California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures

CALIFORNIA — California is facing a massive deficit in light of the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, to the tune of $54.3 billion dollars, Gov. Gavin Newsom said during news conference Thursday. And while presenting a May budget revision, the governor noted that unemployment in the Golden State is expected to soar above 20 percent.

"One could argue, though, we are already there," he said in regards to the unemployment rate.

A record 4.6 million Californians have filed unemployment claims since March 12, the governor said. In the economic crisis of 2010, the peak unemployment was less than half that: 2.2 million.

Meanwhile, two holdout counties started moving into Stage 2 of the state's reopening plan on Wednesday. Los Angeles and San Mateo counties, which had kept their own stricter stay-home orders in place this week even as the state moved to ease limits, will now allow retailers and manufacturers to reopen with modifications, the counties announced.

The city of San Francisco, too, will allow 95 percent of its retailers to open for curbside pickup and delivery, Mayor London Breed said Wednesday. Four more Bay Area counties are still keeping stricter orders in place.

State braces for fire season

As California enters fire season, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he will propose increased funding for wildfire prevention, as the state hopes to avoid a wave of devastating blazes while it remains crippled by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a state budget revision to be released Thursday, Newsom said he will propose more than $200 million in funding for a wide range of programs, including plans to improve Cal Fire's surge capacity by hiring hundreds of new personnel, and to create a new division of the state's Public Utilities Commission to monitor safety efforts by utilities like PG&E, whose equipment has sparked deadly wildfires.

“You’ve got to walk and chew gum at the same time," Newsom said, referring to the need to mitigate fires while continuing to fight the coronavirus.

A state website, readyforwildfire.org, can help residents create their own wildfire preparedness plans and get alerts about nearby incidents.

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State eases limits on offices, malls

Offices unable to do remote work can now reopen statewide to employees, while shopping malls and restaurants that reopen in certain areas will need to abide by a new set of guidelines, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday.

Shopping centers ranging from enclosed outlet malls to open-air strip malls can reopen for curbside pickup only, Newsom said, much like the reopening plan unveiled for retailers last week. Various other businesses including car washes, pet grooming and dog walking can resume work — also with modifications, Newsom said at Tuesday afternoon's news conference.

As part of Tuesday's announcement, the state unveiled a number of guidelines that restaurants will need to abide by when they reopen for dine-in service. They include requirements to screen employees for high temperatures or other COVID-19 symptoms at the beginning of each shift and provide workers with protective equipment, including face coverings and gloves when necessary.

There were more than 1,471,600 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States and 88,836 deaths as of Sunday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 3,208 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?

The latest live updates from across California are as follows:

Sunday, 3:05 p.m.: 29 New Coronavirus Deaths In LA County; 694 More Cases Confirmed

More than 1,800 people have died from the coronavirus in Los Angeles County, where facilities have begun to reopen over the weekend.

Sunday, 12:26 p.m.: Orange County's Coronavirus Update: 4,376 Cases, 88 Deaths

Health officials confirmed 155 new coronavirus cases in Orange County Sunday, as well as two additional deaths. Here's the latest news.

Sunday, 12:09 p.m.: Specialty's Cafe & Bakery Permanently Closing All Locations

Specialty's Cafe & Bakery, a Bay-Area based restaurant chain, will close more than 50 locations in three states due to the coronavirus.

Sunday, 11:34 a.m.: ACLU Sues Over Coronavirus Outbreak At Terminal Island Prison

Close to half of the inmates at the federal prison at Terminal Island in San Pedro have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Sunday, 11:20 a.m.: California Child Care Providers Struggling To Stay In Business

When they do reopen following the coronavirus crisis, they'll serve fewer children and face added costs.

Sunday, 10:58 a.m.: Livermore Protesters Demand Reopening As City Urges Patience

Several dozen protesters rallied in downtown Livermore Saturday to demand that businesses reopen, but city officials urged patience.

Sunday, 10:24 a.m.: San Diego County Breaks Its Coronavirus Testing Record Again

For the third straight day, San Diego County recorded its highest number of daily tests so far during the pandemic, a key reopening metric.

Sunday, 10:21 a.m.: Downtown Protesters Demand Reopening San Diego County

Several hundred protesters rallied in front of the San Diego County Administration building Saturday to demand the county's full reopening.

Sunday, 10:08 a.m.: RivCo Supervisors Continue To Seek Faster Reopening

Riverside County officials are working in concert with surrounding counties to seek concessions from the governor to relax regulations.

Sunday, 10:03 a.m.: Contra Costa Superior Court To Mostly Reopen May 26

Most functions of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, including jury service, are set to reopen Monday, May 26, court officials said.

Sunday, 9:48 a.m.: Danville 4th Of July Parade To Go On Virtually

Danville's popular Fourth of July Parade will be held virtually this year, and organizers hope to draw at least 40,000 spectators online.

Sunday, 9:44 a.m.: Marin Supervisors Video Meetings Open To Public Comment

Starting Tuesday, the public will be able to chime in during Marin County Board of Supervisors meetings, being held over videoconference.

Sunday, 9:34 a.m.: Orange County's Coronavirus Update: 4,222 Cases, 86 Deaths

Officials confirmed 105 new coronavirus cases in Orange County Saturday, as well as two new deaths.

Sunday, 9:29 a.m.: Illegal Hollywood Party Ends When Man Accidentally Shoots Himself

A Hollywood Hills party with more than 100 attendees ended abruptly Sunday when a man accidentally shot himself in the groin and leg.

Sunday, 9:19 a.m.: Lakers Reopen El Segundo Training Center For Players

The L.A. Lakers training center in El Segundo has reopened for individual player sessions under a strict protocol established by the NBA.

Saturday, 3:45 p.m.: LA County Coronavirus Deaths Hold Steady Amid Relaxed Orders

Another 40 coronavirus deaths were confirmed in Los Angeles County Saturday, as amenities continue to reopen in the area.

Saturday, 11:26 a.m.: CA Students' Anxiety, Depression Increases During School Closures

School closures were intended to keep students safe during the pandemic, but for many, it's ushered in a different set of dangers.

Saturday, 10:51 a.m.: OC Judge Denies Request To Halt Newsom's Beach Restrictions

An Orange County Superior Court judge Friday denied an injunction request made by residents and Huntington Beach to lift Newsom's order.

Saturday, 10:47 a.m.: LA Begins Closing Streets To Cars, Opening To Pedestrians

The Slow Streets LA program will close portions of neighborhood streets across two-mile stretches, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced.

Saturday, 10:31 a.m.: Descanso Gardens Reopens Saturday After 2-Month Closure

Descanso Gardens will reopen Saturday, with social distancing in place, to visitors hoping to enjoy spring blossoms.

Saturday, 9:39 a.m.: Many Marin County Parks, Trails To Reopen Next Week

Relaxed parking restrictions announced Friday will allow many of Marin County's parks and trailheads to reopen next week, officials said.

Friday: Pandemic Spawns ‘Emergency Art Museum’ In South Bay City
Children’s author Johnny DePalma’s ‘Emergency Art Museum’ aims to make sure art doesn’t become a casualty of quarantine.

Friday: Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Donates $10M To Oakland Schools

Oakland made an appeal to close the digital divide for students, and Dorsey stepped up.

Friday: Judge Denies South Bay Church's Request To Reopen During Pandemic
South Bay United Pentecostal Church and its senior pastor sued Gov. Gavin Newsom and a host of other state and local officials last week.

Friday: Nonprofit 3D Printing Face Shields To Protect Front Line Workers
A Palos Verdes nonprofit is using a 3D printer to create face shields for health care workers fighting the coronavirus.

Friday: Face Coverings Required, Emergency Order Extends In Santa Monica
Santa Monica city officials announced the emergency order is extended.

Friday: The Strand Reopens In Manhattan Beach
The Strand is reopened in Manhattan Beach for walking and running.

Friday: Reported Crime Down Amid Stay-At-Home Orders In SD County: Report
The SANDAG report offers a snapshot of how aggravated assault, simple assault, larceny and domestic violence crimes have been affected.

