Note: This page is an ARCHIVE of KAZU's online coverage, of May 7-12, 2020.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
CALIFORNIA
5pm
California officials announced today additional sectors that can open statewide as part of the state’s Stage 2 roadmap to reopening. These include office workspaces where teleworking is not possible, outdoor museums and limited personal services (such as car washes, dog-grooming and landscaping). Protections will need to be put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Statewide guidance for these sectors is available here.
2:30pm
As of May 11, California is reporting 69,382 confirmed cases of COVID-19. This is an increase of 1,443 cases since May 10. Deaths from the virus have reached 2,847, marking an increase of 77 deaths since the prior day. 1,033,370 tests have been conducted in California and according to the state this represents an increase of 41,473 tests over the prior 24-hour reporting period.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
4:50pm
Santa Cruz County has updated their shelter-in-place order to clarify rules on certain activities. They say large events, nail salons and massage services remain on pause. The county’s FAQ page answers a variety of questions about healthcare operations, caretaking and education, and businesses.
12pm
Casa of Santa Cruz County or Court Appointed Special Advocates for children, says in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, they are actively witnessing the risk of child abuse and neglect increase dramatically. During shelter-in-place CASA volunteers are continuing to spend time with one child each week, getting to know them and gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. If you would like to get involved for a few hours a week you can sign up here.
10:30am
Santa Cruz County is reporting, as of May 11, 146 known cases of COVID-19. This represents an increase of 4 cases since May 7, when the county last reported cases. Fatalities remain at 2 and 4,977 negative test results have been recorded.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
10:20am
As of May 11, Santa Clara County has 2,341 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 129 people have died from the virus. This represents 7 new cases and no new deaths from their prior report. 102 people are currently hospitalized, 33 in ICU.
41,750 tests have been conducted.
MONTEREY COUNTY
7:10pm
The fall 2020 semester at Cal State Monterey Bay will be through virtual instruction. President Eduardo Ochoa announced the decision Tuesday, saying this is consistent with CSU guidelines. He said the health and safety of the CSUMB community is the university’s top priority.
1:35pm
This Friday, May 15, the Monterey County Business Council and Small Business Development Center, in partnership with the County of Monterey and City of Salinas will present a webinar called "Reopening Your Business: The Plans for Monterey County." The webinar will take place from 10-11am. Attendees can learn more about checklists that must be completed for childcare facilities, construction, agriculture, hospitality, real estate, retail, auto dealers, office buildings, and more. Details on speakers and how to register can be found here.
1:30pm
The City of Monterey says because of the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place orders, they are estimating an operating budget loss for the next fiscal year (July 2020 - July 2021) of between $14 - 20 million. Division Managers are working on cost cuts for their departments. The proposals will be presented at a May 27 meeting.
12:15pm
The City of Monterey will host a virtual town hall on parking this Thursday, May 14, at 6 pm. You can register in advance here. The discussion will include possible increases and structural changes to city parking. For example, both downtown garages may switch to an all day parking fee and parking meter fees in Cannery Row may increase as you get closer to businesses and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The changes, in part, will help boost city revenue, cutting losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The virtual meeting is part of an 18 month long study of parking rates in the city. The City of Monterey operates 31 parking facilities. These facilities range in size from 10-space parking lots to the 1,003 space Cannery Row Parking Garage. These facilities total approximately 3,500 off-street parking spaces.
10am
As of May 10, there are 288 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Monterey County. This represents a daily increase of 9 cases. Fatalities remain at 6. 4,058 tests have been conducted.
The county has been providing a breakdown in demographic data including age group, race, area of residence and employment industry.
9:40am
Monterey County is launching the Great Plates Delivered program locally to support vulnerable seniors in need. Through Great Plates Delivered, the county will partner with local restaurants and food providers for home delivery of up to three nutritious meals a day, seven days a week for adults 60 and older who are at high-risk from COVID-19.
The program will also serve as an economic stimulus relief to participating restaurants and workers that are struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. The selection of food providers will be determined based on certain criteria. Older residents (60 and over) that would like to receive meals can call 2-1-1 for initial screening and begin the application process. Food providers can apply here.
