Coronavirus In California: What To Know Sunday, July 26

CALIFORNIA — California hit two sobering milestones in its struggle with the coronavirus this week, surpassing New York as the state with the most confirmed cases, and setting a new single-day record with 12,807 new cases of COVID-19.

The state had confirmed more than 409,000 cases by Wednesday, several hundred more than in New York, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Amid the virus's continued growth, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state was moving to significantly increase its supply of personal protective equipment, including a purchase of 420 million face masks to protect those at risk, including medical workers.

Wednesday's developments came just two days after Newsom said that the state's cases appeared to be stabilizing, with positivity rates, hospitalizations and ICU admissions all leveling out as of Monday — a development that Newsom called "an encouraging sign."

Catch up on other recent news:

Bay Area case count 9x higher than reported

The number of actual Bay Area COVID-19 cases may have been at least nine times higher than the reported case count in April, according to a newly released U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

The report analyzed 1,200 blood samples collected from patients who went to the doctor for a routine visit or other reason not related to COVID-19 from April 23 to 27. Samples from all Bay Area counties except for Solano, Sonoma and Napa were included in the study.

One percent of Bay Area residents tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, the CDC found. That indicates there were an estimated 65,000 cases in the region — far higher than the 7,151 cases reported as of April 27, according to the CDC.

Read the full story here.

Elementary schools could reopen campuses

Newsom's big announcement Friday that most California schools would start the year online didn't include a major caveat that was revealed hours later: school districts can apply to local health departments for a waiver that could allow elementary schools to reopen for in-person classes.

California's ban on in-person instruction in the fall applies to all counties on the state's "watch list" for coronavirus transmission, which included 33 of the state's 58 counties as of Tuesday.

But the state will let school superintendents ask their local health officer for a waiver allowing elementary schools to reopen for in-person classes, while middle and high schools would remain closed.

Read the full story here.

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There were more than 4,197,100 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States and 146,632 deaths as of Sunday, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 8,429 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): 448,264 as of Sunday

Total deaths reported (Johns Hopkins University): 8,429 as of Sunday

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

• Age 0-17: 39,396 cases
• Age 18-49: 268,931 cases
• Age 50-64: 86,034 cases
• Age 65 and older: 50,518 cases
• Unknown/Missing: 521 cases

Gender of confirmed positive cases:

• Female: 222,622 cases
• Male: 220,392 cases
• Unknown/Missing: 2,386 cases

The latest live updates from across California are as follows:

Sunday, 2:31 p.m.: 173,995 Coronavirus Cases In LA County: Where They Are

Health officials confirmed 1,703 new cases of COVID-19 in LA County Sunday, as well as 10 new deaths. Catch up on the latest news.

Sunday, 1:19 p.m.: 21 Coronavirus Cases Among Newport Beach Firefighters, Lifeguards

City officials confirmed Sunday that 10 Newport Beach firefighters and 11 lifeguards tested positive for COVID-19 in the last month.

Sunday, 1:13 p.m.: Santee Rock Concert Flouts County Health Order

A Santee music school held an outdoor concert Saturday, billed as a "Music Matters Protest," in spite of the county's ban on such events.

Sunday, 11:18 a.m.: FDA Recalls 75 Hand Sanitizers With Methanol: Full List

Californians are urged to check the labels on their hand sanitizer, as the FDA recalls dozens of brands that contain a dangerous substance.

Sunday, 10:34 a.m.: First LAFD Firefighter Dies From Coronavirus

Firefighter-Paramedic Jose J. Perez, 44, died from COVID-19 complications after 16 years with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Sunday, 10:20 a.m.: Clippers' Lou Williams Must Quarantine After Visiting Strip Club

The Clippers guard will miss two games after leaving the NBA's "bubble" to make an unauthorized visit to an Atlanta strip club.

Sunday, 9:54 a.m.: New Wristband System To Reduce Waits At Santa Clara Testing Sites

Santa Clara County is implementing a new check-in system at walk-up COVID-19 testing sites that provides wristbands to reduce wait times.

Sunday, 9:49 a.m.: Santa Clara Co. Restaurant Sued For Late Rent, Despite Moratorium

Despite Santa Clara County's ban on evictions amid the pandemic, Flights Restaurant CEO is being sued by his landlord for back-rent.

