Health & Fitness
California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
Here's a roundup of all the coronavirus developments in California as of May 3.
CALIFORNIA — All were are on California beaches heading into the weekend, with Gov. Gavin Newsom locking down Orange County specifically after mass crowds turned out last week.
As of Saturday, officials' worst fears seemed not to materialize, with beaches remaining mostly empty save for a few scattered surfers and clusters of protestors dotting the sands along Orange County's coastline.
No citations were reported in Huntington Beach as of early Saturday afternoon, according to officials.
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
At a Friday press briefing, Newsom said the state is getting "very, very" close to making some major announcements for the opening of some businesses, including retail and restaurants, with "serious modifications," if things go well over the weekend.
"I'm looking forward to next week making some very constrictive announcements in this space," Newsom said of possibly easing up on some restrictions in the coming days. "The only thing that's going to hold us back is the spread of this virus."
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bay Area extends shelter-in-place, with modifications
Meanwhile, six Bay Area counties on Wednesday officially extended their shelter-in-place order through May 31 to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. And Riverside County in the Southland extended an order requiring mandatory face coverings through June 19.
All construction work, real estate transactions, some businesses that operate mostly outdoors and some outdoor recreational facilities like golf courses and tennis courts will be allowed to reopen under the new Bay Area order, which takes effect May 4 in the six counties as well as the City of Berkeley, which has its own health department.
The "stay home" aspect of the order, which asks residents to leave the house only for essential activities and exercise, remains in place.
Statewide reopening plan unveiled
On Tuesday, state officials unveiled a plan to gradually restart public life in California amid the coronavirus crisis, with public schools reopening for the next school year as early as late July and businesses reopening in stages, depending on their level of risk.
The four-stage process for easing the state’s stay-home order was released at a news conference by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Dr. Sonia Angell, the state’s Public Health Officer. Newsom did not provide a timeline for when restrictions would be eased, but said the state was “weeks, not months, away from making meaningful modifications” to the order, assuming social distancing continues.
The highly anticipated second stage of that process may include reopening schools in late July or August, Newsom said, citing the need to make up for lost learning as the state’s students have faced a rough transition to distance education. Lower-risk businesses would also be allowed to reopen during this stage, including manufacturing, retail that allows for curbside pickup and offices that are able to implement social distancing.
Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments in California. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.
There were more than 1,157,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States and 67,674 deaths as of Sunday evening, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 2,214 of those deaths were in California. The U.S. has the most confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in the world.
Who has been diagnosed with coronavirus in California?
Total number of cases (Johns Hopkins University): 53,753 as of Sunday evening
Total deaths reported (Johns Hopkins University): 2,214 as of Sunday evening
Case breakdown by age, per the California Department of Health (totals may be outdated):
- Age 0-17: 1,449 cases
- Age 18-49: 24,613 cases
- Age 50-64: 13,044 cases
- Age 65 and older: 11,256 cases
- Unknown/Missing: 80 cases
Gender of confirmed positive cases:
- Female: 24,973 cases
- Male: 25,167 cases
- Unknown: 302 cases
The latest live updates from across California are as follows:
Sunday, 5:04 p.m.: Coronavirus Updates For San Diego County: 3,927 Cases, 139 Deaths
Officials confirmed 85 new coronavirus cases and one additional death in San Diego County Sunday, as the county works to step up testing.
Sunday, 4:21 p.m.: Coronavirus Updates For Riverside County: 4,180 Cases, 161 Deaths
Sunday marked the first day since Tuesday that no new deaths were reported, keeping the countywide death toll at 161.
Sunday, 2:18 p.m.: Coronavirus Cases Surge Past 25,000 In LA County; 1,229 Deaths
Officials confirmed another 781 coronavirus cases and 21 new deaths in Los Angeles County Sunday, surpassing the 25,000 case mark.
Sunday, 1:19 p.m.: Solano County Barbershop Reopens, Violating Stay-Home Order
The city of Vacaville issued a cease-and-desist notice to a barbershop that reopened to customers this week, violating coronavirus orders.