MONDAY, MAY 11
CALIFORNIA
3:45pm
As of May 10, California has 67,939 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 2,770 people have died from the virus. That’s an increase of 1,259 cases and 25 deaths since May 10. 991,897 tests have been conducted in the state. Local health departments have reported 7,211 confirmed positive cases in health care workers.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
10:40am
Dignity Health Dominican Hospital, which serves the Santa Cruz County community, has announced the gradual reopening of elective procedures. Emphasis in this first phase will be placed on medically necessary, time-sensitive procedures including surgeries, endoscopies, cardiac catheterization lab procedures, and interventional radiology procedures.
Steps have been taken to protect patients and staff from COVID-19: a strict visitor policy, screening all patients for COVID-19 symptoms and ensuring masks are worn. Also, daily staff symptom monitoring, rigorous social distancing, isolating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 from other patients at the hospital, enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes throughout the hospital, and adjusting operating room schedules to allow for additional cleanings after each procedure.
MONTEREY COUNTY
3:50pm
The Monterey County Health Department says they are continuing to expand their COVID-19 contact tracing team. These workers find and monitor individuals who have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. The county says they will soon be receiving increased help from the state. State workers will be assigned to different counties to help with this type of work remotely. The state is also starting ‘tracing training’ this week. Monterey County has been chosen to be part of this pilot program.
3:35pm
Monterey County’s Department of Social Services is alerting clients and the community to beware of a letter circulating on social media that looks like it comes from the state telling clients they must get tested for COVID-19 to continue their benefits. The letter also tells clients that if they test positive for the virus, their children will be removed into foster care. The county says this information is absolutely false. The letter asks the recipient to visit a website which is fake.
3:10pm
Monterey County is now providing information on the industries COVID-19 patients work in. As of May 9, the most cases are from the agriculture industry - 110 confirmed cases of a total of 279. The second highest number of confirmed cases comes from those retired or unemployed.
1:40pm
Monterey County Health Officer, Dr. Edward Moreno, is encouraging essential workers to go and get tested for COVID-19. This includes healthcare workers, food service workers and first responders. Two new testing sites opened last week in Salinas and Greenfield with capacity for over 100 tests per day at each facility (by appointment only). Dr. Moreno added that all hospitals in the county are able to conduct their own testing with quick turnaround of results.
1:30pm
United Way Monterey County’s 211 informational call center says they are currently averaging 80-100 calls per day. In the month of April they took around 2,200 calls. These numbers are about 3 times the normal volume of calls. 211 is encouraging residents to get in touch if they have any questions about the coronavirus pandemic. They can share information on the face covering order, a senior restaurant program, income tax credits and much more. You can also visit their website for more information and resources.
1:15pm
Gerry Malais, Monterey County’s Emergency Services Manager, says the county expects the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) will continue to run at Level 1 Activation for the next few months. They have over 100 people assigned to EOC positions currently.
1pm
The City of Monterey says it is seeing a slight increase in tourists. A warm weekend saw more visitors flocking to the beaches and along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Most businesses are still closed, though many restaurants are offering food to go. The city says it will roll out new signage on Fisherman’s Wharf explaining social distancing requirements.
10am
City of Monterey Councilmember Tyller Williamson will be hosting another “Talks with Tyller” today (May 11) from 6-7pm. Williamson will be joined by Monterey County District 5 Supervisor Mary Adams and they will give a COVID-19 update. Join by Google Meets or by phone +1 541-581-0287 PIN: 572 392 756#
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
9:45am
As of May 10, Santa Clara County has 2,339 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 129 deaths from the virus. This represents 32 new cases and 1 new death. 95 people are currently hospitalized because of the virus, 34 are in ICU. 40,651 COVID-19 tests have been conducted.
SUNDAY, MAY 8
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
4:55pm
Santa Cruz County, in partnership with Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, has formed an Economic Recovery Council to help with the phased reopening of the local economy. The council includes local business leaders who will work closely with the Santa Cruz County Health Officer and SAVE Lives Santa Cruz County. The council will also follow Governor Gavin Newsom’s Resilience Roadmap.
4:35pm
Santa Cruz City Council will begin discussing next fiscal year's budget during their meeting on Tuesday. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the city’s projected revenues.
4:05pm
As of May 9, there have been 141 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Santa Cruz County residents. That’s an increase of 1 case since the county’s report on May 7. Fatalities remain at two people, 21 have required hospitalization and 114 have recovered from the virus. 4,792 negative tests have been recorded in the county.
MONTEREY COUNTY
3:45pm
As of May 9, there have been 279 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Monterey County residents.That’s an increase of 2 cases since the county’s previous report. Fatalities remain at 6 people, 40 have required hospitalization and 137 have recovered from the virus. Local labs have conducted 4,020 tests in the county as of May 9.
CALIFORNIA
3:35pm
The California Department of Public Health says as of May 9, there are 66,680 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. 2,745 people have died. That’s an increase of 67 deaths since May 8. Local health departments have reported 7,160 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 38 deaths statewide. 955,664 tests have been conducted in California as of May 9 (some of these results are still pending).
FRIDAY, MAY 8
CALIFORNIA
2pm
The California Department of Public Health says as of May 7, there are 62,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. 2,585 people have died. That’s an increase of 81 deaths since May 6. Local health departments have reported 6,821 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 36 deaths statewide. More than 875,272 tests have been conducted in California as of May 7 (some of these results are still pending).
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
2:15pm
The City of Santa Cruz will resume downtown parking meter enforcement on Monday, May 11. It had been temporarily suspended in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given updated county and shelter-in-place orders, the enforcement will begin again.
1:35pm
As of May 7, there have been 140 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Santa Cruz County residents. That’s an increase of 1 case since the county’s report on May 6. Fatalities remain at two people, 21 have required hospitalization and 112 have recovered from the virus. 4,566 negative tests have been recorded in the county.
1:30pm
Santa Cruz Mayor Justin Cummings will host a virtual community meeting this afternoon (Friday) at 4pm to share information about what the city’s Economic Development Office is doing to help local businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The information will include an update on the city's $500,000 Resilience Microloan Program and efforts to provide supplies as certain businesses begin to re-open.
To participate in the meeting, call in on one of these numbers:
+ 1 669 900 9128
+1 253 215 8782
+1 346 248 7799
Zoom meeting ID: 954-3790-9954
MONTEREY COUNTY
1:55pm
New activities have been posted on the City of Monterey’s virtual rec center page. New activities include cooking demos, activities to do at home, puzzles and games. Click here for more information.
1:50pm
The City of Monterey has closed Sand Dunes Drive, which runs in front of the Monterey Tides Hotel and along the ocean.
1:45pm
With an anticipated heat wave in the Bay Area this weekend, there’s concern out of towners will head to City of Monterey beaches. Police and park officers will patrol local beaches to ensure Monterey’s partial beach closure is being followed. While walking, running and water activities are allowed, sunbathing, sitting and group activities are prohibited. Beachgoers should maintain six feet of dance and face coverings are recommended.
1:40pm
As of May 6, there have been 250 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Monterey County residents.That’s an increase of 3 cases since the county’s report on May 5. Fatalities remain at 6 people, 37 have required hospitalization and 108 have recovered from the virus. Local labs have conducted 3,790 tests in the county as of May 6.
10:45am
Monterey County Supervisors have formed working groups to support community recovery. Five Ad Hoc Committees will address challenges around specific sectors of the local economy -- agriculture, construction, hospitality, non-hospital medical and personal services and religious organizations.
10:35am
Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno has issued a supplement to the county’s current shelter-in-place order. It allows local businesses to conduct limited re-openings as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Stage 2 of his Reopening Roadmap. Beginning today (Friday, May 8) some retail businesses can provide curbside pick-up services. Examples include bookstores, clothing stores, florists, sporting good stores and other over-the-counter retailers. Manufacturing and supply chain workplaces supporting those businesses may also reopen. Social distancing protocols must always be followed and people should place orders online or by telephone only.
Other businesses, such as shopping malls, restaurants, hair and nail salons and movie theaters are still not allowed to operate.
10:05am
The City of Seaside is taking part in “Great Plates,” a program that aims to support local restaurants all while providing meals to seniors in their home. The program will begin Monday, May 11 and run through June 10. The City of Seaside will partner with Googie Grill, Angelina’s Bakery and potentially more restaurants. So far, over 40 restaurants have expressed interest.
10am
The City of Pacific Grove is deferring payment of two taxes. They include the business license tax and the Downtown Business Improvement District assessment. THe City of Pacific Grove is extending both payment dates to September 30. Click here for more information.
9:30am
The City of Salinas Community Development Department has launched a Small Business Assistance Hotline to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bilingual hotline offers free counseling resources and is available weekdays between 8am and 4pm at 831-758-7367. Questions can also be sent to oscarr@ci.salinas.ca.us.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
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.