Coronavirus Cases Rise As Strict Measures Take Effect: Lamorinda

LAMORINDA, CA — Coronavirus cases are spiraling out of control in Contra Costa County, with the number of newly diagnosed cases reaching a 7-day average in triple digits for the first time. On Thursday, 80 new cases were announced, bringing the total for Monday through Thursday to 522.

Here in Lamorinda, there have been 112 cases reported since the start of the pandemic. That’s up from 103 on Monday. Individually, Lafayette is up to 38, Moraga has reported 15, and Orinda has risen to 59.

The county’s coronavirus death toll is now 78, an increase of 4 Monday through Thursday.

The situation is so grave that county health officials took action on Monday, and state health officials on Wednesday.

Contra Costa County was one of 19 counties ordered Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom to immediately close bars and several indoor businesses.

In addition to new cases, hospitalizations are on the rise after residents started to resume normal routines and re-engage in public life, according to the state Department of Public Health. Contra Costa County currently has 41 hospitalized coronavirus patients, while the total across the Bay Area has risen to 404.

The state order will remain in place for at least three weeks.

Though the state at least temporarily squelched Contra Costa County's ability to open bars, indoor dining, and other venues, the county had already delayed reopening plans. Indoor dining, gyms and fitness centers, indoor museums, hotels, and other leisure venues were initially scheduled to open July 1, but the county reversed course Monday, expressing concern about COVID-19 data.
The state said it will work closely with public health departments in Contra Costa County and elsewhere to address concerning issues.

Here's what the state wants to see happen in Contra Costa County:

• Partnerships with community organizations to spread the word about face coverings, prevention techniques and the importance of testing
• Work with health care providers to prepare for a surge in COVID-19 cases, and keep a close eye on hospitalizations
• Continue to teach skilled nursing and other care facilities about how to properly use protective gear and follow infection control practices
• Explain to the community why it's important to work with health department contact tracers, to help prevent friends and family from getting sick

Other counties being monitored by the state include Santa Clara, Solano, Fresno, Glenn, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Merced, Orange, Riverside, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Stanislaus, Tulare and Ventura.

— Patch editors Courtney Teague and Bea Karnes contributed to this story

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