Sunday, 9:29 a.m.: Alameda Sheriff Mourns Valerie Leon After Her Death From COVID-19

Valerie Leon, 61, a technician for the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, became the second sheriff's employee to die from COVID-19 this week.

Saturday, 4:46 p.m.: 603 New Coronavirus Cases In San Diego County; 9 More Deaths

San Diego County public health officials reported 603 new COVID-19 cases and nine additional deaths Saturday.

Saturday, 4:18 p.m.: 595 New Coronavirus Cases In Orange County: Saturday Update

Orange County health officials reported 595 new cases of COVID-19 and six additional deaths Saturday.

Saturday, 3:19 p.m.: 3,628 New Coronavirus Cases In LA County; 53 More Deaths

Young adults continue to make up most new coronavirus cases, as Los Angeles County confirmed 3,628 new infections Saturday.

Saturday, 2:25 p.m.: Petaluma Firefighter Tests Positive For Coronavirus

The firefighter tested positive last week, forcing 15 Petaluma Fire crewmembers to self-quarantine, the department said.

Saturday, 2:02 p.m.: Hollywood's Trois Mec Restaurant Closing Permanently: Report

Another casualty of the coronavirus pandemic, the tiny-but-acclaimed Hollywood restaurant is closing after seven years in business.

Saturday, 10:43 a.m.: 2nd Alameda Sheriff's Employee Dies From Coronavirus

One day after Deputy Oscar Rocha died from COVID-19, the sheriff's office said a second, non-sworn employee had also died from the virus.

Saturday, 10:17 a.m.: Padres Win Season Opener In Empty Petco Park

The San Diego Padres came out on top in the first game of their 2020 season, held in a fan-less Petco Park.

Saturday, 9:58 a.m.: County Shuts Down Huntington Beach Religious Gathering

The religious group Saturate OC had been holding large services at Lifeguard 20 before Orange County put a stop to the gatherings Friday.

Saturday, 9:46 a.m.: LA Extends Relaxed Parking Enforcement To August Amid Pandemic

The LA Dept. of Transportation said Friday it will continue not giving tickets for several parking offenses through at least August 16.

Saturday, 9:42 a.m.: County Cities Demand Shares Of LA's CARES Act Funding

Officials throughout Los Angeles County are demanding that the city of Los Angeles redistribute about $1.8 billion in federal funding.

Friday, 5:28 p.m.: Los Gatos Wine Stays Open Putting Safety First Amid Pandemic

Testarossa’s outdoor Wine Bar 107 is setting tables 12 feet apart, keeping customers distanced by about 7 to 8 feet.

Friday, 5:05 p.m.: Gilroy Has Santa Clara County’s Top Coronavirus Infection Rate
San Jose is second on the list with an infection rate of 538 cases per 100,000 and Morgan Hill is third with an infection rate of 485.

Friday, 3:37 p.m.: 10 Million Face Masks Being Distributed In Riverside County
Birthday parties, family get-togethers, friends gathering ... with "people we love and trust" is where coronavirus spread is now happening.

Friday: Combat Sports OK'd In Calif. Amid Coronavirus; Boxing In Indio

The California State Athletic Commission approved emergency regulations this week allowing for the sports.

Thursday, 7:44 p.m.: Cities Shorted On Stimulus Money? Palm Springs Says It Was

“Distribution of funds to local municipalities in this manner is unjust and poorly thought out ...," Palm Springs officials contend.

Thursday, 7:47 p.m.: Palos Verdes: Drive-Thru Philanthropy Event Planned Thursday

The Palos Verdes Chapter of National Charity League will host a drive-thru philanthropy event Thursday night.

Thursday, 5:23 p.m.: SC Co. Expert Offers Grim Coronavirus Outlook: Report

County employees told not to expect to return to work amid any semblance of normalcy until late February at the earliest.

Thursday, 2:59 p.m.: Jazz Bakery Hosts Live 'Concerts At Home' Series

Jazz Bakery will feature pianist Sam Hirsh playing live from his living room at 6 p.m. PT Saturday.

