Blog en direct: le comté de San Diego rapporte 139 nouveaux cas, 2 nouveaux décès


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Le comté de San Diego rapporte 139 nouveaux cas, 2 nouveaux décès

– 15 h 40, samedi 16 mai 2020

Les responsables de la santé du comté de San Diego ont déclaré que 4 505 nouveaux tests COVID-19 avaient été signalés hier, avec un taux positif de 3%. La moyenne mobile sur 14 jours des tests positifs est désormais de 4,2%.

139 nouveaux cas ont été signalés dans le comté de San Diego, ce qui porte le total à 5 ​​662. 1 805 (19,1%) des cas ont entraîné une hospitalisation et 329 ont nécessité des soins intensifs. Le taux de soins intensifs est de 5,8% de tous les cas ou 30,3% de toutes les hospitalisations.

Deux autres décès ont été signalés. Toutes deux étaient des femmes, une à la fin de la soixantaine et une au début des années 80. Le bilan des morts dans la région est désormais de 209, ce qui représente un double découvert et supprimé du rapport vendredi. – Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS / Productrice / éditrice des arts

Obama critique la réponse aux virus dans le discours de remise des diplômes en ligne

– 14 h 45, samedi 16 mai 2020

L’ancien président Barack Obama a critiqué samedi certains responsables de la surveillance de la réponse au coronavirus, disant aux diplômés universitaires dans une adresse de début en ligne que la pandémie montre que de nombreux responsables « ne font même pas semblant d’être en charge ».

Obama a parlé de «Montrez-moi votre promenade, édition HBCU», un événement en direct de deux heures pour les collèges et universités historiquement noirs diffusé sur YouTube, Facebook et Twitter. Ses propos étaient étonnamment politiques et concernaient les événements actuels au-delà du virus et ses impacts sociaux et économiques.

« Plus que tout, cette pandémie a complètement, enfin déchiré le rideau sur l’idée que tant de responsables savent ce qu’ils font », a-t-il déclaré. « Beaucoup ne prétendent même pas être en charge . « 

Obama n’a pas nommé le président Donald Trump ni aucun autre fonctionnaire fédéral ou d’État.

Tout en félicitant les diplômés et en se félicitant du monde difficile auquel ils sont confrontés, l’ancien président a noté la mort par balle en février d’Ahmaud Arbery, 25 ans, qui avait été tué alors qu’il faisait du jogging dans une rue résidentielle de Géorgie.

« Soyons honnêtes: une maladie comme celle-ci ne fait que mettre en lumière les inégalités sous-jacentes et les charges supplémentaires auxquelles les communautés noires ont historiquement dû faire face dans ce pays », a déclaré Obama. « Nous le voyons dans l’impact disproportionné du COVID-19 sur nos communautés, tout comme nous le voyons quand un homme noir fait un jogging et que certaines personnes ont le sentiment qu’elles peuvent s’arrêter et poser des questions et lui tirer dessus s’il ne se soumet pas à leur interrogatoire. »

Obama prononcera également une allocution télévisée aux heures de grande écoute plus tard samedi pour la classe de lycée 2020 lors d’un événement d’une heure qui mettra également en vedette LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai et Ben Platt, entre autres. – Presse associée

REGARDER EN DIRECT: Célébration de lancement virtuel de l’Université d’État de San Diego en 2020

– 10h30, samedi 16 mai 2020

L’Université d’État de San Diego honorera sa promotion de 2020 avec une célébration virtuelle de début à midi aujourd’hui.

Regardez ici:

Pour les besoins d’interprétation en ASL ou LSM, le Student Ability Success Center de SDSU a coordonné une salle Zoom sécurisée.

San Diego va ajouter trois nouveaux sites de test COVID-19

– 10h30, samedi 16 mai 2020

Les responsables de la santé du comté de San Diego ont annoncé l’élargissement des tests COVID-19 et de nouveaux sites de test dans le centre et le sud-est de San Diego, à partir de lundi.

Les nouveaux emplacements comprennent un site de conduite sur rendez-vous à Mission Valley dans le lot du stade de la San Diego County Credit Union, avec une capacité de 180 tests par jour. Le site sera ouvert du lundi au samedi de 9h à 15h. Les résidents du comté doivent appeler le 2-1-1 pour prendre rendez-vous.

Le site de test Live Well on Wheels du comté d’Euclid Health Center (292 Euclid Avenue) prévoit de continuer à proposer des tests de conduite chaque samedi à l’avenir. Vous pouvez prendre rendez-vous en appelant le 2-1-1.

À partir de mardi, deux nouveaux sites de test sans rendez-vous gérés par l’État ouvriront leurs portes au Tubman-Chavez Center (415 Euclid Avenue) et à El Cajon au San Diego County Assessor Office (200 S.Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon). Cela porte à quatre le nombre total de sites d’essais régionaux gérés par l’État, y compris les sites existants à Escondido et Chula Vista. Pour les rendez-vous dans les installations publiques, rendez-vous ici ou appelez au (888) 634-1123.

Les options de test COVID-19 dans la région incluent appeler votre médecin ou votre fournisseur de soins médicaux pour fixer un rendez-vous, vous inscrire sur le site Web de l’État ou appeler le 2-1-1. – Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS / Productrice / éditrice des arts

Navire-hôpital USNS Mercy arrive à San Diego

– 10h30, samedi 16 mai 2020

Personnel médical et de soutien de la Marine, le USNS Mercy, ...

Les responsables de la marine ont annoncé l’arrivée du navire-hôpital USNS Mercy à la Naval Air Station North Island. San Diego est le port d’attache du navire.

Le navire de 1 000 lits a passé près de deux mois dans le port de Los Angeles pour soutenir les procédures médicales non COVID-19 afin que les responsables de la santé puissent consacrer d’autres lits d’hôpital à la pandémie de coronavirus. 77 patients ont reçu des soins et 36 chirurgies ont été effectuées – y compris la première procédure historique de remplacement du stimulateur cardiaque du navire – depuis le début de la mission à Los Angeles le 27 mars.

CONNEXES: Le navire-hôpital Mercy quitte le port de Los Angeles pour San Diego

Le navire va maintenant reprendre son statut « Ready 5 » pour le futur COVID-19 ou le soutien en cas de catastrophe. – Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS / Productrice / éditrice des arts

Distributions de masques prévues dans le sud-est de San Diego, San Ysidro

– 9h00, samedi 16 mai 2020

Environ 2 000 masques de qualité USDA seront distribués samedi à des groupes d’entreprises du sud-est de San Diego et de San Ysidro. Le membre de l’assemblée de l’État de Californie, Todd Gloria, aidera à livrer les masques, qui sont destinés à aider les travailleurs à rester en sécurité et à suivre les récents efforts pour intensifier les tests dans les régions du sud-est de San Diego et de San Ysidro. Les livraisons seront reçues à 11 heures par le Southeastern Diamond Business District et à midi par le San Ysidro Business Improvement District. – Personnel KPBS

Le taux de criminalité à San Diego chute de 1,3% en 2019

– 18 h 50, vendredi 15 mai 2020

La criminalité a diminué de 1,3% à San Diego en 2019, ce que les dirigeants de la ville ont crédité vendredi d’un « accord de contrat historique » et d’efforts de recrutement agressifs pour renforcer le département de police de San Diego.

Le chef du département de police de San Diego, David Nisleit, a déclaré que bien que les homicides aient augmenté de 2018 à 2019, tous les autres crimes violents – y compris les agressions sexuelles, les vols qualifiés et les voies de fait graves – ont diminué.

Les délits violents ont baissé de près de 3% tandis que les délits contre les biens tels que les cambriolages, les vols et les vols de véhicules ont également diminué, a déclaré Nisleit.

Le taux de crimes violents de San Diego en 2019 était comparable aux taux qu’il avait connus dans les années 1970, tandis que les statistiques sur les taux de crimes contre les biens sont comparables aux taux qu’il a connus à la fin des années 1950, a déclaré Nisleit.

Selon un communiqué de la ville, quatre personnes sur 1000 ont été victimes d’un crime violent en 2019, tandis que 19 personnes sur 1000 ont été victimes d’un crime contre les biens.

San Diego avait le taux de criminalité violente le plus bas pour 1 000 habitants parmi les 10 plus grandes villes du pays, a déclaré le maire Kevin Faulconer. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Le casino Jamul rouvrira la semaine prochaine

– 18 h 45, vendredi 15 mai 2020

Jamul Casino a annoncé vendredi sa réouverture au public le jeudi 21 mai après deux mois de fermetures liées à la pandémie de COVID-19.

Le casino aura une réouverture en douceur pour ses clients VIP Amber et surtout Sweetwater Rewards Club le 18 mai. Il rejoindra les casinos Valley View, Sycuan et Viejas en ouverture la semaine prochaine.

En réponse à la pandémie, Jamul Casino a fermé ses portes le 20 mars pour protéger la santé et la sécurité de ses invités, employés et membres de la tribu. Il commencera sa réouverture progressive lundi avec des améliorations de la distance physique, des protocoles de nettoyage accrus et une technologie de jeu améliorée. Le casino s’étendra à 24 heures à compter de 10 heures le 21 mai. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

La criminalité diminue d’environ 25% lors des commandes à domicile dans le comté de San Diego

– 16 h 15, vendredi 15 mai 2020

Les crimes de vol, tels que les introductions par effraction de voitures, ont diminué d’environ 25% dans le comté de San Diego au cours des deux derniers mois, au milieu des ordonnances de séjour à domicile provoquées par la pandémie de coronavirus, selon un rapport publié vendredi.

Le rapport de l’Association des gouvernements de San Diego donne un aperçu de la façon dont les crimes dans quatre catégories ont été touchés: voies de fait graves, voies de fait simples, larcins et violence domestique.

L’agence a examiné les rapports de police du comté de mars à avril, puis les a comparés aux crimes signalés au cours de ces deux mois en 2019.

REGARDEZ EN DIRECT ici

Au cours de ces périodes de comparaison, les délits de vol sont passés d’une moyenne de 101 signalements par jour en mars 2019 à 78 par jour en mars de cette année. Les rapports de Larceny sont également passés de 100 par jour en avril 2019 à 74 par jour en avril de cette année.

Les signalements d’agressions simples ont également diminué au cours de cette période, passant de 53 et 57 signalés par jour en 2019 à 49 et 46 signalés par jour en mars et avril de cette année.

Les rapports quotidiens sur la violence domestique sont restés les mêmes de mars 2019 à mars de cette année, mais sont passés de 45 en avril de l’année dernière à 43 en avril de cette année.

Les voies de fait graves étaient la seule catégorie à avoir connu une légère augmentation au cours de l’un des mois, passant de 16 rapports quotidiens en avril 2019 à 17 rapports quotidiens en avril de cette année. Les rapports quotidiens sur les voies de fait graves sont passés de 19 en mars 2019 à 16 en mars de cette année. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Le comté signale 132 nouveaux cas de coronavirus, 8 décès supplémentaires

– 15h30, jeudi 15 mai 2020

Pour le deuxième jour consécutif, le comté de San Diego a enregistré son plus grand nombre de tests quotidiens pendant la pandémie de COVID-19, et les autorités ont signalé 132 nouveaux cas et huit décès supplémentaires.

Les 4 055 tests rapportés vendredi dépassent le record de 3 998 enregistré jeudi. Les 132 nouveaux cas ne représentent que 3% des tests, ce qui porte la moyenne mobile sur deux semaines du comté à 4,4% de tests positifs. Le nombre total de tests effectués dans le comté est passé à 96 150.

Les huit décès signalés vendredi comprenaient des personnes âgées de 65 à 94 ans, qui avaient toutes des problèmes de santé sous-jacents.

REGARDEZ ici

Le superviseur du comté, Nathan Fletcher, a déclaré que si le nombre croissant de tests et les faibles taux positifs étaient un bon signe, ils ne montraient pas la situation dans son ensemble.

« Il ne suffit pas de passer un certain nombre de tests », a-t-il déclaré.

Un accès accru au dépistage dans les régions historiquement mal desservies du comté serait nécessaire pour lutter contre la maladie avec toute sorte d’efficacité ou d’équité, a-t-il déclaré.

Pour cette raison, le comté offrira des tests gratuits dans le sud-est de San Diego, y compris 70 tests samedi au Euclid Health Center au 286 Euclid Ave.Les personnes qui souhaitent passer le test doivent appeler le 211 pour prendre rendez-vous de 9 h à 15 h. essai.

De plus, un site de test sans rendez-vous au centre communautaire Tubman-Chavez au 415, avenue Euclid ouvrira ses portes le mardi 19 mai et pourra accueillir 132 rendez-vous de test par jour. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Un juge fédéral rejette la demande de réouverture de l’église de Chula Vista pendant une pandémie

– 15 h 15, vendredi 15 mai 2020

La demande d’une église de Chula Vista de tenir des services en personne pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 a été rejetée vendredi par un juge fédéral de San Diego, qui a rejeté l’argument de l’église selon lequel le plan de réouverture de l’État rejette les droits religieux des Californiens.

L’Église pentecôtiste unie de South Bay et son pasteur principal, Mgr Arthur Hodges III, ont poursuivi le gouverneur Gavin Newsom et une foule d’autres représentants de l’État et des autorités locales la semaine dernière pour avoir placé des églises et d’autres lieux de culte dans le cadre de la phase 3 du plan de réouverture de la Californie, qui comprend également cinémas, salons et gymnases.

La plainte déposée devant le tribunal fédéral de San Diego allègue que les élus locaux et locaux ont « intentionnellement dénigré les églises et les pasteurs de Californie et les personnes de foi en les reléguant à la citoyenneté de troisième classe ». – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Wonderfront annule le festival 2020 à cause du coronavirus

– 11 h 30, vendredi 15 mai 200

L’équipe organisatrice du Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival de San Diego a annoncé vendredi qu’elle avait annulé l’événement 2020, initialement prévu pour novembre, à la lumière des préoccupations persistantes de la pandémie de COVID-19.

Wonderfront, qui a tenu son événement inaugural en novembre 2019, reviendra en 2021, ont déclaré les organisateurs.

« Cette annonce nous attriste énormément. Nous avons résisté le plus longtemps possible, en espérant que nous verrions suffisamment d’indications qu’un événement de festival à grande échelle à l’automne pourrait être une entreprise réaliste », a déclaré Paul Thornton, associé directeur de Wonderlust Events. « Cependant, en raison du temps et des efforts nécessaires pour organiser un grand événement réussi de cette nature, et des signaux du gouverneur Gavin Newsom que des événements tels que les festivals de musique ne seront probablement pas autorisés avant 2021, cette annonce devait être faite maintenant . « 

Wonderlust 2019 a présenté plus de 125 artistes jouant sur 10 scènes sur trois jours. L’événement a eu lieu dans la baie de San Diego, de Broadway Pier aux parcs Embarcadero. Plus de 57 000 personnes étaient présentes.

L’événement a eu lieu sur la propriété du port de San Diego, et cette agence travaillera avec les organisateurs pour assurer la poursuite du nouveau festival. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

USNS Mercy rentre chez lui à San Diego après avoir fourni un support pour les coronavirus à Los Angeles

– 18h30, jeudi 14 mai 2020

Le navire-hôpital basé à San Diego, USNS Mercy, retournera à son port d’attache vendredi après près de deux mois à Los Angeles, où il a servi de soupape de décharge tandis que les centres médicaux de Southland faisaient face à la pandémie de coronavirus en plein essor.

Le navire de 1 000 lits a quitté San Diego le 23 mars et a navigué dans le port de Los Angeles le 27 mars, alors que les autorités sanitaires locales se préparaient à une montée redoutée de cas de coronavirus qui aurait pu submerger les hôpitaux de Southland. Le navire n’a pas été amené pour traiter les cas de COVID-19, mais pour prendre en charge d’autres patients et libérer des lits d’hôpital pour le traitement antivirus. Le personnel médical à bord du navire a effectué plusieurs chirurgies au cours de cette période, y compris la toute première procédure de remplacement d’un stimulateur cardiaque dans l’histoire du navire, selon la Marine.

Le navire quittera Los Angeles vers 7 heures du matin et devrait arriver à San Diego en fin d’après-midi ou en début de soirée, selon la Marine. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Trois réservoirs de San Diego ouverts ce week-end pour les loisirs

– 17 h, jeudi 14 mai 2020

La ville de San Diego se prépare à rouvrir trois de ses réservoirs pour les loisirs publics, les réservoirs Miramar et Murray ouvrant vendredi, suivis du réservoir Lower Otay samedi.

