California Coronavirus: Live Updates On Reopening, Orders, Cases

CALIFORNIA — The easing of coronavirus restrictions has come with a toll — Los Angeles County on Thursday confirmed the highest single-day total for new coronaviruses since the beginning of the outbreak.

Public health officials warn that local hospitals could run out of ICU beds within a month at the current rate, but there should be enough ventilators to meet demand. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Bay Area is behind LA in loosening restrictions. The first county there to ease restrictions, San Mateo, reported six new deaths on Friday.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a fierce toll on health care workers in California. Through Wednesday, local health departments have reported 11,558 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 68 deaths statewide. Health care workers are given priority in coronavirus testing, whether or not they show symptoms.

Health experts support protests

Meanwhile, dozens of public health and infectious disease experts in California have signed onto a petition supporting the ongoing protests against police violence triggered by the death of George Floyd, arguing that fighting racism helps fight the coronavirus, even if large gatherings risk spreading the virus further.

The reasoning is that racism itself is the source of a staggering number of public health disparities, including COVID-19, which has killed black and Latino people at far higher rates than whites in most states, including California.

"Racism is a public health crisis," Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UC San Francisco told the Los Angeles Times. "We wanted to support people's voices in this national time of sadness and tragedy."

Some public officials have voiced fears that the large demonstrations could cause a new wave of COVID-19 cases, and urged people to get tested within five days of attending a protest.

9 counties report spike in coronavirus cases

Nine counties are reporting spikes in new coronavirus cases or hospitalizations following Memorial Day gatherings and outbreaks in nursing homes and prisons, according to the state Department of Health.

Fresno, Imperial, Kings, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Tulare and Ventura counties are all experiencing elevated disease transmission or hospitalizations, according to the state. All of these except Imperial County have been approved for variance plans, allowing them to reopen faster than the state.

Los Angeles County, too, is possibly experiencing elevated transmission, the state said.

The state said it is working with local health departments to develop plans to address areas of concern, including adding contact tracing and ramping up testing.

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There were more than 2,077,300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States and 114,790 deaths as of Saturday, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 5,076 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): 150,057 as of Sunday morning

Total deaths reported (Johns Hopkins University): 5,076 as of Sunday morning

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

• Age 0-17: 9,819 cases
• Age 18-49: 78,441 cases
• Age 50-64: 32,783 cases
• Age 65 and older: 24,403 cases
• Unknown/Missing: 197 cases

Gender of confirmed positive cases:

• Female: 71,501 cases
• Male: 73,480 cases
• Unknown: 662 cases

The latest live updates from across California are as follows:

Sunday, 4:36 p.m.: 126 New Coronavirus Cases In San Diego County; No New Deaths

Officials reported 126 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths in San Diego County Sunday, as the region continues to reopen.

Sunday, 2:26 p.m.: 1,003 New Coronavirus Cases In LA County; 17 More Deaths

Officials confirmed another 1,003 new coronavirus cases in LA County Sunday, as COVID-19 deaths in the county approach 3,000.

Sunday, 12:35 p.m.: Orange County Hits All-Time High For New Coronavirus Cases

Orange County confirmed 304 new coronavirus cases Sunday, its highest-ever single-day increase as the county continues to reopen.

Sunday, 11:57 a.m.: These 164 California State Parks Have Reopened To Visitors

After weeks of coronavirus closures, these 164 state parks, beaches and more have reopened to visitors across the state. Find the list here.

Saturday, 5:59 p.m.: 184 New Coronavirus Cases In San Diego County; 6 More Deaths

The rapid pace of San Diego County's reopening continues, even as officials reported 184 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, plus a new outbreak.

Saturday, 3:28 p.m.: 1,568 New Coronavirus Cases In LA County; 58 More Deaths

LA County confirmed 1,568 new coronavirus cases and 58 more deaths Saturday, another daunting total as the region continues to reopen.

Saturday, 1:46 p.m.: LA County YMCAs To Reopen Gyms Later This Month

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles will begin reopening gym facilities that were closed due to the coronavirus beginning June 22.

Saturday, 12:31 p.m.: 7 New Coronavirus Deaths As OC's Deadliest Week Continues

Orange County reported 43 coronavirus deaths this week, the deadliest period so far during the pandemic, as the county continues to reopen.

Saturday, 10:50 a.m.: UCLA Scientists Researching Coronavirus Treatment Get State Grant

Two UCLA scientists received state grants for their research into a potential treatment and vaccine booster for COVID-19.

Saturday, 10:05 a.m.: Coronavirus Cases Jump By 250 In Riverside County

Riverside County's COVID-19 cases jumped by 250 to 10,490 Friday, due in part to an outbreak at the state prison in Blythe, officials said.

Saturday, 10:01 a.m.: Augustine Casino In Coachella To Reopen Monday

After being closed for three months due to the coronavirus, Coachella's Augustine Casino will reopen with new safety precautions.

Saturday, 9:49 a.m.: Antibody Tests Now Available For All Sonoma County Health Workers

Sonoma County has made novel coronavirus antibody testing available for health care workers, first responders and more.

Saturday, 9:22 a.m.: Coronavirus Cases Rise In Santa Clara County Construction Workers

Santa Clara County officials are concerned after multiple cases of the coronavirus were confirmed among workers at four different sites.

Friday, 4:27 p.m.: All Retail, Outdoor Dining Allowed In New Alameda County Order

The new health order will take effect on Friday of next week. Religious services, outdoor fitness classes, and more are covered.

Friday, 4:21 p.m.: LA County Hits All-Time High For New Coronavirus Cases

As expected, the rate of COVID-19 transmission is spreading more quickly in LA County two weeks after shutdown orders began easing.

Friday, 11:04 a.m.: Petition Decries Disney's Plan To Reopen

The petition had 21,787 signatures as of Friday morning.

Friday, 8:54 a.m.: Chuck E. Cheese: All Locations Could Close

The company is $1 billion in debt and could shutter all restaurants, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Thursday, 3:46 p.m.: 37 Percent Of San Francisco Households Face Financial Ruin

Thousands of San Francisco households were one emergency away from financial ruin even before the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday, 3:38 p.m.: 37 Percent Of Contra Costa Households Face Financial Ruin

Thousands of Contra Costa County households were one emergency away from financial ruin even before the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday, 3:13 p.m.: 36 Percent Of Alameda County Households Face Financial Ruin

Thousands of Alameda County households were one emergency away from financial ruin even before the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday, 2:19 p.m.: OC Coronavirus Death Toll Tops 200, Nearly 8,000 Test Positive

Outbreaks strike Orange County's skilled nursing facilities, including Seal Beach, as 25 people died in Orange County over the past 3 days.

Thursday, 2:13 p.m.: Nordstrom Rack, Macy's Reopen In Temecula

As of Thursday, both retailers are open to in-store shoppers.

Thursday, 9:50 a.m.: Macy's Reopening Across Orange County: See What's Changing

Macy's announced a store reopening as of Thursday, with a few changes to store practices. See if your Macy's is a shop inside or curbside!

Thursday, 6:55 a.m.: Masks No Longer Required, Still Recommended In Orange County

A new mask order would begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning, for Orange County, following a mandatory mandate.

Wednesday, 6:39 p.m.: Online Struggle: How To Replace Science Experiments

Distance learning removes the hands-on aspect of conducting science experiments.

Wednesday, 3:48 p.m.: LA Walks A Tightrope, Reopening As Coronavirus Outbreak Worsens

LA is seeing more community transmission of COVID-19 since reopening, but the county is taking another leap with gym and bar reopenings.

Wednesday, 3:33 p.m.: Disneyland Resort Reopening Dates Announced

On its 65th birthday, Disneyland Park will reopen the gates to the happiest place on earth, with some changes, to the delight of fans.

Wednesday, 2:27 p.m.: 13 Residents Die In Orange County, 7,737 Total Coronavirus Cases

As the medical community weighs in on Dr. Nichole Quick's abrupt resignation as Orange County's top doctor, coronavirus is still prevalent.

Wednesday, 2:12 p.m.: LA County Reopens Gyms, Museums, Sports & More: New Health Order

A wide range of sectors including gyms, museums, day camps and film production can resume Friday in L.A. County, officials announced.

Wednesday, 1:32 p.m.: Layoffs, Furloughs, Program Cuts: Walnut Creek Budget Plans

"There is a lot not to like in these budget proposals." The City Manager, City Attorney, and Councilmembers have already taken pay cuts.

Wednesday, 12:50 p.m.: All 169 DMV Offices Reopen In California, With New Limits

After months of coronavirus closures, all remaining DMV offices in California will reopen Thursday, but with new rules in place.

Wednesday, 12:42 p.m.: Universal Studios CityWalk Begins Phased Reopening

Voodoo Doughnut, Johnny Rockets, Blaze Pizza, Starbucks, Crepe Cafe, are among the shops open for business at Universal Studios CityWalk.

