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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
2:40 p.m.
Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel has issued a new Health Order. This order allows office workspaces, in-store retail, religious services and cultural ceremonies, manufacturing, limited personal services, protests and outdoor museums to resume. All businesses and operations must continue complying with social distancing protocols and the order to wear face coverings. Childcare is now allowed for children of workers and volunteers in all open sectors, not just essential services. Dine-in restaurants are still considered a late Stage 2 activity subject to State approval of a variance allowing those activities to move forward. The County has initiated the variance process, with an application expected to be submitted June 2, pending approval by the Board of Supervisors. A review may take up to one week. Anyone who is 65 years old or older, as well as those who are medically vulnerable, should continue sheltering in place. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, and expires July 1, 2020.
CALIFORNIA
3:40 p.m.
As of May 25, California has 96,733 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 3,814 people have died from the coronavirus. This represents an increase of 19 deaths and 2,175 cases compared to the prior day. Local health departments have reported 9,360 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 50 deaths statewide. 1,696,396 tests have been conducted.
2:15 p.m.
The California Department of Public Health today (May 26) announced that counties that have attested to meeting the criteria for accelerated re-opening may re-open hair salons and barbershops with modifications. Modifications include mandatory face coverings for both barbers or stylists and clients. Permitted activities include haircuts, hair coloring, blowouts, weaves and extensions, braiding, lock maintenance, wig maintenance and hair relaxing treatments. Salon activities that cannot be done include shaving, facial waxing, threading, eyelash services and facials. Monterey, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties have not qualified. San Benito County has qualified.
MONTEREY COUNTY
4:55 p.m.
Monterey County is reporting, as of May 26, 429 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Since May 24 there has been an increase of 8 cases. Fatalities remain at 8. 8,740 tests have been conducted.
3:45 p.m.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors on May 26, voted to support the submission of an attestation or variance to the state that will allow the county to advance further into Stage 2 of California’s Resilience Roadmap to reopening communities. The attestation form has been submitted and Monterey County has received confirmation it was received by the California Department of Public Health. Businesses allowed to reopen in Stage 2 must follow the state’s requirements to protect employees and customers, and must complete and post the Social Distancing Protocol template.
12:25 p.m.
The City of Monterey, along with many parts of the California coast, saw a huge number of visitors over the Memorial Day weekend. Monterey Police and Park Rangers had numerous contacts with beach goers. There were no major incidents and it was reported that about half of the visitors were wearing masks.
12:10 p.m.
The City of Monterey will be hosting a working session on Wednesday, May 27, at 4 p.m. with the city council to continue to discuss the city’s financial situation. Monterey faces a $15-23 million decrease in revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistant City Manager Nat Rojanasathira says one of the subjects under discussion will be a $2.4 million staffing reduction. The proposed reduction would come from retirements, salary freezes and additional potential layoffs. Any layoffs would be in addition to the more than 80 city employees about to be furloughed at the beginning of June. The city is also looking at eliminations or cutbacks in supplies, service contracts, and new technologies. Also under consideration are increases in fees and a potential increase in the city’s hotel tax (TOT). The Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau says the coronavirus will result in a 70 percent loss in hotel tax revenue. The working session will be live streamed on YouTube.
10:45 a.m.
Monterey County residents who live in south county have a number of options for pet food pantries. Food can be picked-up at:
- The Soledad Salvation Army (Tuesdays and Wednesday 12 - 5 p.m.)
- San Lucas Schools (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
- San Ardo School (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 12 noon)
- San Antonio School in Lockwood (Thursday 8 - 9 a.m.)
- Bradley Post Office (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon)
- King City Rec Center (Mondays and Wednesdays 2 - 4 p.m.)
South County Animal Rescue are organizing the pantries but don’t run the sites so ask that those looking for pet food call the locations ahead of time.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
9:30 a.m.
As of May 25, Santa Clara County has 2,652 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 139 people have died from the virus. This represents 36 new cases and no new deaths. 54 people are currently hospitalized, 19 in ICU.