Friday: USNS Mercy Hospital Ship To Return To San Diego
The San Diego-based hospital ship began the trip back to its homeport Friday following nearly two months in Los Angeles for COVID-19 relief.

Friday: Sorrento Therapeutics Says Antibody Shows Ability To Block Virus
San Diego-based Sorrento Therapeutics Inc. announced Friday that an antibody it is developing has shown an ability to block the coronavirus.

Friday: Wonderfront Festival In San Diego Canceled Due To Coronavirus
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, which held its inaugural event in November 2019, will return in 2021, event organizers said.

Friday: San Diego To Reopen 3 Reservoirs After Coronavirus Closures
Recreational users are asked to observe COVID-19 preventative measures, including mandates for facial coverings and physical distancing.

Friday: Job Openings In NorCal: Businesses Hiring Amid Coronavirus
As unemployment soars across California, many companies are still looking to hire.

Friday: Job Openings In SoCal: Businesses Hiring Amid Coronavirus
As unemployment soars across California, many companies are still looking to hire.

Friday: Jewish Center's Virtual Programs A Hit Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center's programs include arts and cultural productions, fitness workouts, and family tips and resources.

Friday: Veritas, San Francisco’s Largest Corporate Landlord, Gets Small Business Coronavirus Loan
In California, only 21.5 percent of businesses that requested Paycheck Protection Program loans received them. Veritas got $3.6 million.

Friday: San Francisco Business Openings Begin Monday
Beginning Monday at 10 a.m., San Francisco is planning to allow most retail businesses to resume operations.

Friday: 2020 Stern Grove Festival Canceled In San Francisco
A "Best of the Fest" video series featuring highlights from the past 13 years will be presented every Sunday starting June 14.

Thursday: Air Force Thunderbirds To Soar Over San Diego In Flyover Salute
The U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron is scheduled to fly over San Diego on Friday.

Thursday: UCSD's Rady School Launches Local Business Recovery Coalition
The coalition's purpose is to draw on expertise from the UC San Diego community to provide free assistance and guidance to businesses.

Thursday: Laid-Off Restaurant Workers Get Free Meals
Chef Nelson German invites all unemployed members of the restaurant industry to stop by for a free meal.

Thursday: No Public Sector Layoffs In Contra Costa County
Even small communities are seeing $1 million shortfalls but, so far, full-time employees have been spared.

Thursday: El Cerrito Grapples With Budget Cuts
El Cerrito faces a $3.8 million budget deficit this year.

Thursday: Lamorinda Communities Grapple With Budget Cuts
A taxpayer watchdog group questions why full-time public sector employees have been spared layoffs.

Thursday: Walnut Creek Cuts Budget As County Waits
A taxpayer watchdog group questions why full-time public sector employees have been spared layoffs.

Thursday: Man Arrested 7 Times During Shelter-In-Place, Sheriff Says
The man faces charges including second-degree burglary, carjacking and attempted second-degree robbery, jail records show.

Thursday: Hayward Offers Rent Relief Checks For Residents
The money, up to $2,500, helps residents and landlords hit by the coronavirus economic fallout.

Thursday: $1M Raised To Support Latino Organizations
"In our most difficult moments, we lean on the assets that make the Latino community strong — our generosity, our culture ..."

Wednesday, 3:02 p.m.: LA County Lets Retailers And Manufacturers Partially Reopen

The order will allow thousands of businesses to reopen, but it comes amid reports that essential workers are getting sicker at higher rates.

Wednesday, 2:55 p.m.: Latest Coronavirus News In OC, Wednesday: 3,749 Cases, 80 Deaths

OC Parks, athletic fields, facilities to reopen. Coronavirus cases rose to 3,749 Wednesday. 3 more people have died as a result of COVID-19.

Wednesday, 2:32 p.m.: Tri-Valley Teens Sell Stickers To Support COVID-19 Efforts

Four Dougherty Valley High students crafted stickers inspired by Bay Area landmarks, sweet treats and more for a good cause.

Wednesday, 1:15 p.m.: San Mateo County To Enter Stage 2, Follow State Reopening Plan

San Mateo County will move into Stage 2 of the state's reopening plan, allowing retailers and manufacturers to reopen, the county announced.