Thursday, 1:57 p.m.: ‘Eviction Time Bomb’ Looms For Silicon Valley Renters: Report

With upwards of 43,000 families at risk of displacement, homelessness could spike more than 200%, report says.

Thursday, 8:54 a.m.: 7 Bay Area Counties Report Coronavirus Deaths Thursday

Contra Costa County remains on the state's "Watch List" because of the number of newly reported cases.

Thursday, 8:19 a.m.: New Coronavirus Deaths In 7 Bay Area Counties Including Alameda

Alameda County remains on the state's "Watch List" because of the number of newly reported cases.

Thursday, 12:08 p.m.: Bay Area Health Expert Makes Grim Prediction About COVID-19

A Bay Area health expert has made a grim prediction about the coronavirus.

Thursday, 12:07 p.m.: COVID-Phobia Could Cost Hospitals Billions Of Dollars As Patients Stay Away

Health experts fear COVID-phobia could cause billions of dollars in lost revenue for the health care industry.

Thursday, 12:00 p.m.: Alameda Rapid COVID-19 Testing Site Forced To Close After 1st Day

A COVID-19 testing site in Alameda that promised quick turnaround of results was forced to close after its first day in operation.

Thursday, 12:34 p.m.: 2 Teen Lacrosse Players Tackle Hunger

The high school students have made it their goal to fight hunger during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wednesday, 4:37 p.m.: LA Feels The Brunt As California Endures Nation's Worst Outbreak

As California surpasses New York for coronavirus cases, Los Angeles health officials combat pandemic fatigue and misinformation.

Wednesday, 4:35 p.m.: 12 Dead In Walnut Creek Care Facility Coronavirus Outbreak

More than 100 residents and staff members have tested positive for the virus.

Wednesday, 2:36 p.m.: Hertz Car Rentals To Require Employees, Customers Wear Masks

Hertz joins a growing number of U.S. retailers requiring customers and employees to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wednesday, 1:40 p.m.: Bay Area Case Count In April Could Be 9x Higher Than Reported

One percent of people who received blood work tested positive for antibodies, meaning reported case counts were likely low, the CDC said.

Wednesday, 11:05 a.m.: San Quentin Inmate Dies Of Apparent Coronavirus Complications

John Beames, 67, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1995.

Wednesday, 11:04 a.m.: California Childcare Facilities See Spike In Coronavirus Cases

The number of centers reporting is small—yet growing.

Wednesday, 9:18 a.m.: How The Pandemic Is Changing Working From Home In CA

Coronavirus has reshaped how Californians live, learn and work in uneven ways.

Wednesday, 9:11 a.m.: COVID-19 Clobbers Weak CA Transit Systems

California transit systems were struggling even before COVID-19, with stagnant ridership and soaring costs. Now they're facing a crisis.

Tuesday, 6:25 p.m.: Back-To-School In Riverside County: Legal Challenge, Questions

An online-only return has prompted a lawsuit, and on Tuesday it was announced K-5 schools might possibly get in-person learning.

Tuesday, 4:37 p.m.: Napa County Reports 3 Coronavirus Deaths

Three coronavirus-related deaths were reported by Napa County since Friday, bringing the total number of people who've died to seven.

Tuesday, 4:20 p.m.: Coronavirus Stats, Schools, Salons: Riverside County

New state guidelines were released for personal care businesses in "watch list" counties like Riverside, and K-5 schools might reopen.

Tuesday, 3:42 p.m.: Marin County Approves Citations For Not Wearing Masks

Citations ranging from $25 to $500 can be given to people who are not wearing masks, according to Assistant County Counsel Renee Brewer.

Tuesday, 2:38 p.m.: County Launches Latino Outreach Campaign For Coronavirus

To date, of San Diego County's more than 24,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases with known race/ethnicity, about 60 percent are Latino.

Tuesday, 1:09 p.m.: LinkedIn Axing Nearly 1,000 Jobs: Report

Cupertino-based professional networking site trims workforce by 6 percent amid a global economic slowdown triggered by COVID-19 crisis.

Tuesday, 12:14 p.m.: Hotels Sue San Francisco Over New Law

"This dangerous ordinance contradicts the advice of public health experts and would cause enormous economic hardship."