Sunday, 12:21 p.m.: Coronavirus Updates For Orange County: 2,743 Cases, 52 Deaths
Orange County officials announced 107 new coronavirus cases Sunday but no additional deaths, while beaches have remained largely empty.
Saturday, 6:12 p.m.: Easing COVID-19 Restrictions: Western RivCo Officials To Discuss
As of Saturday, there are 4,164 confirmed coronavirus cases and the death toll stood at 161 in Riverside County.
Saturday, 5:59 p.m.: 5 More Deaths, 85 New Coronavirus Cases Reported In RivCo
There have been 1,945 documented recoveries, according to the Riverside University Health System.
Saturday, 4:03 p.m.: Coronavirus Updates For San Diego County: 3,842 Cases, 138 Deaths
San Diego County health officials reported 131 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths Saturday, one day after protesters called for a reopening.
Saturday, 3:36 p.m.: LA County Gives $3 Million To Food Bank For Coronavirus Relief
County officials announced a $3 million allocation to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, helping residents survive the coronavirus crisis.
Saturday, 3:23 p.m.: 691 New Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In LA County; 1,209 Deaths
Another 691 coronavirus cases and 38 more deaths were confirmed in Los Angeles County Saturday, as officials plan for a recovery phase.
Saturday, 2:05 p.m.: Sonoma-Marin Fair Canceled Due To Coronavirus
The Sonoma-Marin Fair, set for late June, was canceled this week, but organizers are exploring ways to hold the event virtually.
Saturday, 1:32 p.m.: Coronavirus Updates For Orange County: 2,636 Cases, 52 Deaths
Officials confirmed 99 new coronavirus cases in Orange County Saturday, as well as two new deaths. Beaches are being watched closely.
Saturday, 1 p.m.: WATCH: 2 Kids Get Special Birthdays, Thanks To RivCo Sheriff
Two Riverside County kids turning nine this week got special processions from emergency services, who helped celebrate their birthdays.
Saturday, 12:36 p.m.: LA County Gives $3 Million To Food Bank For Coronavirus Relief
County officials announced a $3 million allocation to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, helping residents survive the coronavirus crisis.
Saturday, 12:29 p.m.: OC Beaches Closely Watched After Newsom's Crowd Ban
Only a few scattered surfers were seen at one Orange County beach early Saturday, after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered them closed.
Saturday, 12:11 p.m.: 'Shared Sacrifices' In Santa Monica Coronavirus Recovery Plan
Santa Monica community leaders outlined a proposal for emerging from the coronavirus shutdown, including a restructuring of city operations.
Saturday, 10:07 a.m.: Free Food Giveaway In Coachella Saturday
A local Sikh temple organized a food giveaway in Coachella Saturday to help people struggling financially amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday, 9:51 a.m.: USC Study Suggests New Coronavirus Treatment
Temporarily suppressing the body's immune system during the early stages of the coronavirus may help avoid complications, a USC study found.
Saturday, 9:45 a.m.: Los Angeles Airports Face Gloomy Financial Future
With commercial air traffic down about 95% due to the coronavirus pandemic, Los Angeles airports are planning for deep cuts.
Saturday, 9:41 a.m.: Garcetti Won't Lift Stay-Home Order, But Some Things Could Open
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the city's Safer at Home order won't be lifted May 15, but some businesses will reopen gradually.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.: Face Coverings To Be Required At San Jose Airport
Starting Monday, all members of the public and workers will be required to wear face coverings inside Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Saturday, 9:19 a.m.: Youth In Santa Clara Co. Juvenile Hall Has Coronavirus
A youth admitted two weeks ago into the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall in San Jose tested positive for COVID-19, the county said.
Friday, 6:43 p.m.: New Sonoma County Health Order Eases Restrictions: What To Know
"We have made important progress in our fight against the virus."
Friday: FDA Grants Remdesivir Emergency Use Authorization: Report
Foster City-based Gilead Science is behind what appears to be the most significant medical breakthrough since the coronavirus crisis began.
Friday: SD County Meals On Wheels' Annual Gala To Go Virtual
Join the festivities from your home, and support the 2020 fundraiser's cause of caring for local, homebound seniors.
Friday: Mandatory Face Covering Order Takes Effect In San Diego County
All residents are now required to wear a face covering in public when they leave their homes and are within 6 feet of non-household members.
Friday: USS Theodore Roosevelt Coronavirus Cases Surpass 1,100
The San Diego-based USS Theodore Roosevelt has 1,102 active COVID-19 cases, the Navy reported.
Friday: Carlsbad City Council To Discuss Reopening Beach, Parks, Trails
The Carlsbad City Council is scheduled to meet Friday to discuss plans for reopening the beach, parks and trails.
Friday: Encinitas Urges Residents To Help Keep Moonlight Beach Open
There have been large gatherings at Moonlight Beach at night, according to city spokesman Patrick Piatt.
Friday: Santee Reopens Mast Park, Woodglen Vista Park
All other parks remain closed in Santee.
Friday: 'Virtual First Friday' Brings Arts To Your Home Amid Coronavirus
"Virtual First Friday" is a virtual version of San Diego's Arts District Liberty Station's monthly showcase of its arts and culture groups.
Thursday: Santa Cruz County Expects To Extend Shelter-In-Place Indefinitely
Some activities and businesses will likely be allowed to resume when the new order goes in place.
Thursday: Low-Priority Patients Likely Served At Watsonville Testing Site
A specimen collection site for Santa Cruz County residents with symptoms of the coronavirus is expected to open late next week.
Thursday: Coronavirus: Union City Emergency Response, Update
Police services, utilities, healthcare, food — it's all addressed in this update.
Thursday: Doughnuts For Heroes: 'Our Way To Say Thanks'
Orange County's Glee Donuts & Burgers made a delivery run to area hospitals, police & fire stations to "give back" to frontline workers.
Thursday: Coronavirus: Electrostatic Sprayers Disinfecting Surfaces
“We are positively charging a chemical as it comes through a nozzle" and the disinfectant attaches to surfaces.
Thursday: Coroner IDs 2 Inmates With Coronavirus: Riverside County
One of the inmates was booked into a Murrieta jail, the other at a Banning facility.
San Francisco has leased 29 RVs or trailers, and 91 were provided by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
Thursday: Alameda Unveils 'Slow Streets' Program
It will provide more places for walking and biking during stay-at-home orders. These streets are impacted Thursday.
Wednesday, 5:09 p.m.: Coronavirus: SC Co. Workers Demand Greater Protections
A coalition of workers right groups and labor unions were joined by elected officials, including Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Santa Clara.
Wednesday, 4:21 p.m.: San Diego Superior Court Closures Extended Amid Coronavirus
The San Diego Superior Court plans to reopen to the general public on Tuesday, May 26, following the Memorial Day holiday.
Wednesday, 4:11 p.m.: Face Coverings Mandated Through June 19 In Riverside County
Additionally, the "stay-at-home" order remains in place across the county and state, and it has no end-date.
Wednesday, 3:57 p.m.: Coronavirus Still Far Deadlier In Los Angeles Than Statewide
Density, poverty, and racial disparities contribute to LA's high COVID-19 death rate, a troubling trend as the state contemplates reopening.
Wednesday, 3:43 p.m.: Santa Cruz County To Close Beaches During Much Of The Day
Beaches will soon be closed for all activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Santa Cruz County announced Wednesday.
Wednesday, 3:40 p.m.: 317 Palomar Health Employees Laid Off Amid Coronavirus
Palomar Health cited significant patient visit declines and loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday, 3:28 p.m.: Santa Cruz County Looks To Restart Community: Coronavirus
Santa Cruz County will bring on Margaret Lapiz to help formulate a plan to restart the economy and community.
Wednesday, 2:39 p.m.: Metrics For Reopening Orange County Pass Unanimously
After reviewing Gov. Gavin Newsom's guidelines to end business closures, Orange County plans its own roadmap for reopening amid coronavirus.
Wednesday, 2:34 p.m.: F.D.A. To Greenlight Remdesivir For Emergency Use: NYT
The announcement could come today.
Wednesday, 2:32 p.m.: Unemployment Rises To Nearly 25% In San Diego Region
The San Diego region's unemployment rate will get worse as the coronavirus pandemic drags on, according to SANDAG.
Wednesday, 12:43 p.m.: UCSD Begins Trial Of Arthritis Drug As Coronavirus Treatment
Researchers at UC San Diego Health are assessing whether a medication might have therapeutic value for COVID-19 patients.
Wednesday, 12:02 p.m.: San Diego County Could See Rise In Domestic Violence: Coronavirus
Greater levels of stress could cause an increase in domestic violence throughout the county, a Sharp Health psychologist said.
Wednesday, 11:44 a.m.: Legoland California Thanks Coronavirus Frontline Heroes
A master model builder at the temporarily closed Carlsbad-based theme park used 640 LEGO bricks to build a message of gratitude.
Wednesday, 11:09 a.m.: Fauci: Remdesivir Trial Results “Quite Good News,” Report Says
Fauci’s comments generated speculation the FDA could issue emergency use authorization for the drug developed by Foster City-based Gilead.
Wednesday, 11:03 a.m.: Marin County Extends Eviction Protections Amid Coronavirus
The resolution applies to all unincorporated areas of the county, cities and towns.
Wednesday, 10:10 a.m.: Costco Makes Masks Mandatory For OC Shoppers Amid Coronavirus
Costco has updated its shopping policy to include mandatory masks for all shoppers, starting Monday, May 4.
Wednesday, 9:55 a.m.: Navy To Widen Probe Into USS Theodore Roosevelt Outbreak
The decision delays a potential reinstatement of the carrier's fired Capt. Brett Crozier, who was relieved of command earlier this month.
Wednesday, 9:46 a.m.: Second Inmate Death Reported In Riverside County: Coronavirus
The inmate died Tuesday after showing signs of sickness in jail. He was later tested at a local hospital for the virus.
Wednesday, 9:15 a.m.: Terminal Island Inmate Families Worry As Prison's Coronavirus Outbreak Worsens
Families are growing increasingly concerned as coronavirus cases at the San Pedro prison have skyrocketed nearly 700 percent in one week.
Wednesday, 9:12 a.m.: Coronavirus: San Mateo County Supes Pass Emergency Rent Freeze
The moratorium lasts until the end of May and affects every county municipality.
Wednesday, 9:11 a.m.: Coronavirus: Real Estate Listings Plummet
“The number of properties that were pulled off the market jumped by 800 percent in one week.”
Wednesday, 9:05 a.m.: Coastal Roots Farm Offers Pay-What-You-Can Food Amid Coronavirus
The Encinitas-based nonprofit distributes food through its pay-what-you-can Farm Stand, pop-up mobile farm stands and direct donations.
Wednesday, 8:12 a.m.: 100,000 KN95 Face Masks: Free Distribution
The masks are being given to frontline workers, from hospitals to grocery stores, and they're going fast.
Wednesday, 8:09 a.m.: One In 5 US Coronavirus Deaths At Nursing Homes
A panel led by state Sen. Steve Glazer outlined needed changes, from PPE to higher pay for staff.
Wednesday, 7:38 a.m.: Hayward Coronavirus Testing Center Approaches 5,000 Tests
The tests are performed by firefighter-paramedics and health clinicians.
Tuesday, 4:45 p.m.: Roadmap To Reopening The Economy Outlined: Riverside County
California's "stay-home" order is expected to be modified in coming weeks.
Tuesday, 4:06 p.m.: CA Coronavirus Survey: Trump In Disfavor, Job Losses Hit Hard
Nearly six in 10 Californians gave the president poor marks in a Patch survey, but Gov. Gavin Newsom wins widespread praise.
Tuesday, 4:03 p.m.: Los Angeles Tops 1,000 Coronavirus Deaths Amid Signs Of Hope
The number of new cases may be leveling off, and there are currently no plans to extend the shutdown order set to expire May 15.
Tuesday, 3:48 p.m.: Coronavirus: Santa Monica Nurses Ask Hospital For Hotel Rooms
Nurses and community members protested in a caravan outside a Santa Monica hospital for the second time in two weeks.
Tuesday, 3:39 p.m.: 3 New Coronavirus Deaths In Alameda County
There are also 35 newly diagnosed cases reported.
Tuesday, 2:47 p.m.: Coronavirus Cluster Among Essential Workers Reported In Marin
The increase in cases over the weekend was due to a cluster of cases among essential workers, said Lisa Santora, deputy health officer.
Tuesday, 2:45 p.m.: Sonoma County Parks To Reopen For Biking, Walking
Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase confirmed the "soft opening" of the parks, which have been closed since March 23.
Tuesday, 2:35 p.m.: Contra Costa: Most New Cases Of Coronavirus In 10 Days
After a steady decline, health officials report a sudden uptick in the number of newly confirmed cases.
Tuesday, 2:13 p.m.: LA City Attorney Announces Settlement in Coronavirus Testing Case
LA City Attorney Mike Feuer announced a settlement with a Santa Monica-based company claiming to offer at-home test kits for coronavirus.
Tuesday, 2:13 p.m.: 64 LA Sheriff's Staffers, 73 Jail Inmates Positive For COVID-19
Thousands of inmates have been placed in quarantine in Los Angeles County's jail system due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Tuesday, 1:39 p.m.: Orange County Coronavirus Totals: 2,151 Cases & 42 Deaths
On Tuesday the OC Health Care Agency reported the latest coronavirus Totals: 34 new people tested positive, 3 more residents die.
Tuesday, 1:07 p.m.: CA Schools Could Reopen In July; Businesses Will Be Staggered
Public schools may reopen as early as July, and some businesses within weeks, according to a coronavirus reopening plan unveiled Tuesday.
Tuesday, 11:46 a.m.: Local First Responders Thanked With 'World Famous Shrimp Trays'
San Pedro Fish Market donates its signature dish to hundreds of crews on coronavirus frontlines. Craving seafood? You can order one, too.
Tuesday, 11:10 a.m.: Coronavirus: Lalimes Closes Permanently After 35 Years
The restaurant has survived recessions and wildfires in the hills, but it will not reopen when the stay-at-home order is lifted.
Tuesday, 10:24 a.m.: Newsom Scolds OC Beach Cities For Staying Open Amid Coronavirus
Coastal residents walk, jog, or surf on their shores on weekdays, but Orange County is in a quandary about what to do when visitors arrive.
Tuesday, 10:06 a.m.: Hotel Rooms Available For Santa Cruz County Health Care Workers
Santa Cruz County health care workers exposed to the new coronavirus may access free or reduced-cost hotel rooms near their workplaces.
Tuesday, 9:46 a.m.: Navy Destroyer With Coronavirus Outbreak To Stop In San Diego
The guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd, which is experiencing an outbreak of the coronavirus, will make a stop in San Diego, it was reported.
Tuesday, 9:39 a.m.: CA Coronavirus: Take Our Survey
Patch's informal survey asks how well authorities are coping with the coronavirus pandemic and how it has affected your family.
Tuesday, 7:33 a.m.: Culver City Company Hiring Unsung Heroes In Coronavirus Fight
Culver City-based Servicon Systems Inc. is hiring up to 100 new employees to help protect and disinfect health care providers workplaces.
Monday, 5:21 p.m.: LA Lakers Return Millions To Small Business Aid Fund
The Lakers were among several large organizations that received millions in federal aid while thousands of small businesses were denied.
Monday, 4:09 p.m.: 10,000 Masks Project Launched; County Dispatchers Get 200 Masks
Thanks to a local fabric shop and 200 volunteers, Santa Cruz hopes to give 10,000 masks this month to critical workers.