REGARDEZ EN DIRECT ici

Avec de nouveaux protocoles en place, les trois réservoirs seront ouverts pendant les heures normales d’ouverture pour la marche, le jogging, le vélo, la pêche et la navigation de plaisance. Des frais de pêche et de navigation normaux s’appliqueront.

Les utilisateurs récréatifs sont priés d’observer les mesures préventives du COVID-19, y compris les mandats pour les couvertures faciales et la distance physique. Plus d’informations sont disponibles sur le site Web de la ville à sandiego.gov/coronavirus. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Le bilan des décès dus au coronavirus de San Diego atteint 200 personnes

– 14h30, jeudi 14 mai 2020

Une demi-douzaine de décès COVID-19 supplémentaires dans le comté de San Diego et 113 nouvelles infections ont été signalés jeudi, ce qui porte le nombre de décès à 200 et le nombre total de cas confirmés à 5 391.

Les responsables de la santé du comté ont également signalé 3 998 tests COVID-19 jeudi, un sommet d’une journée. Plus de 92 000 tests ont été administrés depuis le début de la pandémie.

La moyenne mobile sur deux semaines a de nouveau baissé, avec 3% des tests de jeudi qui se sont révélés positifs. Selon le superviseur Nathan Fletcher, les tests étendus permettent au comté et à ses partenaires hospitaliers de tester plus de personnes qui ne sont manifestement pas malades.

REGARDEZ ici

« Alors que nous continuons d’étendre les tests, nous verrons ces chiffres baisser », a-t-il déclaré. « C’est prévu. »

Les hôpitaux de la région comptent actuellement 380 patients COVID-19 positifs, dont 146 sont traités dans des unités de soins intensifs. Depuis le début de la pandémie, 1 047 personnes ont été hospitalisées, dont 321 ont passé quelque temps en USI.

On estime que 3 364 personnes ont récupéré de COVID-19 dans le comté de San Diego. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

San Diego Symphony annule la saison estivale et reporte l’ouverture de son nouveau lieu, The Shell, à l’année prochaine

– 13 h 55, jeudi 14 mai 2020

Légende photo:

Le San Diego Symphony a annoncé jeudi qu’il repousserait sa saison estivale 2020 et retarderait l’ouverture officielle d’un nouveau lieu extérieur jusqu’en 2021.

Le Shell, le nouveau lieu extérieur de la symphonie, devait ouvrir ses portes en juillet. Cependant, en raison des risques pour la santé posés par la pandémie de coronavirus en cours, la symphonie a décidé de reporter l’ouverture « dans le meilleur intérêt de tous nos clients, musiciens, personnel et la santé de San Diegans.

Cette décision intervient peu de temps après l’annulation de la saison printemps 2020 par la symphonie.

La symphonie a déclaré que, dans l’intervalle, cela fonctionnera pour prolonger les invitations d’artistes à se produire à l’été 2021.

«Même si cela me rend triste de devoir reporter l’ouverture de The Shell, j’attends avec impatience le moment venu et nous pourrons de nouveau être ensemble. Le Shell, avec son emplacement incroyable dans la belle ville de San Diego et ses environs magiques, va être un lieu fantastique et j’ai hâte d’y faire de la musique », a déclaré le directeur musical Rafael Payare.

Les abonnés à la grande ouverture sont encouragés à conserver leurs sièges pour 2021. Cependant, la symphonie a également déclaré que les abonnés peuvent faire don de la valeur de leurs billets pour soutenir la symphonie pendant la pandémie.

Le site Web de la symphonie indique que les détenteurs de billets peuvent contacter directement la symphonie pour plus d’informations et d’assistance. – Personnel KPBS

Un taux de chômage record dans le comté: 28%

– 13 h 05, le 15 mai 2020

Le chômage estimé dans le comté de San Diego a atteint un sommet record de 28,7% cette semaine, selon un rapport publié jeudi par l’Association des gouvernements de San Diego.

Cela fait suite au taux de chômage de 26,8% de la semaine précédente, également un record pour la région, dépassant à la fois la récession de 2008 et la Grande Dépression.

Plus de 34 000 San Diegans ont perdu leur emploi au cours de la semaine reflétée par les données, du 25 avril au 2 mai, avant que le gouverneur Gavin Newsom n’ordonne l’ouverture de certaines industries le 8 mai.

Alors que les revenus chutent, le budget proposé de la Californie réduit les milliards

– 12 h 50, le 15 mai 2020

Dans un budget reflétant le coup financier que l’État voit déjà de la pandémie de coronavirus, le gouverneur de la Californie, Gavin Newsom, a proposé jeudi de couper 6,1 milliards de dollars dans une variété de programmes dans un budget qui, selon lui, donne la priorité à l’éducation publique, à la santé publique et à la sécurité publique.

Les prévisions estiment que le chômage devrait atteindre près de 25% et les recettes fiscales diminueront d’environ un quart, a-t-il déclaré.

« Rien ne me brise plus le cœur que de devoir faire des coupes budgétaires », a-t-il déclaré. « Il y a un être humain derrière chaque numéro. »

Newsom prévoit d’exploiter le fonds de 16 milliards de dollars pour les jours de pluie de l’État sur trois ans. Combiné avec l’argent de deux autres fonds, il propose d’utiliser 8,8 milliards de dollars en fonds de réserve pour l’exercice 2020-2021.

Le budget de 203 milliards de dollars proposé jeudi représente une baisse d’environ 5% par rapport à l’année en cours.

Il a éliminé une proposition visant à fournir une couverture médicale aux immigrants de plus de 65 ans vivant illégalement dans le comté, ce qui aurait coûté environ 112 millions de dollars. Il cherche également à annuler d’autres plans d’expansion de Medicaid.

En ce qui concerne les écoles, Newsom compte sur environ 4 milliards de dollars de financement fédéral pour les coronavirus comme moyen d’apporter plus d’argent.

L’école Rady de l’UCSD lance une coalition de reprise des entreprises locales

– 11h00, le 14 mai 2020

La Rady School of Management de l’UC San Diego a lancé jeudi la Rady School Business Recovery Coalition pour aider les entreprises de la région à surmonter les défis créés par COVID-19.

L’objectif de la coalition est de s’appuyer sur l’expertise de la communauté de l’UC San Diego pour fournir une assistance et des conseils gratuits et immédiats aux entreprises.

« Nous reconnaissons les difficultés incroyables auxquelles les entreprises ont été confrontées en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19 », a déclaré le chancelier de l’UCSD, Pradeep K. Khosla. « L’école Rady a été fondée en collaboration avec des chefs d’entreprise locaux qui envisageaient l’école comme un catalyseur du développement économique. Aujourd’hui, cet objectif est plus crucial que jamais, et l’école Rady est prête à répondre. »

La faculté de la Rady School et de l’ensemble de l’UCSD fournira des conseils et un aperçu virtuels, selon l’université. Les services de la coalition seront gérés par le Beyster Institute de l’école et le California Institute for Innovation and Development. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

REGARDER: Le maire Faulconer fera le point sur la réponse de la ville au coronavirus

– 16 h 30, mercredi 13 mai 2020

REGARDEZ EN DIRECT ici

National City a le taux de coronavirus le plus élevé du comté de San Diego

– 15 h 22, mardi 13 mai 2020

National City, qui a enregistré le taux le plus élevé de cas de COVID-19 parmi les villes du comté de San Diego, intensifiera ses efforts de test en réponse, a déclaré mercredi le maire de la ville.

La mairesse Alejandra Sotelo-Solis a déclaré que la ville offrira des tests gratuits supplémentaires et qu’elle a reçu deux nouveaux appareils de test à l’hôpital de Paradise Valley.

Sotelo-Solis a déclaré que les détails concernant le nouveau test seraient à venir, mais a déclaré qu’il permettrait aux résidents d’obtenir à la fois des tests gratuits et de la nourriture grâce à l’initiative de distribution alimentaire d’urgence lancée la semaine dernière. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Les bureaux du gouvernement du comté devraient rouvrir vendredi; Pourrait s’entraîner avec les casinos tribaux

– 15 h 15, mercredi 13 mai 2020

Les responsables du comté de San Diego continuent de rouvrir une partie de l’économie – y compris les bureaux de comté – mais pourraient entrer en conflit avec les casinos tribaux locaux alors que ces entreprises prévoient de rouvrir au cours des deux prochaines semaines.

Alors que le comté équilibre la réouverture de certaines entreprises au milieu des appels à la réouverture, 117 nouveaux tests COVID-19 positifs et cinq décès ont été signalés mercredi. Le nombre total de cas positifs est passé à 5 278, tandis que les cinq décès portent le nombre total de décès à 194.

L’âge des personnes décédées varie de 56 à 97 ans, et tous avaient des problèmes de santé sous-jacents, selon les services de santé publique.

Viejas Casino and Resort à Alpine a annoncé la semaine dernière son intention de rouvrir le 18 mai, et Sycuan Casino Resort prévoit d’ouvrir le 20 mai. Les casinos locaux sont fermés depuis près de deux mois.

La Dre Wilma Wooten, responsable de la santé publique du comté, a déclaré que le comté avait un problème avec ces dates.

« Nous ne sommes pas d’accord avec la réouverture des casinos le 18 mai », a-t-elle déclaré. « L’ouverture de casinos entraînera un risque pour notre santé publique. C’est clair. » – Service de nouvelles de la ville

La Californie se prépare pour la saison des incendies sous COVID-19

– 15 h 10, mercredi 13 mai 2020

Même si la majeure partie de l’État est préoccupée par la pandémie de coronavirus, la Californie est sur le point d’entrer dans une autre zone de danger – la saison des incendies de forêt.

Le gouverneur a consacré la majeure partie de son exposé de mercredi, délivré par une caserne de pompiers dans le comté d’El Dorado, pour répondre aux efforts de l’État de se préparer à la saison des incendies, soulignant qu’il y a eu 1 135 incendies de forêt cette année jusqu’à présent – une augmentation de 60% par rapport à la même période l’an dernier.

Newsom a déclaré qu’il proposait une augmentation budgétaire de 127 millions de dollars pour le bureau des services d’urgence de l’État (OES), avec un financement de 50 millions de dollars pour aider les comtés à gérer les coupures de courant de sécurité publique attendues et à embaucher 600 personnes supplémentaires pour aider à lutter contre les incendies.

REGARDEZ ici:

Également lors du briefing de mercredi, le directeur de l’OES, Mark Ghilarducci, a présenté des options pour effectuer des évacuations de feux de forêt tout en maintenant les procédures de quarantaine dans le cadre de COVID-19. Il s’agit notamment de créer des centres d’évacuation séparés et éventuellement d’utiliser des chambres d’hôtel pour héberger les évacués COVID-positifs.

« Nous allons évidemment travailler sur ces [issues] en temps réel, et nous allons évaluer chaque cas individuel tel qu’il nous est présenté « , a-t-il ajouté.

