Latest Santa Cruz Case Count; County Predicts More Restrictions

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said she anticipates Santa Cruz County could be added to the state's coronavirus monitoring list soon.

Based on the current trend, she believes Santa Cruz County could join the monitoring list within two weeks, Newel said earlier this week in a post on the City of Santa Cruz Facebook page.

Neighboring San Mateo, Santa Clara and Monterey counties are all on the monitoring list.

If counties are added to the state's monitoring list, that means state health officials are actively monitoring local COVID-19 data and will offer targeted resources in hopes of helping the county bounce back.

Many counties on the list are experiencing increased transmission of the coronavirus and increased hospitalizations.

When counties are added to the monitoring list, indoor malls must close and worship houses cannot hold indoor services, though outdoor services are allowed. These changes are in effect for at least three weeks.

Santa Cruz County reported 706 COVID-19 cases, including 131 in Santa Cruz, as of Thursday morning. There have been three deaths linked to the coronavirus and 57 hospitalizations.

Here are the latest case numbers by city:
Capitola: 27
Santa Cruz: 131
Scotts Valley: 17
Watsonville: 362
Unincorporated: 130
Under Investigation:39