Monday, 3:45 p.m.: New Coronavirus Testing Sites Open In San Diego County
San Diego County now has three drive-thru testing sites. The facilities are located in Mission Valley, Chula Vista and Escondido.
Monday, 3:38 p.m.: Santa Monica Hotels Offer Hero Rates To Health, Emergency Workers
Several Santa Monica hotels are staying open during the coronavirus and offering hero rates to health care workers.
Monday, 3:30 p.m.: LA's Coronavirus Death Toll Climbs As SoCal Eases Restrictions
As crowds packed beaches in Orange and Ventura counties, LA saw its COVID-19 death toll double in a week, including 11 health care workers.
Monday, 3:21 p.m.: Council Considers Early Retirement Program For City Workers
The program would also allow City of Watsonville workers to take voluntary time off, council records show.
Monday, 2:23 p.m.: VIDEO: Police Activity In Murrieta Was Coronavirus Victory
Sheriff's department personnel, and Murrieta police and fire, turned out to greet a sheriff's lieutenant who recovered from coronavirus.
Monday, 1:46 p.m.: Loss Of Smell Could Be Sign Of Milder Coronavirus Cases: UCSD
Researchers at UC San Diego Health have found that loss of smell related to COVID-19 suggests illness is more likely to be mild to moderate.
Monday, 1:10 p.m.: Menlo Summer Fest 2020 Canceled For July: Coronavirus Woes
The decision to scrap the 30-plus-year tradition and community street fair in Menlo Park "was not made lightly," organizers said.
Monday, 12:40 p.m.: Stanford Grads Enlist In Coronavirus 'Challenge' Study: Report
The experimental medical study that would expose subjects to the new coronavirus to test a vaccine has not yet been approved.
Monday, 12:40 p.m.: Crowds Hit OC Beaches, Social Distance Win Huntington Beach Says
Orange County kept their beaches open over the hot weekend. It worked in some areas and failed in others amid coronavirus closures.
Monday, 11:51 a.m.: Bay Area Extends Coronavirus Shelter-In-Place Orders Through May
Six Bay Area counties are extending their shelter-in-place orders through the end of May, lengthening efforts to contain the coronavirus.
Monday, 11:08 a.m.: Some San Diego County Beaches Reopen After Coronavirus Closures
The cities of Coronado, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, Oceanside and San Diego reopened some beaches with restrictions.
Monday, 10:07 a.m.: Calabasas Gelson's Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus
An employee at Gelson's in Calabasas was diagnosed last week with the coronavirus. The store closed for a day to be sanitized.
Monday, 9:49 a.m.: Locks Cut To Access School Courts, Fields: Police
Police say they understand the frustration with the coronavirus lockdown, but ask for cooperation from the public.
Monday, 9:45 a.m.: Orange County Fair Goes Virtual In 2020 Amid Coronavirus
In yet another casualty of the 2020 coronavirus closures, the Orange County Fair's board agreed to cancel the event for 2020.
Monday, 9:32 a.m.: Encinitas Reopens Moonlight Beach After Coronavirus Closure
The beach reopened at 8 a.m. for walking, running and all water activities except boating.
Monday, 9:21 a.m.: Pleasanton Rings Bells In Honor Of First Responders: Coronavirus
Hear a ringing in your ears every evening? You're not going crazy — it's just the "Chime of Thanks." Learn how to get involved.
Monday, 7:59 a.m.: Coronavirus: Manhattan Beach To Consider Reopening Farmers Market
Manhattan Beach City Council will decide on reopening the farmers market.
Monday, 7:48 a.m.: Congestion on Mt. Diablo Access Road: Coronavirus
Nearby residents say that people are ignoring the "closed" signs.
Monday, 7:31 a.m.: El Cerrito Businessman Builds Face Shields For Frontline Workers
“We actually make (products) for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, specifically, and, because of that, we have laser cutters and table saw."
Monday, 7:18 a.m.: Coronavirus: Impact May Forever Change The Travel Industry
“If nothing changes ... we fear October 1st is going to be one of the darkest days for airline labor, since the dawn of commercial flight.”
City News Service contributed to this report.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
