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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.
1:35 p.m.
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.
1:30 p.m.
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
1:55 p.m.
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.
1:50 p.m.
The City of Monterey has closed Sand Dunes Drive, which runs in front of the Monterey Tides Hotel and along the ocean.
1:45 p.m.
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.
1:40 p.m.
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.
10:45 a.m.
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.
10:35 a.m.
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.
10:05 a.m.
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.
10 a.m.
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.
9:30 a.m.
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.