Here are the latest updates on coronavirus and how local governments are responding to the illness, with a focus on California for day, April 16, 2020.
CALIFORNIA STATUS UPDATE
The California Department of Public Health reports:
- Confirmed cases: 26,182
- 890 deaths
- 22 state and county labs processing tests for COVID-19.
- Click here for complete information on coronavirus, unemployment, and more from the state of California.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- WinCo Foods Distribution Center employee infected by coronavirus: In a statement from Noah Fleisher, director of corporate communications for WinCo Foods, an employee owner at their Modesto distribution center tested positive for the coronavirus. Fleisher said the employee has been off work since April 6 and the company became aware on April 11. “WinCo Foods continues to be very clear with employee owners and customers during this nationwide health crisis that they should stay home and not come to work or the store if they are not feeling well. We have no reason to believe there is any threat or risk of exposure from this to our employee owners at our Distribution Center," Fleisher said in a statement to ABC10.
- California governor expects $7 billion in virus spending: California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to spend up to $7 billion this year battling the coronavirus and the economic disruption it has caused. Officials at the state Department of Finance updated state lawmakers on Thursday. It was the first legislative hearing since lawmakers recessed on March 16. Most lawmakers participated via video conference. Legislative Analyst Gabriel Petek warned lawmakers the country in in a recession. He said lawmakers should prepare for a significant decline in revenue. It's unclear how Newsom wants to spend the money. He is scheduled to provide more details next month when he updates his budget proposal.
- 10 deaths hit care home, governor warns of virus 'hot spots': Authorities are considering evacuating residents from a California nursing home after 156 people tested positive for the coronavirus and 10 people died. It's the largest publicly reported outbreak at a California nursing home so far. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday called the Central Valley nursing home one of the state's virus "hot spots." His warning came as California begins to think about how it can ease stay-at-home orders. The Redwood Springs Healthcare Center in Visalia is the latest skilled nursing facility to see an outbreak. Such sites are vulnerable to the virus because many residents are elderly with health conditions and they live in close proximity to each other.
- Historic number on unemployment claims processed in California: The California Employment Development Department has processed 660,966 unemployment claims in the past week. It's part of a four-week total of 2.7 million processed claims, which is the highest one-month total since 275,735 claims were processed in January 2010. In a four week period, EDD has paid out $975 million in benefits and recently started adding the $600 in federal funds. “These are historic times at the EDD, dramatically impacting our families, friends, neighbors and communities,” said EDD Director Sharon Hilliard. “Employees are rallying from throughout other EDD programs and state government to help us process this record claim load and get money into the hands of those in need just as quickly as possible. For most Californians, that continues to be about three weeks after applying for benefits.” New features coming to EDD include an additional call center and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program.
- California orders 2 week sick leave for food chain workers: Workers who grow, pick, pack, deliver, cook, serve, and sell food are being allowed two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave related to the coronavirus. The new order was announced by Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday and adds to the benefits the workers have. Newsom hopes the new order will ease some anxiety for farm workers, fast food workers, and delivery drivers. "We don't want you going to work if you're sick, and we want to make sure that you know, that if you're sick, it's OK to acknowledge it. And, it's OK to let your employer know and still know that you're going to get a supplemental paycheck for a minimum of two weeks," said Newsom.
- Drive-up coronavirus testing at Cal Expo is not being fully utilized, according to health officials. According to Sacramento County Public Information Officer Samantha Mott, the testing site at Cal Expo can accommodate approximately 350 appointments per day, but she says some days they do not see event half of that number. “Some days there are 200+ appointments,” Mot said. “Somedays there are just over 100.” County residents can see if they are eligible for testing using the Verily screening website.
- Sacramento County health officials report 879 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the county with 32 deaths attributed to the disease. Thursday's numbers reflect an increase of 26 cases, thankfully no new deaths were recorded, according to the county health department. All the deaths, so far, have been from patients who are either 65 years or older and/or those who had underlying health conditions, health officials said. The majority of the cases in the county (388) are people between the ages of 18 and 49. Eleven of the 26 new cases are from this age group.
- Plasma donations needed from recovered COVID-19 patients. Vitalant has launched a program to treat COVID-19 patients with blood plasma donated by those who have recovered from the virus. "Known as convalescent plasma, this blood component contains antibodies that may give patients an extra boost to fight their illness," Vitalant said in an announcement. Learn more, here.
- The Small Business Administration has exhausted its funding for the emergency small business loan program that was part of the $2 trillion CARES act. Thousands of small business owners whose loans have not yet been processed must now wait for Congress to approve a Trump administration request for another $250 billion for the program. Lawmakers have been haggling over whether to extend the program as it stands now, or whether to add provisions that among other things would help minority businesses. It’s unclear when they might reach an agreement that would allow loan approvals to continue.
- Colusa County Fair gets 'downsized': In a notice on their Facebook page, the Colusa County Fair announced the event has been 'downsized" in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Officials are still hoping to hold a Junion Livestock Show and Junior Livestock Auction. To do so, they're looking at the possibility of a traditional show and a virtual livestock show and auction, or just a virtual auction only. Fair officials said the announcement will disappoint their 15,000 patrons and said they hope to see their other attractions like carnival rides. exhibits, concessionaires, non-profits, and entertainers return in 2021.
- Calaveras coronavirus case update: Two new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Calaveras County, officials said. The first case was a man from Valley Springs who was linked to a case already known to Calaveras Public Health. The second case was an older man from West Point, but the source for this exposure is still being investigated. “We should expect additional cases of novel coronavirus among Calaveras residents before the outbreak begins to subside. Please know that the actions you take today are the best way for us to slow the spread of COVID-19 into Calaveras communities,” said Dean Kelaita, MD, Calaveras County Health Officer.
- New Stay-at-Home order for Nevada County: A new Stay-at-Home order has been issued for Nevada County. “It’s important that we don’t let down our guard and continue to follow the Stay-at-Home Order. We have received many questions and concerns about the implementation of a statewide order locally. It is our hope that this new order provides further clarification and guidance to everyone working to do the right thing," said Dr. Ken Cutler, Nevada County Health Officer. The new order provides examples of what is considered nonessential, but it also clarifies areas for essential activities, businesses, and services.
- $0 bail at Yolo County Jail for certain crimes: After a $0 bail order for certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies and a mandated release of certain pre-trial inmates, the Yolo County jail has reduced their inmate population to 250 below their max occupancy. Officials with the Yolo County Sheriff's Office are concerned about what a blanket release of inmates would result in for the county and hope against any negative impacts. The order from the Judicial Council allows jail inmates to practice social distancing. While there are no confirmed coronavirus cases in the jail, the sheriff's office has made efforts to include screening for incoming inmates, screenings for inmates in custody, and daily medical screenings for staff. If needed, the jail has a 10-bed isolation area and are prepared to use a new 32-bed pod for isolation.
OUR MISSION: FACTS NOT FEAR
Coronavirus Background
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine; however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
WHY HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE SO CONCERNED
Some people have compared the low overall death toll to the flu's high annual death toll in the United States as a reason not to be concerned about COVID-19, however, doctors and health officials are concerned for three main reasons:
- Some people have built up immunity to the flu, but few have immunity to COVID-19 version of coronavirus.
- Both the flu and COVID-19 are spread by droplets, but COVID-19 might be spread in the air. Scientists are researching exactly how COVID-19 spreads.
- The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public where social distancing measures would be difficult to maintain, like at a grocery stores or pharmacy.
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