Wednesday, 12:06 p.m.: USS Kidd Leaves San Diego After Recovering From COVID-19 Outbreak

The ship underwent a deep-cleaning that balanced decontamination with preventing damage to the ship's critical systems, officials said.

Wednesday, 9:14 a.m.: Anti-Racism Protests Worth It Despite Virus Risks, CA Experts Say

Dozens of public health experts in California argue that fighting racism helps fight COVID-19, despite the risk posed by large gatherings.

Wednesday, 9:01 a.m.: San Diego Zoo And Safari Park To Reopen After Coronavirus Closure

Both parks have been closed since mid-March. It was the first major closure in the 103-year history of San Diego Zoo Global.

Wednesday, 8:28 a.m.: Goodwill Stores Reopen In Southwest Riverside County

The non-profit retail chain announced it will reopen 24 stores across southern California.

Tuesday, 8:14 p.m.: Legoland Sued For Not Refunding Customers During COVID-19 Closure

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Legoland and its parent company for allegedly not providing refunds after the park was closed.

Tuesday, 7:29 p.m.: Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses 300 In San Diego County

Since the pandemic began, 301 county residents have died from COVID- 19, the disease caused by the virus.

Tuesday, 6:51 p.m.: San Mateo County Reports 5 New COVID-19 Deaths, 43 Cases

The latest report brings the countywide COVID-19 death toll to 93.

Tuesday, 5:08 p.m.: 6 Coronavirus Deaths In Contra Costa County In June

Contra Costa coronavirus deaths had dwindled to almost nothing at the end of May, but June is another story.

Tuesday, 11:06 a.m.: Scam Warning: Phony Coronavirus Contact Tracers

California's Attorney General warns that scammers are stealing social security numbers, health insurance information, and financial info

Tuesday, 10:03 a.m.: Fremont Tesla Workers Test Positive For Coronavirus: Report

The report is based on what workers are saying and is not confirmed by health officials or the company.

Tuesday, 9:31 a.m.: Peninsula Utility Extends $100 COVID-19 Bill Relief Credit

Peninsula Clean Energy has expanded the COVID-19 relief program to include approximately 4,400 additional San Mateo County customers.

Tuesday, 9:22 a.m.: VA Cancels National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic In San Diego

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, which was scheduled for Sept. 20-25, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday, 9:12 a.m.: Dr. Nichole Quick Resigns From Orange County Health Care Agency

Orange County's top doctor, who stood up to harsh criticism with regard to mandatory mask orders, resigned Monday.

Monday, 4:29 p.m.: OC Coronavirus Community Transmission On The Rise

As more residents are hospitalized, & businesses reopen across the county, the need for facemasks, social distancing was reiterated, Monday.

Monday, 4:22 p.m.: Temecula Nurse Back Home After 2 Months On Coronavirus Front Line

A Temecula nurse who spent nearly two months on the coronavirus front lines in New York is back home, but still processing what she saw.

Monday, 3:14 p.m.: California Nail Salon Owners Beg To Reopen Amid Coronavirus

Nailing It For America held a planned protest Monday, calling for a reopening of nail salons in California amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Monday, 12:47 p.m.: Good News For Asymptomatic Health Care Professionals: CHOC Study

A study shows health care workers in a pediatric emergency department with low cases of COVID-19 are not likely to be carriers of the virus.

Monday, 12:43 p.m.: CA Schools Reopening: Masks For Students, Staff, Smaller Classes

Officials unveiled new guidelines for when California schools reopen, including widespread face masks and continued distance learning.

Monday, 11:54 a.m.: Half-Billion Coronavirus Cases Averted: UC Berkeley Researchers

It's the first peer-reviewed analysis of containment and prevention policies in China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, France, and the U.S.

Monday, 10:01 a.m.: Abbott Square Market Reopens For Outdoor Dining

Abbott Square Market eateries will be open for patio dining, curbside pick-up and takeout, though the museum remains closed.

Monday, 9:51 a.m.: The Republican Problem With Voting By Mail In CA [Opinion]

Along with everything else in the 2020 election, we are now going to fight about how to cast the votes.

Monday, 9:45 a.m.: Courtrooms Begin Reopening In Alameda County

Following coronavirus closures, phase one of the opening happened Monday with more plans in place for this month.

Monday, 9:14 a.m.: More RivCo Courthouses Reopen Following COVID-19 Shutdown

Staff will be enforcing social distancing and facial covering rules at all of the reopened facilities, officials said.