Newsom a également annoncé la création d’une division de la sécurité contre les incendies de forêt de 106 personnes au sein de la Commission des services publics pour superviser les plus grands services publics appartenant à des investisseurs de l’État, y compris PG&E, dans le cadre des efforts visant à prévenir de futurs incendies de forêt. – Monica Lam / KQED

Procédure en direct de la Cour supérieure de San Diego pendant les fermetures de COVID-19

– 12 h 25, mercredi 13 mai 2020

La Cour supérieure de San Diego a commencé à diffuser en direct les procédures judiciaires pénales mercredi sur sa page YouTube afin de fournir un accès public lors des fermetures liées à COVID-19.

Alors que les palais de justice du comté restent fermés au public jusqu’au 26 mai au moins, des poursuites pénales sont en cours pour les prévenus qui sont toujours en détention.

Dans une ordonnance signée mardi, la juge présidente Lorna A. Alksne a écrit que, bien que les préoccupations de santé publique exigent que les tribunaux restent fermés, les procédures de retransmission en direct seraient autorisées « dans le but de fournir un accès public élargi aux procédures judiciaires conformément au sixième amendement (de la Cour) responsabilités. »

Actuellement, l’accès en direct est disponible pour un certain nombre de services au palais de justice du centre-ville de San Diego, avec uniquement l’audio disponible.

L’ordre d’Alksne indique que la retransmission en direct sera en vigueur jusqu’au 22 mai, le dernier jour où les tribunaux de San Diego devraient rester fermés au public.

Les juges auront le pouvoir discrétionnaire de « refuser, limiter ou mettre fin à ces émissions, en tout ou en partie », précise l’ordonnance.

L’ordonnance interdit également aux téléspectateurs de photographier, d’enregistrer ou de rediffuser quoi que ce soit sans autorisation judiciaire, une règle déjà en vigueur lorsque les palais de justice étaient ouverts au public.

Les livestreams sont accessibles ici. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Annonce d’un groupe régional sur les frontières; Des écrans faciaux et des ventilateurs donnés à Tijuana

– 19 h 05, mardi 12 mai 2020

Le maire de San Diego, Kevin Faulconer, a annoncé mardi la création d’un groupe binational et régional chargé de surveiller les impacts potentiels du COVID-19 et des voyages transfrontaliers entre les États-Unis et le Mexique sur les soins de santé et les ressources d’urgence de San Diego.

Le San Diego Region Border Unified Command a été créé le mois dernier et comprend plus d’une douzaine d’agences locales, étatiques et fédérales, qui suivront et réagiront à tout impact provoqué par les citoyens américains traversant les États-Unis en provenance du Mexique pour obtenir un traitement pour COVID- 19 ou d’autres maladies.

« Les objectifs de ce groupe sont vraiment de surveiller les systèmes de soins de santé transfrontaliers et de planifier et de se préparer aux impacts de la pandémie », a déclaré Faulconer.

Les projections montrent que le Mexique pourrait atteindre son pic de COVID-19 dans les semaines à venir, mettant à rude épreuve les systèmes de soins de santé au sud de la frontière, selon les responsables de la ville, qui ont déclaré que le groupe frontalier se réunissait deux fois par semaine « avec des rapports de données quotidiens pour se préparer à un potentiel scénarios et réduire l’impact sur les ressources du comté de San Diego. « 

REGARDEZ ici:

Faulconer a déclaré que « COVID-19 ne connaît pas de frontières, donc notre région frontalière travaille ensemble pour surveiller la situation à Baja et se préparer aux impacts sur les soins de santé dans la région de San Diego, le cas échéant. »

Faulconer a également annoncé mardi que San Diego fera don de 1 000 écrans faciaux imprimés en 3D à Tijuana, au Mexique, pour une utilisation dans les hôpitaux publics.

Les écrans faciaux ont été imprimés dans les bibliothèques de San Diego, qui ont été fermés au public en raison de la pandémie et utilisés entre-temps pour produire des écrans faciaux pour les employés des hôpitaux locaux.

Les responsables de la ville ont déclaré que les imprimantes pouvaient produire environ 300 écrans faciaux par semaine, dont plus de 1600 produits et donnés au cours du mois dernier.

Un don de cinq ventilateurs sera également fait par CalDART, un groupe qui utilise des avions de l’aviation générale pour les ponts aériens en cas de catastrophe, qui fabriquera et distribuera les ventilateurs d’urgence.

Le maire de Tijuana, Arturo Gonzalez-Cruz, a déclaré que les dons « protégeront sans aucun doute notre personnel médical qui travaille quotidiennement sans relâche ». – Service de nouvelles de la ville

15 autres décès par coronavirus signalés dans le comté de San Diego

– 16 h 15, mardi 12 mai 2020

Le comté de San Diego a approuvé l’ouverture d’une nouvelle série d’entreprises et de services mardi, à la suite des directives du gouverneur Gavin Newsom concernant la réouverture de l’économie californienne, les responsables du comté ayant signalé 96 nouveaux cas de COVID-19 et 15 décès supplémentaires.

Les entreprises de bureau sont autorisées à rouvrir, bien que le superviseur Nathan Fletcher ait déclaré que les responsables de la santé du comté « encouragent toujours fortement le télétravail ».

Les centres commerciaux – intérieurs, extérieurs et en bande – sont également autorisés à rouvrir uniquement pour le ramassage et la livraison en bordure de rue.

REGARDEZ ici

D’autres entreprises ou services pouvant ouvrir mardi comprenaient des lave-autos, des entreprises de toilettage d’animaux, des entreprises d’aménagement paysager et des musées en plein air et des lieux de rassemblement.

Ces entreprises peuvent ouvrir dès qu’elles sont prêtes, mais doivent d’abord remplir le plan de réouverture sûr situé sur le site Web du comté.

Newsom a également publié des directives pour que l’industrie de la restauration de l’État rouvre en toute sécurité. Bien qu’il n’y ait pas de calendrier attaché à l’ouverture des restaurants, les directives permettent aux propriétaires d’entreprise de se préparer pour cette journée.

« Nous évoluons constamment en tant qu’Etat », a déclaré Fletcher.

Avec le nouveau nombre de cas et les décès signalés mardi, le total du comté est passé à 5 161 cas et 190 décès. Les 15 décès supplémentaires sont survenus entre le 7 mai et le 11 mai. Tous les défunts avaient des problèmes de santé sous-jacents et leur âge variait de 56 à 92, selon le Dr Wilma Wooten, responsable de la santé publique du comté. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

Un législateur de Santee demande à Newsom de rouvrir des maisons de culte

– 16 h, mardi 12 mai 2020

Le sénateur Brian Jones de Santee a appelé mardi le gouverneur Gavin Newsom à rouvrir tous les lieux de culte qui ont été temporairement fermés en raison de la pandémie de coronavirus.

Dans sa lettre au bureau du gouverneur, Jones, un républicain, a fait valoir que les lieux de culte auraient dû être considérés comme « essentiels en premier lieu » en vertu du premier amendement lorsque les fonctionnaires ont élaboré des ordonnances de séjour à domicile en mars.

Jones a en outre affirmé que les églises, les synagogues, les mosquées et les temples sont tous en mesure de suivre les directives établies par les Centers for Disease Control des États-Unis pour les entreprises essentielles, et peuvent donc ouvrir leurs portes en toute sécurité.

« Les lieux de culte sont plus que capables d’observer les directives du CDC sur la distance sociale et la propreté », a écrit Jones.

Les lieux de culte ne sont pas autorisés à organiser des services publics en vertu des ordonnances actuelles de séjour à domicile en Californie, bien que beaucoup continuent à offrir des services virtuels.

Newsom a annoncé mardi les modifications de certaines réglementations de l’État, donnant aux comtés individuels le pouvoir d’autoriser la réouverture des centres commerciaux, des centres commerciaux et des centres commerciaux avec une collecte en bordure de rue.

Une lettre similaire a également été envoyée au président du conseil des superviseurs du comté de San Diego, Greg Cox. – Service de nouvelles de la ville

La Californie recommande des masques pour les serveurs et des menus jetables

– 13 h 40, mardi 12 mai 2020

La Californie recommande aux restaurants de dépister les symptômes des clients, de faire en sorte que les serveurs portent des masques et maintiennent les convives séparés d’au moins 1,8 mètre (6 pieds) une fois qu’ils rouvriront conformément aux directives publiées mardi pour empêcher la propagation du coronavirus.

L’administration du gouverneur Gavin Newsom n’a pas fixé de limite stricte sur le nombre de convives autorisés, mais a donné des suggestions sur la façon de limiter l’encombrement, comme l’utilisation de sièges à l’extérieur et l’encouragement à emporter dans la mesure du possible.

Les directives ne prendront effet qu’une fois que les comtés auront été autorisés par l’État à aller de l’avant, avec plus de zones rurales avec peu de cas de virus qui devraient rouvrir les restaurants dans les restaurants plus rapidement que des endroits comme Los Angeles.

REGARDEZ ici:

Les restaurants ont été bloqués par l’ordre de rester à la maison en Californie, qui a autorisé les commandes à emporter mais pas les repas en personne en raison de préoccupations concernant la propagation du virus. Restaurant owners have been forced to layoff staff as these orders are often a fraction of their business and they have been rallying to reopen their doors.

Other recommendations include providing disposable menus or disinfecting them before and after use and putting an end to pre-set tables. The state also suggests suspending the use of salt and pepper shakers, wherever possible, or supplying as needed and disinfecting them.

Masks would be recommended for all restaurant workers and required for any who come within six feet of customers.

The California Restaurant Association had previously drafted a list of recommendations that included limiting tables to no more than 10 people. Salad bars, buffets and shared breadbaskets would be out.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. — Associated Press

San Diego Community College District Joins Suit Over COVID-19 Relief Funds

12:25 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The San Diego Community College District has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education to allow California community colleges to use relief funds Congress approved to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lawsuit, filed Monday against Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, asks the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to declare the Department of Education’s eligibility requirements for emergency grants to students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act unlawful and unconstitutional and to halt their implementation.

The San Diego Community College District, the Los Angeles Community College District, the Sacramento-area Los Rios Community College District, the Fresno-area State Center Community College District and the Foothill-De Anza Community College District in Los Altos Hills are part of the case.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is representing the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and chancellor.

« The Department of Education ignored the intent of the CARES Act to give local colleges discretion to aid students most affected by the pandemic, and instead has arbitrarily excluded as many as 800,000 community college students, » said California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley.

« Among those harmed are veterans, citizens who have not completed a federal financial aid application and non-citizens, including those with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status, » Oakley said.

The California Community Colleges serves an estimated 70,000 undocumented students, many of whom have DACA status.

« Although immediately following enactment of the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Education took the position that this emergency relief is available for all students and that each higher education institution had discretion on how to distribute aid, it later issued guidance that took the position that only students eligible for federal financial aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act may receive emergency federal assistance, » according to a California Community Colleges statement.

Also excluded are students who do not have a high school diploma or GED and those who are in high school and participating in dual enrollment programs. — City News Service

Bike to Work Day Event Cancelled Due To COVID-19

12:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The San Diego Association of Governments has canceled its 30th Annual Bike to Work Day, originally scheduled for this Thursday.

