Health & Fitness

California Coronavirus: Live Updates On Reopening, Orders, Cases

Here's a roundup of all the coronavirus developments in California as of May 24.

CALIFORNIA — Forty-three of the state's 58 counties have now submitted plans to the governor's office to move deeper into Stage 2 of the state's reopening plan. That number was likely to increase to 45 by the end of Friday, Gov. Newsom said at a media conference.

Though 88 Californians lost their lives on Thursday due to the new coronavirus, the governor said the state is seeing a steady decrease in the total number of hospitalizations and total number of people in intensive care units.

"We're holding strong in that becoming more and more of a trend line," he said. "That we're not just seeing stability with hospitalizations and ICU statewide, but we're actually seeing a decline."

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Newsom cited a 7.5 percent decline in the number of hospitalizations over the last 14 days, and a 6.1 percent decline in the total number of people in the ICU.

Still, he said, some counties are not out of the woods, pointing to Imperial County as an example.

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"Currently those hospitals are stretched" because of "...COVID-related concerns," he said.

A field hospital is being set up in that county to help provide relief, he said.

"I caution all of you," he said. "None of us live in the aggregate. [The decline percentage] numbers are in the aggregate. Imperial County is just an example of a community not living in the aggregate. Other parts of the state are under completely different conditions, little to no spread, no cases. And that's why these variances are appropriate and we're very, very pleased by the progress many of those parts of the state are making in terms of responsibly and safely reopening."

State park parking lots reopen

Meanwhile, heading into Memorial Day weekend, 27 California state parks have partly reopened their parking lots, allowing visitors to come enjoy the natural beauty.

Weeks ago, all 280 state parks and beaches closed their parking lots to dissuade non-local visitors from coming. Now, as some counties move further into the reopening process, state parks, too, are lifting their limits.

Here's the complete list of state parks in 12 counties that are reopening to visitors.

State eases reopening rules; Stage 3 coming soon

Hair salons, in-store retail, houses of worship and professional sports venues across California could reopen within weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday, saying the entire state may soon be ready to move into Stage 3 of its four-part reopening plan if current coronavirus trends hold.

The possibility of easing the statewide stay-home order comes amid declining hospitalizations and intensive care admissions from COVID-19.

Also on Monday, Newsom eased the criteria that counties must meet before they apply to reopen faster than the state. Now, 53 of California's 58 counties may be eligible to move further into Stage 2, possibly allowing dine-in restaurants, schools and other services to reopen, Newsom said.


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There were more than 1,626,200 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States and 97,150 deaths as of Sunday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 3,738 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): 92,631 as of Sunday morning

Total deaths reported (Johns Hopkins University): 3,738 as of Sunday morning

Case breakdown by age, per the California Department of Health (totals may be outdated):

  • Age 0-17: 4,049 cases
  • Age 18-49: 44,952 cases
  • Age 50-64: 21,461 cases
  • Age 65 and older: 17,864 cases
  • Unknown/Missing: 118 cases

Gender of confirmed positive cases:

  • Female: 43,272 cases
  • Male: 44,534 cases
  • Unknown: 638 cases

The latest live updates from across California are as follows:

Sunday, 1:37 p.m.: 90 At-Risk Homeless People Housed At San Mateo County Hotel

The county received $750,000 in funding as part of the state's Project Roomkey, seeking to provide shelter during the coronavirus pandemic.


Sunday, 1:25 p.m.: LA Religious Leaders Await Gov's Guidance For Reopening Churches

Churches across L.A. County are eagerly awaiting Monday's announcement on how they can reopen, but some local leaders are urging caution.


Sunday, 1:17 p.m.: San Diego Archdiocese Seeks In-Person Masses By June

Some 1.3 million Roman Catholics in San Diego County are being invited to attend in-person Masses as early June 8, officials said this week.


Sunday, 12:39 p.m.: San Diego Memorial Celebration Goes Virtual Monday Morning

Tune in Monday morning to watch a live commemoration of Memorial Day from four iconic San Diego spots, including the USS Midway Museum.


