-3pm. There will be two locations: Los Arboles Middle School (294 Hillcrest Ave, Marina) and Seaside High School (2200 Noche Buena St, Seaside). This is open to everyone and no ID is needed. The food drive will continue until all food is gone. Just drive up in your car.
4:50pm
The Monterey Regional Waste Management District and Salinas Valley Recycles are asking the public to think before they head out to disposal sites. Both MRWMD and SVR say they have recently seen people bringing loads to their facilities that are not related to performing essential services. They suspect this is a result of what they’re calling “quarantine projects” (trending socially as #coronaproject and #quarantineproject). They add any unnecessary trip outside the home puts the community at risk.
3:05pm
A special 'Monterey Morning with the Manager' will air live on youtube this Thursday, April 9 at 9am. It will focus on how the city is dealing with the COVID-19 virus.
3pm
The city of Monterey is developing a $1.5 million stimulus plan that will go towards those hit worst during the coronavirus pandemic. The money will be transferred from funded projects and will not come from the general fund. The Monterey City Council is scheduled to vote on the plan on April 21st.
1:50pm
The Monterey County Office of Emergency Services has set up a page dedicated to sharing how the community can make all kinds of donations. From money to hospitals; to food for food banks; to donating blood. The page also includes ways you can volunteer virtually or in person safely.
1:40pm
The Monterey County Health Officer says they are taking steps to make alternative care sites available to those who can’t isolate themselves.
They are also anticipating the demand for hospital beds will increase in the weeks to come, and the demand may be more than the beds available. He says hospitals are working on surging an additional 40 percent.
1:30pm
From the 64 confirmed cases of COVID-19 currently identified in Monterey County, the Health Officer says they have identified 450 close contacts, or people who could have been exposed to the virus. Dr. Edward Moreno says those contacts (the ones that were found and contacted) have been instructed to quarantine themselves. He added, this shows just how many people can be exposed to theis virus.
1:20pm
Monterey County Animal Services says they are trying to empty their shelters. They have limited staff on site because of social distancing requirements. They are therefore asking the public, if they can, to foster any animals they have. You can fill out a form here.
They are also encouraging the public if they see a stray cat to “leave it be” as long as it's not sick or injured (then call them). They say these cats are often neighbourhood cats or have people feeding them.
The public can’t come to their shelters right now - they need to call in advance.
1:15pm
The Monterey County Business Council has been providing information to small businesses about how to cope during the coronavirus pandemic. They have a webinar coming up on the Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) on April 10 from 10-11am. Their previous webinars received a lot of local interest with over 600 individuals participating.
10am
Door to Hope, a mental health and addiction treatment center, is hosting a webinar on opioid substance abuse amongst the youth. The webinar for parents will take place on April 30, at 12pm. Another webinar in Spanish, on the same topic, will take place on April 30, at 3pm. The local non-profit says they have seen increased use of alcohol and drugs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
9:40am
The city of Santa Cruz is reminding residents that there are innovative ways to support local business during the shelter-in-place order. A coalition of local tech volunteers, along with Santa Cruz Works, have joined together to create a website that shares how you can support local business. Residents can buy gift cards, take virtual yoga classes, and businesses not listed on the website are encouraged to list their information.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
5:30pm
Santa Clara County has revealed some modelling they’ve done which estimates how many cases and hospitalizations the county will see over the next several weeks. Some of the key findings include a prediction that had a Shelter-in-Place Order not been put in place on March 16th, they would have expected approximately 50,000 cases of COVID-19 in our County by May 1st. You can find out more about the models here.
3:05pm
Santa Clara County reported 61 new cases of COVID-19 on April 7. A total of 43 people have died of the virus and 1285 people have tested positive for the virus.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
8pm
The Santa Cruz County Health Officer has issued a new order closing parks and beaches throughout the county from April 8 through April 15th. This period includes Easter weekend and much of Passover. The order prohibits surfing in Santa Cruz County until April 16.
3pm
Santa Cruz County is reporting as of April 7, 76 cases of COVID-19 in their county. 794 people have tested negative for the virus. The county has recorded one death.
1:50pm
Parents and children making plans for when the shleter-in-place orders are no longer in place can start registering, on April 20, for Kids2Parks field trips. This is for the 2020-21 school year. The program by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks is designed to help more students have access to local state parks and beaches.
MONTEREY COUNTY
4:30pm
Beginning at dawn on Saturday April 11, Monterey County Parks will be closed for Easter Weekend. The county made this decision because of concerns about the potential for gatherings, that may violate the current shelter-in-place order. The order specifies that gatherings of any size with individuals outside of the household are not permitted. A decision on re-opening hasn't been made yet.
4:25pm
Local Monterey business Escape Room 831, is producing facial shields for health care workers. Using a 3D printer they are making up to 10 shields per day.
1:30pm
The parents of Chinese students attending Stevenson School here on the Monterey Peninsula are donating 42,000 masks to the community to support Monterey County during the coronavirus pandemic. The parents live in China and have worked together to provide the face masks, surgical masks and N95 masks.
So far masks have been distributed to local post offices and within the coming days masks will also go to local hospitals, the health department, first responders, Meals On Wheels Staff ,and other community members.
12:20pm
The Monterey City Manager has put together a COVID-19 report which will be presented to the city council today. The report includes financial impacts to the city, proposals for a local stimulus plan, and a housing assistance program for workers.
12:15pm
SPCA Monterey County is starting virtual family dog and puppy training classes this Saturday, April 11. The Virtual Puppy Class will continue for 6 weeks and goes over housetraining, mouthiness, socialization, impulse control, as well as basic manners such as sit, down and wait.
12:00pm
From April 7 onwards, city of Monterey employees are required to cover their face when out in the community. Masks are not required but rather face coverings. The city has received offers from the community to make non N-95 masks.
11:00am
As of April 5, there have been 63 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Monterey County residents. 1,300 tests have been conducted. The county is providing more information on the cases such as age group, how the patient was exposed, and clinical information. You can find that in their daily situation report.
CALIFORNIA
4:20pm
As of April 6, the California Department of Public Health is reporting 15,865 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. There have been a total of 374 deaths. 269 health care workers have tested positive for the virus. Approximately 157,800 tests have been conducted.
1:20pm
Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order that expands price gouging protections from April 4, 2020 to September 4, 2020. Under the order, it is illegal for a person or business to charge more than 10% above the asking price regularly charged on or before February 4, 2020 for following products:
• Food items
• Consumer goods
• Medical or emergency supplies
• Federally designated Scarce Materials or Threatened Materials, such as respirators, masks, personal protective equipment for medical providers, ventilators, and certain medications.
A person or business may charge more than 10% higher than the previous price they charged if there has been a corresponding increase in cost from a supplier.
11:15am
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmund is hosting a virtual town hall on Tuesday, April 7 at 3pm. He’ll address the current state of California’s public schools during COVID-19. The town hall will be broadcast live via the California Department of Education’s Facebook page.
MONDAY, APRIL 6
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
5:45pm
The County of Santa Clara has identified housing for every COVID-19 positive individual in the county who needs housing assistance. This includes 13 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and their family members. Every homeless individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 now has shelter.
In addition to providing temporary housing for homeless individuals who have confirmed cases of COVID-19, the County has made significant strides in housing other vulnerable community members, who are more susceptible to severe illness if they contract COVID-19. This includes a total of 265 individuals who have been placed in temporary shelter.
The County has opened a temporary shelter at the Fairgrounds for 60 people. The City of San Jose has opened temporary shelter at Parkside Hall. The city has also taken delivery of 105 trailers provided by the State of California; these trailers will be used to temporarily shelter homeless and unstably housed residents in the coming weeks.
CALIFORNIA
4:15pm
As of April 5, 14,336 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in California. 343 people have died from the virus. Local health departments day 212 health care workers have tested positive. Approximately 143,800 tests have been conducted in the state.
11:25am
The California State Treasurer’s Office has put together a COVID-19 resource page with information about small businesses, tax relief and food access. They also say beware of scammers: Government agencies will not call and ask for your Social Security number, your bank accounts, or ask for payment over the phone.
MONTEREY COUNTY
1:30pm
The Monterey County Health Officer says he is receiving some pressure from certain parts of the community to moderate the Shelter-In-Place order for several future events and services. Dr. Edward Moreno says his decisions are and will be based on what is best for the health of the community.
1:20pm
The Monterey County Office of Emergency Services has elevated its activation level to 1 - the highest level.
1:10pm
Up to 100 trailers are being sent to Monterey County fron the State of California. These trailers, similar to a 27-30 feet long RV, will be used to isolate patients rather than for patients that require treatment.
11:50am
The city of Monterey says 350 N95 masks have been donated to them by the community.
11:40am
Hospice Giving Foundation is launching free daily online workshops beginning on Monday, April 6. The workshops will take place at 12pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 5:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In these interactive 45-minute sessions, workshop attendees will learn how to access, complete and formalize their wishes using an Advance Health Care Directive.
Hospice Giving Foundation says the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many to consider their own wishes. Without written plans, like an Advance Health Care Directive, medical professionals have no way of knowing what kind of care you want if you cannot speak for yourself.
11:30am:
The City of Monterey has issued a new public advisory to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. They want to ensure that users of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail remain within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The City is strongly advising the public to use the Recreation Trail only when commuting to and from work. They say over the past several weeks, congestion along certain segments of the trail have made it virtually impossible for cyclists and pedestrians to maintain a six-foot distance to stay in compliance with the health order.
11:00am
On Friday, April 3, Monterey Police Department arrested four people in connection with not complying with the current Shelter-In-Place order. The individuals were having a party for non-essential purposes that resulted in a noise complaint. The person who lived in the apartment resisted and delayed officers in their efforts to investigate the noise violation and Shelter in Place health order violation.
The four individuals, all in their 20s, were arrested, cited and then released.
The Monterey Police Department (MPD) says since the inception of the Shelter-In-Place order the MPD has investigated and educated persons about the order. However they add, when persons blatantly violate the County Health Officer’s Order, the MPD will vigorously enforce violations of the order.
10:30am
Hartnell College is loaning 13 ventilators to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Natividad Medical Center. The ventilators come from the college’s respiratory care program.
88 Hartnell registered nursing students are currently working at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in non-COVID roles. The students are at the hospital on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
There is also the prospect for students in the college’s respiratory care, nursing and emergency medical technician programs to be recruited as part of California’s Health Corps group being organized to supplement shorthanded health care staff across the state.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
2:50am
As of Monday, April 6, Santa Cruz County has 71 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The total number of deaths related to the virus remains one. Nine people have been hospitalized and the majority of cases are in patients aged 18-64 years old.
9:30am
Santa Cruz County is expanding its local health care capacity and preparing additional facilities to treat those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These facilities will treat patients who need hospitalization but do not have complex medical needs. This is designed to free up local hospital capacity. By partnering with 1440 Multiversity and Simpkins Family Swim Center, approximately 100 patients will have a safe place to receive care and recuperate while under the care of medical professionals and in keeping with best medical practices.
The partnership with 1440 Multiversity is multifaceted, and includes deployment of 1440 Multiversity staff and resources to prepare hundreds of fresh, nutritious meals to be delivered from 1440 Multiversity’s 75-acre private campus three times daily to vulnerable residents in shelters throughout Santa Cruz County.
In addition, upon request by Dignity Health Dominican Hospital, the County has deployed a portion of its mobile hospital to help triage patients and minimize hospital impacts during the COVID-19 outbreak.