Nugget Markets requiring shoppers to wear face masks | Local coronavirus update

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — Here are the latest updates on coronavirus and how local governments are responding to the illness, with a focus on California for Wednesday, April 8.

CALIFORNIA STATUS UPDATE

The California Department of Public Health reports:

• Confirmed cases: 16,957 (As of April 7).
• 442 deaths 
• 22 state and county labs processing tests for COVID-19, including commercial, private and academic labs. As of April 5, approximately 143,800 tests have been conducted.
• Click here for complete information on coronavirus, unemployment, and more from the state of California.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS 

• San Joaquin County coronavirus update: San Joaquin County officials have confirmed 237 cases of coronavirus in the county. There have been 14 deaths so far.
• Stanislaus County coronavirus update: Officials in Stanislaus County have confirmed 95 coronavirus cases in the county. As of April 8, they say there have been no deaths and 59 people have recovered.
• 25 inmates have tested positive for coronavirus: In the latest count from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, officials say 25 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus. There 62 CDCR and CCHCS employees total who have tested positive so far.
• Nugget Markets will require masks while shopping in stores: In a letter from Nugget Market CEO Eric Stille, he announced that all customers at the grocery store will be required to wear a face mask or scarf covering their nose and mouth. The new policy will go into effect April 13. Employees at the grocery store are now wearing masks while working. "I know this might upset a few of you and I apologize in advance, but this will offer all of us the most protection! Extreme times call for extreme measures and I feel this is what’s best to help curb the spread of the virus and protect us all," Stille wrote in the letter.
  
• California delivers 500 ventilators to states battling coronavirus: The California Air National Guard are delivering state-owned ventilators to several states across the country, which includes Nevada and Delaware. “In times of crisis, it’s more important than ever we are the UNITED States of America,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “California is answering the call for Americans in New York and across the country, loaning 500 state-owned ventilators to those in need. I know, if the tables were turned, other states would be there for us.”
• Red Hawk Casino extends closure, announces layoffs: In response to the coronavirus crisis, Red Hawk Casino will be extending it's temporary closure indefinitely. In a news release from the casino, officials said they'll be laying off team members effective April 17 and furloughing another round of team members effective May 4.
• California to buy 200 million masks a month amid outbreak: California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will spend nearly $1 billion to purchase up to 200 million masks a month during the COVID-19 outbreak. Newsom made the announcement Tuesday during an appearance on Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show. The masks will be made overseas. Newsom said the state has signed multiple contracts with an unidentified consortium of nonprofits and a California-based manufacturer to obtain the masks. State taxpayers will pay $495 million upfront. Other payments will be made as shipments arrive. The Newsom administration estimates total payments will be $990 million. California and other states have had trouble finding enough masks during the outbreak.
  
• Sacramento County is up to 580 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 22 deaths also confirmed from the virus, according to the Sacramento County Public 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 University of the Pacific in Stockton is creating a relief grant for students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. According to university officials, the grant is aimed at easing the financial burdens on students and families facing difficulties due to COVID-19. In a press release, officials wrote, “University of the Pacific Board of Regents and university leaders understand how disruptive the COVID-19 pandemic has been in the lives of many of our students and families. We are focused on helping provide the support and resources they need to succeed.” The grant will provide $1,450 annual tuition for undergraduate students both new and incoming. The grant also includes “$400,000 in need-based aid for eligible graduate, dental, law and pharmacy students experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.”
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state is exploring ways to help people living in the country illegally who are not eligible for federal economic stimulus benefits. Newsom said Tuesday he plans to unveil his plan next month. He said it will be part of a broader package of economic stimulus strategies that are separate from federal benefits. Last month Congress approved a $2.2 trillion aid package that will give cash payments to most Americans. But those living in the country illegally are not eligible to get that money. California's revenues have tumbled amid the crisis and it's unclear how much will be available to help immigrants.
• Sacramento Regional Parks closing parking lots on Easter: In an effort to limit use of public park facilities, The Sacramento County Regional Parks Department is closing their facilities, including restrooms and parking lots, on Easter weekend. Trails will remain open, but facilities will be monitored by staff to ensure social distancing.

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:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Stay home when you are sick.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
6. 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:

1. Some people have built up immunity to the flu, but few have immunity to COVID-19 version of coronavirus. 
2. 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.
3. 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STIMULUS PACKAGE: 

• CARES Act suspends student loans for 6 months
• Stimulus Bill Checks: Watch out for of these scams
• Stimulus check calculator: See how much you'll likely be getting
• Trump signs $2.2T stimulus after swift congressional votes

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