Sunday, 11:34 a.m.: 116 Sickened In COVID-19 Outbreak At Farmer John Slaughterhouse

A Farmer John's slaughterhouse in Vernon has seen 116 workers test positive for COVID-19, officials said.


Sunday, 9:43 a.m.: Walnut Creek Memorial Day Ceremony Goes Virtual This Year

The annual ceremony, held in Walnut Creek for more than 30 years, is coming to a screen near you Monday morning.


Sunday, 9:17 a.m.: 4 Family Coronavirus Clusters Investigated In Santa Cruz County

Four distinct clusters of coronavirus cases in Santa Cruz County have been traced to family gatherings, health officials said this week.

Saturday, 2:58 p.m.: 44,055 Coronavirus Cases In Los Angeles County; 2,090 Deaths

Health officials reported 1,032 new coronavirus cases in L.A. County Saturday, as beaches and retailers continued to open back up.


Saturday, 2:39 p.m.: San Diegans Hit Beaches For Holiday Weekend, Amid Restrictions

Residents appeared to be following county health guidelines as they hit San Diego County beaches Saturday for the holiday weekend.


Saturday, 1:28 p.m.: Newsom Allows Orange County To Reopen Restaurants, Shopping

Dine-in restaurants and shopping centers can reopen in Orange County starting Saturday, after Gov. Newsom approved the county's request.


Saturday, 10:51 p.m.: Outdoor Dining, Child Care Allowed In Sonoma County's New Order

Outdoor restaurants, child care facilities, drive-in movies, and more can reopen under Sonoma County's new shelter-in-place order.


Saturday, 9:41 a.m.: Pop-Up Coronavirus Testing Site To Open In Mountain View

Testing will be open to all, with no insurance or documentation required, as the county encourages more residents to get tested.


Saturday, 9:35 a.m.: Arastradero Open Space Preserve Reopens To Car Access

Palo Alto is reopening the Arastradero Open Space Preserve to vehicle access and parking starting this weekend, officials announced.


Friday: Art & Wind Festival Moves Online
Though the in-person event was called off, the City of San Ramon has found new ways to help residents celebrate the event.


Friday: Santa Cruz County Unemployment Soars To 17.4%
More than 2.3 million Californians lost work from March to April, newly released statistics show.


Friday: Contra Costa County Unemployment Soars To 14.5%
More than 2.3 million Californians lost work from March to April, newly released statistics show.


Friday: Alameda County Unemployment Soars To 14.1%
More than 2.3 million Californians lost work from March to April, newly released statistics show.


Friday: California Unemployment Soars To 15.5%, New Statistics Show
Unemployment rose 10 percentage points from March to April, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show.


Friday: FTC Warns SoCal Companies Over Fake Coronavirus Marketing
The Federal Trade Commission warned several California marketers, including a Culver City company.


Friday: Here's How To Help Venice High School's COVID-19 Relief Effort
The Venice High School community is responding to the pandemic and created a relief effort for families.


Friday: FTC Warns California Companies Over Fake Coronavirus Marketing
The Federal Trade Commission warned several California marketers, including a Studio City company.


Thursday: 3 New Coronavirus Deaths In Contra Costa County
These are the first deaths reported in the county in more than a week. The California death toll topped 3,500 on Thursday.


Thursday: Coronavirus Death Toll Climbs To 90 In Alameda County
Seven more people have died in Alameda County this week from coronavirus. The California death toll topped 3,500 on Thursday.


Thursday: Sikh Community Donates Supplies To Union City Firefighters
Members of the temple donated PPE and hand sanitizer.


Thursday: Alameda County Court Functions To Resume Remotely
New changes will be coming to Alameda County Superior Court beginning June 1.


Thursday: Popular Danville Restaurant Closes After 30 Years
The restaurant closed in March due to concerns about the coronavirus.


Thursday: San Francisco Restaurant Che Fico Donates Meals To Hungry Families
Che Fico Family Meal gives away 300 dinners a night. Donors include Dick Costolo, former Twitter CEO, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr.


Thursday: When Will The Beach Bike Path Reopen?
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail has remained closed throughout the pandemic.


Thursday: Culver City Tower Goes Blue For First Responders
In honor of front line workers, the new mixed-use development will light its tower in blue.

Wednesday, 5:01 p.m.: Coronavirus Numbers Paint Muddled Picture As LA County Reopens

This week California saw its deadliest day of the pandemic while new cases have stubbornly remained the same in LA headed into Memorial Day.


Wednesday, 4:18 p.m.: Tri-Valley Doula Gets Creative To Serve Expecting Moms

Casey Henshaw of Livermore can't be in the room with clients during delivery, but she's still virtually walking them through the birth.


Wednesday, 3:59 p.m.: Coronavirus Update For Riverside County: Numbers, News

The county still possesses the second-highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the state, second only to Los Angeles County.


Wednesday, 3:23 p.m.: Orange County Coronavirus Counts Increase: 4,742 Cases, 10 Deaths

After days of no fatalities reported, 10 more residents have died as a result of coronavirus, with 253 still in the hospital.


Wednesday, 3:11 p.m.: CA Schools Will Reopen At Different Times, Superintendent Says

California schools will reopen on a district-by-district basis, and with new safety rules in place, the state superintendent said Wednesday.


Wednesday, 12:18 p.m.: HOA Removes Mission Viejo Grads' Yard Sign Celebration: Residents

Graduation signs & drive-by parades are all these Orange County seniors & elementary kids are getting this year. Now signs are disappearing.


Wednesday, 10:49 a.m.: San Diego City, County Direct $10M To Essential Worker Childcare

Funding will be distributed through vouchers, which will remain available until the funds are fully exhausted.


Wednesday, 10:14 a.m.: List: 27 California State Parks Reopen Parking Lots

Weeks after closing to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, these 27 California state parks reopened their parking lots this week.


Wednesday, 9:21 a.m.: California's Pandemic Food Stamps Offer Up To $365 Per Child

Families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school may notice something in the mail to help them buy groceries.


Wednesday, 9:14 a.m.: 'Might As Well Have Them Walk The Plank' — Cuts May Force Many Seniors Into Nursing Homes

Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget cuts include California day programs aimed at keeping poor and medically fragile seniors in their homes.


Wednesday, 9:01 a.m.: Pleasanton Launches Small Business Support Fund: Coronavirus

The $3 million Business Support Fund seeks to help small businesses in Pleasanton through no-interest loans up to $2,500.


Wednesday, 8:32 a.m.: San Diego County Supervisors Approve Coronavirus Stimulus Package

The county received $334 million in funding from the coronavirus aid bill.


Wednesday, 8:16 a.m.: Man Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges Seeks Bail Reduction

Walid S. Hamze was arrested in Dublin last summer. Now he's one of many inmates seeking bail reduction amid the coronavirus pandemic.


Tuesday, 8:19 p.m.: Dine-In Restaurants, Malls, Schools Can Reopen In Napa County

State approval allows Napa County’s businesses and services listed in Expanded Stage 2 to open, within industry guidelines, immediately.


Tuesday, 5:37 p.m.: Say 'I Do' Online: Contra Costa Offers Zoom Marriage Ceremonies

Staff with the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder's office are ready to perform civil marriage ceremonies on Zoom or over FaceTime.


Tuesday, 3:31 p.m.: San Diego To Ask State To Allow Salons, Fitness Clubs To Reopen

County supervisors approved a formal request to Gov. Gavin Newsom to accelerate the reopening of certain facilities and activities.


Tuesday, 1:44 p.m.: Border Patrol Flying Deportees To Mexico City Amid Pandemic

U.S. Border Patrol agents in San Diego began repatriating Mexican nationals to Mexico City in an effort to decrease the spread of COVID-19.


Tuesday, 1:22 p.m.: Online Training Available For Teachers To Recognize Exploitation

Reports of technology-based exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have tripled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.


Tuesday, 1:19 p.m.: Santa Monica Hospital Participating In COVID-19 Clinical Trials

A Santa Monica hospital will announce more information about the COVID-19 clinical trials.


Tuesday, 1:12 p.m.: Car Crashes, DUI Arrests Plummet During California's Lockdown

Car fatalities dropped an astounding 88 percent this spring compared to last year, a slight silver lining to California's painful lockdown.


