Latest Santa Cruz Case Count; County Issues Thanksgiving Guidance

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Health officials in Santa Cruz County and across seven other Bay Area counties issued guidance Monday on Thanksgiving holidays and travel.

Any gatherings should be "small, short, stable and safe," and ideally close enough to home to avoid long-distance travel, health officers said in a statement. The public can protect themselves by holding gatherings outdoors, wearing face coverings and keeping a distance from others who are not in their households, said County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel in the statement.

“When people who live in different houses or apartments are together at the same time in the same space, risk of COVID-19 spreading goes up, even when the people are relatives or friends," she said.

If a gathering is important to you, consider postponing that haircut or indoor meal to reduce exposure, officials said. Any activity outside of your home can increase chances of COVID-19 exposure.

Nobody should travel if they are sick, officials said. If you must travel, don't share cars with people you don't live with. If you must share a car, wear masks, open the windows and try to stick with the same cohort of passengers, officials said.

Airplane air is filtered and viruses do not spread easily on flights, but travelers will be spending time within six feet of others and around frequently touched surfaces, officials said.

While California does not require people to quarantine upon arrival to the Golden State, some state governments or countries subject Californian visitors to mandatory quarantine and testing, officials said. Check before you leave.

Consider which family members may be older or at higher risk of falling ill and remember that COVID-19 patients may spread the virus without experiencing symptoms, officials said.

Don't forget to avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, get a flu shot, and wash and sanitize hands often.

Upon a traveler's return, they should consider getting tested three to seven days later, whether you feel symptoms or not, officials said. Monitor yourself for symptoms for up to two weeks.

But the safest way to celebrate is with virtual gatherings or at home, officials said.

People can decorate their homes, share a virtual meal, host online parties and contests, or deliver traditional meals to family members and neighbors. Visit a drive-in movie night, seasonal art installation or drive-by event, officials said.

As of Monday morning, 3,202 COVID-19 cases had been reported in Santa Cruz County, including 414 active cases. There have been 26 deaths linked to the coronavirus.

Here's the breakdown by community:

• Aptos: 136
• Ben Lomond: 25
• Boulder Creek: 25
• Capitola: 75
• Felton: 30
• Freedom: 174
• Santa Cruz: 665
• Scotts Valley: 80
• Soquel: 72
• Watsonville: 1,806
• Unincorporated: 34
• Under investigation: 80

See the full list of tips below: