The Bay Area and California as a whole seem to be mitigating the Covid-19 outbreak relatively well as compared to other states. Contagion and death rates in states that delayed action are reflecting rapid growth. In Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp just signed into law a statewide shelter order effective Friday, 176 people have died among nearly 5,500 confirmed cases, whereas California has suffered less than 250 deaths among more than 11,000 cases.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide shelter-in-place order March 19. However, several counties, including those in the Bay Area, issued strict shelter orders days prior.
Globally, the number of confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus cases has surpassed one million as of Thursday.
Open strong SFBay Worldwide coronavirus tracker./strong Updated twice daily.Source: John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center COVID-19 tracking tool as of Thursday at 7:58 p.m.
Source: John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center COVID-19 tracking tool as of Thursday at 7:59 p.m.
Health officials Thursday recommended Bay Area residents use regular hand-washing and cloth coverings on their mouths and noses to prevent virus spread instead of masks, which are in short supply for healthcare workers, first responders, grocers and delivery drivers. The guidance supports recommendations made by the California Department of Public Health.
PG&E is applying customers’ biannual credits to their April bills, which may help some people struggling with finances amid the Covid-19 health and subsequent economic crisis. Customers who are billed for both electricity and gas can expect a $62.91 credit, electricity-only customers will see a $35.73 credit and gas-only customers will receive $27.18.
The credits, which are separate from the company’s service disconnection moratorium, occur biannually and are generated by fees collected through the cap-and-trade program.
Source: The Alameda County Public Health Department as of Thursday.
Esperanza Elementary School in East Oakland has been added to the list of sites where students can pick up free “grab and go” meals. The campus will be offering the food to all Oakland students under the age of 18 on Mondays and Thursday between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon.
All horse racing activities have been suspended at Albany’s Golden Gate Fields. The Alameda County Public Health Officer contacted the track in response to ongoing races that were still being bet on, though the public has not been permitted at the facility since March 12, according to the general manager.
Source: The City of Berkeley as of Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Berkeley reports separately from Alameda County.
Source: Contra Costa Health Services as of Thursday.
The East Bay Regional Park District has shut down the Point Isabel dog park in Richmond in compliance with the Bay Area’s shelter-in-place orders that have recently been extended through May 3 in six Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley.
The Crane Pavilion in Richmond will soon be converted into a 250-bed coronavirus treatment facility. The building was once used to build equipment during WWII and just hosted a Bernie Sanders rally in February.
Source: Marin Health and Human Services as of Thursday.
Source: Department of Health and Human Services as of Thursday.
Source: San Francisco Department of Public Health as of Thursday at 9 a.m.
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center began testing people for Covid-19 Thursday. The facility at 23rd Street and Potrero Avenue is offering walk-up and drive-through testing with appointments every 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. A referral provided by a San Francisco Health Network provider, clinic, emergency department or urgent care facility is required.
Mayor London Breed and Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee announced Thursday that The City has established a Covid-19 Economic Recovery Task Force that will spearhead efforts to protect and recover employment and small businesses amid the current health and financial crisis.
In a press release issued by the Office of the Mayor, Breed said:
“While we are still in the thick of responding to this health emergency, we simply cannot afford to wait in preparing for what we know will be a difficult recovery.”
According to the press statement, the task force will prioritize small- and medium-sized businesses, vulnerable people, local arts and culture while recognizing The City’s impact on the global economy in collaboration with federal and state efforts.
Health officials announced Thursday that a navigation center resident has tested positive for Covid-19. The discovery prompted a call by supervisors and homeless advocates to hurry the process of sheltering those who live in congregated settings.
Source: San Mateo County Health Department as of Thursday.
Source: Santa Clara County Public Health Department as of Thursday.
Santa Clara County and San Jose leaders Thursday tried to clear up misconceptions surrounding the region’s eviction moratorium. They clarified that the freeze on evictions for tenants impacted by the Covid-19 crisis is a pathway for deferred payments and not forgiveness of the incurred debt.
Supervisor Dave Cortese said during a virtual news conference:
“You have to pay at some point, you still owe the rent, but you can’t be evicted while you’re struggling or unable to pay at this point in time.”
Four additional people have died as of Thursday, according to county officials.
Source: Solano Public Health as of Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Source: County of Sonoma as of Thursday at 4:40 p.m.
The Sonoma County Office of Education announced that all 40 of the county’s school districts will extend distance learning through the end of the school year. Impacted families and staff can access further information about the county’s decision and related updates on the Office of Education website.
Last modified April 2, 2020 8:45 pm
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