Half Of Recent Santa Cruz County Coronavirus Cases In Watsonville

WATSONVILLE, CA — Watsonville residents comprise 209 of the 410 known COVID-19 cases countywide.

Watsonville has more than double the cases that Santa Cruz has, even though census estimates indicate about 10,000 more people live in Santa Cruz. There are 76 known cases of the coronavirus in Santa Cruz, according to the county Health Services Agency.

More than half of Santa Cruz County residents sickened by the coronavirus are Latino.

Watsonville City Manager Matt Huffaker and community leaders called for the public to respect social distancing guidelines in a video posted Wednesday to the city's Facebook page.

"Let me be clear: The recent reopening of buisinesses in our county and state does not mean that .... we can all resume our lives as usual," Huffaker said.

Others pointed out that county health officials say large social gatherings are the biggest reason that cases continue to climb and residents should avoid parties — even if they are family gatherings and especially when it comes to elderly people. If you must gather, try to find an outdoor location, limit the number of guests, and refrain from sharing food and drinks.

Masks should always be worn in public.

The guidance is especially important given the upcoming July 4 weekend and onset of summer, Huffaker said.

"We can do this together," said Oscar Rios. "Let's be patient, responsible and work as a comm to protect all those who we love."

Watch the video below: