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CALIFORNIA
7pm
Governor Newsom released updated industry guidance on Thursday, May 7. Click here for more information.
5pm
The California Department of Public Health says as of May 6, there are 60,614 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. 2,504 people have died. That’s an increase of 92 deaths since May 5. Local health departments have reported 6,625 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 35 deaths statewide. More than 842,874 tests have been conducted in California as of May 6 (some of these results are still pending).
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
12:40pm
Santa Cruz County is increasing testing for the coronavirus. The county, in partnership with the state, has opened a new COVID-19 testing site in Watsonville. The initial priority is to test health care workers, first responders and other individuals working in essential services. More information will be available later on once the testing site opens to all community members. No walk-up or drive-through testing will occur at the site and people must make an appointment. A nasal swab is collected, which is then sent to a lab for processing. The site has the capacity to collect samples from about 132 people each day.
12:30pm
COVID-19 testing is now less restrictive in Santa Cruz County. Early on, only those who came forward with symptoms were tested. Now, the county is actively testing healthcare workers and first responders. Those frontline workers are tested every 14 days.
12:20pm
Santa Cruz County’s supply of personal protective equipment, or PPE, is steadily improving and beginning to meet demand. Gowns are still needed, but the county did receive a shipment from the state Wednesday. The county is working to build a 30 day PPE reserve in their warehouse to have a steady supply moving forward.
11:55am
Officials in Santa Cruz County are very cautious about relaxing rules related to team sports. They say there’s a high potential for the spread of the coronavirus because there’s close contact. Team sports also involve equipment that’s touched by many people.
11:45am
Santa Cruz County’s new beach rules to prevent crowding made a difference last weekend, according to officials. The new rules prohibit activities on the sand, such as walking, between the hours of 11am and 5pm daily. Water activities, such as surfing, are allowed anytime. Deputies with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office did hand out a couple hundred tickets to people who violated the rules. Officials say they were mostly from out of town.
11:35am
Santa Cruz County communicable disease experts provided insight into how they prepare local COVID-19 modeling. The experts look at a variety of data to help estimate the date and magnitude of a potential surge in cases. They say modeling has limitations and can’t predict the future or provide all of the answers. Disease modeling is also used to guide modifications to shelter-in-place orders, but it’s not the only factor. Experts also rely on Governor Gavin Newsom’s six indicators for the Roadmap to Reopening.
11:20am
Santa Cruz County health officials are reminding the public that if you have symptoms of a medical emergency, they want you to go to the hospital and seek help. They say the ER is a safe place right now.
11:15am
Santa Cruz County health officials say the potential next wave of the coronavirus could coincide with the flu season. Health officials say don’t skip the flu vaccine this year.
11:10am
As of May 6, there have been 139 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Santa Cruz County residents. That’s an increase of 1 case since the county’s report on May 5. Fatalities remain at two people, 21 have required hospitalization and 111 have recovered from the virus. 4,448 negative tests have been recorded in the county.
MONTEREY COUNTY
5:45pm
Natividad Hospital thanks the community for the many donations of personal protective equipment, food and flowers they’ve received. Donations currently being accepted include masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, face shields, goggles and eye shields, gowns. All donations must be unopened and in original packing. Please visit this website for more information.
5:10pm
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez is hosting a virtual town hall meeting next Thursday, May 14, from 5 to 6pm to discuss local economics and resources. A variety of organizations are participating to help small businesses weather the COVID-19 storm. You can submit questions by emailing district3@co.monterey.ca.us with the subject line = Recovery Town Hall Question. To participate, you can use the following call in numbers:
+1 669 900 6833
+ 1 346 248 7799
+1 253 215 8782
+ 1 929 205 6099
+1 301 715 8592
+ 1 312 626 6799
Zoom meeting ID - 921 0320 2571
Zoom Link: https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/92003202571
The meeting will also be broadcast on Supervisor Lopez’s Facebook page.
4:20pm
The Lightning Formation Airshow Group will flyover hospitals this Saturday in honor of healthcare workers and first responders. They will fly over the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula at 3:30pm.
2:05pm
The city of Monterey’s summer camp programs in Toro Park have been cancelled. They may, however, operate summer camps inside the Monterey Sports Center.
1:55pm
The Monterey County Office of Education’s Digital Equity Team has partnered with Monterey-Salinas Transit to use buses equipped with wifi. Beginning Monday, May 11, students and families can drive to an expanded number of locations and connection to the internet all while remaining in their cars to do work. Click here for a list of the locations.
1:45pm
Monterey County received 750,000 masks for agricultural workers on Thursday. The masks came at no cost from California’s emergency stockpile of PPE. The shipment will provide 25,000 ag workers with one maks per day for 30 days. The Monterey County Emergency Medical Services Agency medical operation area coordinator had asked for the masks. Local organizations, including the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, Farm Bureau, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California and the California Strawberry Commission, will distribute them.
12:45pm
Natividad Hospital is recognizing its nurses in honor of National Nurses Week, May 6 through May 12. Awards are handed out to nurses who exemplify empathy in all situations, have made a difference in a patient’s life, generate enthusiasm and more. Patients and hospital visitors can nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award online. Click here for Nativdad’s Spanish website, or here for English.
11am
As of May 5, there have been 247 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Monterey County residents.That’s an increase of 6 cases since the county’s previous report. Fatalities remain at 6 people, 34 have required hospitalization and 100 have recovered from the virus. Local labs have conducted 3,742 tests in the county as of May 5.