Tuesday, 11:01 a.m.: Coronavirus Education Operation Underway For LA Firefighters

Firefighters across Los Angeles County are receiving specialized training in response to rising coronavirus cases at fire departments.

Tuesday, 10:52 a.m.: CA School Districts Can Apply For In-Person Instruction

While most California schools will start the year online this fall, elementary schools can apply to reopen in-person, the state said.

Tuesday, 10:14 a.m.: San Mateo County Braces For ‘Shelter-In-Place 2.0’: Report

State likely to impose restrictions on businesses and public gatherings amid countywide COVID-19 case surge.

Tuesday, 9:44 a.m.: CSU Chancellor Expects Future Furloughs Due To Revenue Reductions

A furlough program "is most likely necessary" in the 2021-22 fiscal year due to pandemic-related revenue reductions, the chancellor wrote.

Tuesday, 9:34 a.m.: San Diego County Proposed Budget Includes $100M Toward Pandemic

The proposed $6.4 billion budget includes $100 million dedicated to COVID-19 testing, medical supplies, food distribution and other needs.

Monday, 4:18 p.m.: Live Music Not Allowed In Riverside County Amid Coronavirus

Holding live entertainment, including music acts, is not permitted in the county amid concerns about social gatherings that spread COVID-19.

Monday, 3:37 p.m.: 560 New Coronavirus Cases In Orange County: Monday Updates

Health officials reported 560 new cases of COVID-19 and one new death in Orange County Monday. Catch up on the latest news.

Monday, 3:29 p.m.: Coronavirus News, Stats For Riverside County

The latest COVID-19 updates for July 20.

Monday, 3:14 p.m.: San Quentin Inmate Dies From Apparent Coronavirus Complications

Out of 6,965 cases of COVID-19 confirmed so far among state inmates, 2,085 have been at San Quentin, the state's largest prison outbreak.

Monday, 2:49 p.m.: San Mateo County Halts Jury Trials Due To Coronavirus: Report

Ongoing trials were halted until Aug. 17 and future trials can't start until Sept. 1.

Monday, 2:43 p.m.: Hospitalizations Hit New High In LA County; Residents Face Blame

LA County confirmed 3,160 new coronavirus cases Monday, as officials blamed residents for failing to wear face masks and avoid gatherings.

Monday, 1:05 p.m.: San Diego Mayor Signs Order To Allow Businesses To Expand Outdoors

Mayor Kevin Faulconer signed an order to allow gyms, churches and salons to expand their businesses outdoors into private parking lots.

Monday, 11:46 a.m.: CIF Delays School Sports: See Your Section's Modified Schedule

On Monday, the CIF released its modified season of sport schedule amid coronavirus.

Monday, 11:02 a.m.: San Diegans Can Apply For Coronavirus Rental Assistance

The San Diego Housing Commission is administering the program for the city of San Diego.

Monday, 11:01 a.m.: Spike In Coronavirus Cases At CA Child Care Centers

So few child care centers are currently open that experts say it's too soon to sound the alarm.

Monday, 9:58 a.m.: The Cliff House Closes After 157 Years: Coronavirus

The owners hope to resume operations in the future but have closed to preserve remaining resources.

Monday, 9:15 a.m.: Free Headshots Taken Wednesday For Unemployed Bay Area Residents

Nina Pomeroy of Pleasanton is one of 200 photographers across the country stepping up to help unemployed Americans.

Monday, 9:02 a.m.: Third SoCal Whole Foods Worker Tests Positive For Coronavirus

A third worker has tested positive for the coronavirus at a Whole Foods in Santa Monica.

Monday, 8:41 a.m.: Change In Business Tax Pondered In Richmond

Small businesses would be protected, but overall the change would generate more money for the city.

Monday, 8:12 a.m.: Home Depot, Lowe's In California To Require Masks At Stores

Home Depot and Lowe's are joining Walmart to require masks at all store locations.

Monday, 8 a.m.: Berkeley Hotels Receive Free Masks, Hand Sanitizer

Visit Berkeley has distributed the items to hotels, along with information on sanitizing for coronavirus.