Wednesday, 12:47 p.m.: San Diego Superior Court Livestreaming Proceedings Amid Closures

The San Diego Superior Court began livestreaming criminal court proceedings Wednesday on its YouTube page.

Wednesday, 12:03 p.m.: Marin County Prepares For November 2020 Election Amid Coronavirus

More people could end up voting by mail with ballots being sent to all registered voters across the state.

Wednesday, 11:48 a.m.: Hiring Down 25% In Bay Area: Report

Hiring efforts in the Bay Area are worse than the national average.

Wednesday, 11:48 a.m.: Face Coverings Now Required In Palo Alto

Face coverings will be required in public settings in Palo Alto beginning noon Wednesday, following a new order issued Tuesday.

Wednesday, 11:35 a.m.: 8 Peninsula Restaurants Get $100K Gifts From Mark Zuckerberg

The Facebook CEO and his wife, Priscilla Chan, said they hoped the gifts would help keep some of their favorite restaurants afloat.

Wednesday, 11:03 a.m.: Alameda County Fair Auction May Go Virtual, Young Farmers Take It Like Pros

With the cancelation of the Alameda County Fair comes questions about what will happen to the farm animals normally auctioned off there.

Wednesday, 10:50 a.m.: 'They Were Screaming': Congresswoman Visits COVID-Plagued Terminal Island

San Pedro Congresswoman Nannette Barragan got a firsthand look Tuesday at the coronavirus-plagued Terminal Island federal prison.

Wednesday, 10:22 a.m.: Tesla, Alameda County Reach Agreement

The agreement allows Tesla to operate its Fremont assembly plant.

Wednesday, 8:54 a.m.: When Will Dentists Reopen In The Bay Area?

Dentist offices were closed in March because of coronavirus. Based on the latest information, here's when they'll reopen.

Tuesday, 5:56 p.m.: San Diego-Based Research Team Gets $10M Grant For Antivirals

The team was awarded a $10.2 million, four-year grant from the Pentagon to develop antiviral drugs to treat respiratory diseases.

Tuesday, 5:18 p.m.: More Businesses Allowed To Reopen In San Diego County

San Diego County approved the opening of another round of businesses and services Tuesday.

Tuesday, 4:46 p.m.: Mission Viejo Outfielder Leads By Example In Coronavirus Shutdown

Student-athletes are yearning for the field while they're sidelined in the pandemic. On her 16th birthday, Shayna Glass shows her toughness.

Tuesday, 3:57 p.m.: Coronavirus Doesn't Stop Dublin Students From Surprising Teacher

The Wells Middle School Spring Concert was canceled, but young jazz musicians didn't let that stop them from pulling off a special surprise.

Tuesday, 3:53 p.m.: Alameda County Reports 3 New Coronavirus Deaths, 32 New Cases

President Donald Trump tweeted his support Tuesday for reopening the Tesla auto assembly plant.

Tuesday, 3:19 p.m.: Santee Lawmaker Urges Newsom To Reopen Houses Of Worship

Places of worship are not permitted to hold in-person services under California's current stay-at-home order.

Tuesday, 3:14 p.m.: Lake Forest Senior Care, Grocery Workers Gifted With 1,000 Masks

"It's time to help each other, not to try and profit from saving a life," a Lake Forest business owner said. "If you see a need, fill it."

Tuesday, 2:54 p.m.: Twitter's Jack Dorsey: Employees Can Work From Home Permanently

The company will eventually reopen its corporate headquarters in San Francisco, but there's no rush.

Tuesday, 2:41 p.m.: San Diego Agency's Tool Estimates When States Can Reopen

San Diego-based Red Door Interactive created a tool that estimates when states can safely reopen during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tuesday, 2:27 p.m.: Reopening Riverside County: Supes Take Another Step Forward

The county is sending a signal to the state that it's ready to move on amid coronavirus.

Tuesday, 2:13 p.m.: Fighter Jets To Do Flyover Across CA Wednesday: Where To Watch

Honoring first responders working during the pandemic, CA National Guard jets will fly low across California Wednesday. Here's a route map.

Tuesday, 1:15 p.m.: Another Death, 62 Test Positive In Orange County, Tuesday

The Orange County Health Care Agency reports more cases and another death, as businesses seek the chance to reopen, county-wide.

Tuesday, 12:58 p.m.: Some CA Restaurants, Malls And Offices Can Reopen: Guidelines

Shopping malls and some offices can reopen statewide, while restaurants will need to follow new guidelines, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.

Tuesday, 12:20 p.m.: LA County Could Have Stay-At-Home Order Through Summer

Los Angeles County's top health official announced Tuesday that its stay-at-home order could remain in effect through August.

Tuesday, 11:10 a.m.: CSU To Continue Online Instruction In Fall Due To Pandemic

Classes will remain primarily online during the fall term throughout the California State University system, the chancellor announced.

Tuesday, 10:46 a.m.: Napa Vineyards Prepare To Resume Wine Tasting With Modifications

The Napa Valley Vintners group says it's developing a plan for the reopening of wine tasting, but with fewer guests and face masks required.

Tuesday, 10:42 a.m.: San Mateo County Opens Door For Drive-Thru Graduation Ceremonies

As the class of 2020 is set to graduate during the coronavirus pandemic, drive-by graduation ceremonies will be allowed in San Mateo County.

Tuesday, 9:56 a.m.: Callaway Golf Donates $100K To Nonprofit For Protective Equipmen

Carlsbad-based Callaway Golf Company has donated $100,000 to the nonprofit humanitarian aid organization MedShare.

Tuesday, 9:43 a.m.: New Coronavirus Test Centers Open: Hayward, Cherryland, Ashland

There are now 31 test sites in Alameda County. Check the link to the full list.

Tuesday, 9:32 a.m.: $1 Trillion: California, 4 Other Western States Seek Funds

Members of the Western States Pact called for at least $1 trillion for public health, public safety, law enforcement, and public education.

Tuesday, 9:15 a.m.: EBMUD To Resume Construction Projects Following Coronavirus Halt

The East Bay Municipal Utility District has 43 active construction projects, and 22 more planned.

Tuesday, 8:50 a.m.: Jobs: Hiring Down 25 Percent In The Bay Area

Hiring efforts in the Bay Area are worse than the national average. Los Angeles fared much worse.

Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.: Mariachi Band Serenades Watsonville Farmworkers

The Salinas Californian reported that a mariachi band came out to honor more than 100 farmworkers on Cinco de Mayo.

Tuesday, 8:22 a.m.: Donations Pour In To Support Local Schools

The district and the education fund organization are hoping to raise a total of $1.3 million for the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund.

Tuesday, 8:04 a.m.: Alameda Gets $41,660 Public Safety Grant Amid Pandemic

Hard-hit local NorCal governments will receive a total of $7 million in grant funding to aid law enforcement and public safety.

Monday: Struggling Santa Cruz County Seniors Eligible For Meal Delivery
The Santa Cruz Great Plates Delivered program provides three meals per day from local businesses.

Monday: Napa County Confirms 3rd Coronavirus Death
The death happened Sunday in a local hospital.

Monday: Petaluma Receives Federal Pandemic Public Safety Grant
The DOJ Northern California District awarded $7 million in grants through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program.

Monday: Longtime Peninsula Resident Turns 100, And South City Celebrates
Saturday’s event underscored how facilities such as Aegis have had to be resourceful in the age of COVID-19.

Monday: Beach Will Reopen In Manhattan Beach, City Announces
Manhattan Beach city officials announced that the beach will reopen Wednesday.

Monday: LA County Beaches Will Reopen With Restrictions
Tanning, gatherings and beach chairs will be off-limits.

Monday, 9:07 a.m.: ‘Honey Bear’ Artist Raises Over $100,000 For Charities

Honey Bears by San Francisco artist Fnnch are popping up around the city, and he is donating money to charities helping the struggling.

Monday, 8:24 a.m.: Moms At Walnut Creek Senior Care Facility Visit Families From Balcony
“I’ve asked her, ‘Mom, what’s worse, this or World War II?’ And she said this!”

Bay City News contributed to this report.