Tuesday, 11:10 a.m.: San Mateo County Businesses Adjust For Curbside Reopening

Business wasn't exactly booming as curbside retail reopened in San Mateo County Monday, but owners said it was still a big improvement.


Tuesday, 10:26 a.m.: Livermore Businesses Can Expand Into Outdoor Areas

The City of Livermore is allowing business owners to temporarily expand outdoors to make room for seating, retail space or pick-up.


Tuesday, 10:13 a.m.: O’Sullivan’s Feeds Alameda County Firefighters

Business owner James Skinner was named a Newark Hero last week.


Tuesday, 10:01 a.m.: Orange County Opens Beach Parking: Capistrano Beach Information

With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, and social distance orders still underway in Orange County here is the latest beach information.


Tuesday, 8:32 a.m.: Food Truck Owners: Apply Now To Operate At Rest Stops

With restaurants closed because of coronavirus health orders, the food trucks are selling meals to truckers. Here's the link...


Monday, 5:28 p.m.: Santa Clara County Reports 19 New Coronavirus Cases, No Deaths

The latest report brings the countywide total of COVID-19 cases to 2,470.


Monday, 5:15 p.m.: San Mateo County Reports 69 New Coronavirus Cases, No Deaths

The latest report brings the countywide total of COVID-19 cases to 1,671


Monday, 3:08 p.m.: Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall Planned For Tuesday Night

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County CEO Susan True will discuss relief efforts.


Monday, 3:07 p.m.: $75M In Coronavirus Funding Arrives For North County Hospitals

Funding is available for the UC San Diego Medical Center, Tri-City Hospital, Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas.


Monday, 2:22 p.m.: Tri-Valley Leaders Pay Tribute To San Ramon Regional Staff

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and others took a moment to thank San Ramon Regional Medical Center workers.


Monday, 1:38 p.m.: Legoland California Honors NYC Coronavirus Frontline Heroes

A master model builder at the closed Carlsbad-based theme park designed a special scene in a miniature LEGO version of the Big Apple.


Monday, 1:20 p.m.: Coronavirus Test Centers In San Francisco

3 new ones have opened. Here's a link to the full list and map.


Monday, 1:10 p.m.: California Eases Reopening Criteria; Stage 3 May Be Weeks Away

Most California counties can now reopen more quickly, while in-store shopping and pro sports could resume by June, Gov. Gavin Newsom said.


Monday, 1:07 p.m.: $2,000 Grants Available To Help East Bay Artists, Art Teachers

Apply now for grants of up to $2,000 for artists, art teachers, and nonprofit art workers who are economically vulnerable to the pandemic.


Monday, 11:50 a.m.: Alameda County To Allow Car-Based Gatherings

Gatherings may include up to 200 cars for three hours, Alameda County announced Monday. Diplomas may be handed out.


Monday, 11:31 a.m.: 4 Casinos To Reopen This Week In San Diego County

Viejas Casino and Resort reopened its doors Monday and three other casinos are expected to follow suit this week in San Diego County.


Monday, 10:32 a.m.: Retail, Manufacturing, More Openings: New Bay Area Health Order

A new joint public health order for Bay Area counties offers significant reopening of businesses.


Monday, 10:05 a.m.: How To Address Youth Mental Health In Fallout From COVID-19

Beyond physical health, we need to address how the pandemic will impact the mental health of California's young people and their families.


Monday, 10:01 a.m.: Is California’s Lockdown Working?

As California begins to reopen, it’s unclear if it’s met its own benchmarks for doing so.


Monday, 9:48 a.m.: Biotechnology Students Making A Difference At Coastline College

During the coronavirus pandemic, these biotech students are applying what they have learned on 3d printers with real-world applications.


Monday, 9:45 a.m.: Fremont Rent Assistance Program, Small Business Grants

The City of Fremont is helping hard-hit residents pay their rent, and providing grants to small businesses.


Monday, 9:25 a.m.: 'Geese Keep Playing Chicken On The Freeway,' CHP Dublin Says

With more humans off of East Bay freeways, geese have taken over.

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