« SANDAG is committed to protecting all potential Bike to Work Day participants, staff, and volunteers, » an association statement said. « After careful consideration and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the region, the SANDAG iCommute team has decided to officially postpone their biggest annual event until next year. »

The event is scheduled to return next year, and instead of the in-person commuting event this year, SANDAG will focus on providing digital resources for bike commuting and education and launching a new Shared Streets pilot program.

« There’s no time like the present to get outside and jump on your bike, » SANDAG Vice-Chair and Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear said. « The SANDAG iCommute program is working hard to support biking and walking as a form of exercise and an alternative to get to and from work. While there are fewer cars on the road, take advantage of the opportunity to try bike commuting for shorter trips. Habits established during this unusual time can lead to a healthier lifestyle. »

On Thursday, SANDAG will host a webinar for people to learn essential skills for bike commuting, including how to ride safely and legally, route planning strategies and valuable tips to make bike commuting more comfortable and enjoyable. Blakespear will make welcoming remarks and update participants about the San Diego regional bike network.

Interested parties can register for the webinar at iCommuteSD.com/bike.

SANDAG is also launching the Shared Streets pilot program this month. It will provide up to $5,000 to each of the 18 cities and the county of San Diego for temporary improvements that create safe and healthy spaces for people to bike, walk, run, scoot and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are open now, and due by May 22. Visit sandag.org/SharedStreets to learn more. — City News Service

CSU To Continue Online Instruction During Fall Term

– 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Classes will remain primarily online during the fall term throughout the California State University system, Chancellor Timothy White announced Tuesday, saying predictions of possible surges in COVID-19 cases later in the year mandate steps to protect students and faculty.

Speaking to members of the CSU Board of Trustees during an online meeting, White said there will be « limited exceptions for in-person activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university’s core mission and can be conducted within the rigorous standards of safety and welfare. »

He said such exceptions could include clinical nursing classes, life- science laboratory courses and interactive architecture or engineering programs.

« But anything done on a campus this fall won’t be as it was in the past, it will be different, » White said. « This is a new and expensive reality for us. For those limited courses where in-person instruction is indispensable and can be justified, enrollment per section will be less. »

He said social-distancing guidelines will also be mandated, along with personal protective equipment and heightened cleaning standards.— City News Serivce

Callaway Golf Donates $100,000 To Nonprofit MedShare For Protective Equipment

– 7 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020

Carlbad-based Callaway Golf Co. Monday announced a $100,000 donation to the nonprofit humanitarian aid organization MedShare for its COVID-19 response work.

MedShare delivers surplus medical supplies and equipment to communities around the world. The organization is providing personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to health care workers and patients battling COVID-19.

Since the U.S. became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, MedShare has donated more than 1.3 million units of equipment to more than 140 hospitals, community clinics and other nonprofit organizations nationwide, according to the organization.

« We appreciate Callaway Golf’s generous support of our COVID-19 relief efforts, » said MedShare President and CEO Charles Redding. « The impact of COVID-19 on our communities and our health care professionals has been significant. This donation will further enhance our efforts to get personal protective equipment and other critical supplies to the health care professionals who need it the most. »

Callaway Golf President and CEO Chip Brewer said the company is « proud to support MedShare and their ongoing relief efforts with this donation. We appreciate the incredible work that their organization is doing, and we want to thank all of the health care professionals who are working bravely, tirelessly and selflessly to help keep us safe. » — City News Service

San Diego Sheriff Sees No Ground To Charge Santee Shopper Who Wore KKK-Style Hood At Supermarket

– 6:40 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020

Authorities announced Monday that they have no grounds on which to seek criminal charges against a grocery shopper who said he donned a Ku Klux Klan-style hood at a Santee supermarket out of « frustration » over having to wear a facial covering in public during the coronavirus crisis.

The man, whose name has not been publicly released, concealed his head with the pointed white hood during a May 2 visit to a Vons store in the 9600 block of Mission Gorge Road.

Other patrons took photos of the masked man and posted them online, drawing outrage from local leaders and civil rights organizations that condemned the display of a key symbol of a racist hate group.

When questioned by detectives, the man « expressed frustration with having people tell him what he can and cannot do » during the pandemic, according to a statement from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

« He said that wearing the hood was not intended to be a racial statement, » the agency’s statement says. « In summary, he said, `It was a mask, and it was stupid. »‘

After interviewing witnesses and reviewing video evidence, investigators determined that there was insufficient evidence to charge the man with any crime, according to the department. — City News Service

SDSU Disbursed $14 Million In CARES Act Funding To Students During Pandemic

– 4:50 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020

San Diego State University announced Monday that $14 million in federal CARES Act funding has been disbursed to students in need of financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SDSU has been allocated a total of $29 million in CARES Act funding for students experiencing financial challenges due to the pandemic.

SDSU says half of the funds went to eligible students beginning last week to assist with food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care, while the remaining funding will cover unanticipated COVID-19- related expenses, faculty and staff retention, and support for other needs for this fall.

Grant awards ranged from $250 to $800 for eligible graduate and undergraduate students, with amounts differing based on full-time or part-time enrollment status, financial aid eligibility status and other factors.

Students were required to have a 2019-20 FAFSA on file to be eligible, but those who filed a FAFSA but need additional funding were advised to fill out a CARES Act application, with additional funding available through the Economic Crisis Response Team. Those who did not fill out a FAFSA form were advised to do so, if they believe they meet the Title IV eligibility requirements.

« We know how challenging and financially difficult the pandemic has been for some members of our community, » a campus-wide email sent to SDSU students says. « We appreciate having the support of the U.S. Department of Education, and also for our many donors who have provided their own funds to support students who need immediate financial relief. Our hope is that the federal funds offered, along with other support SDSU has already put into place, will further reduce burdens faced by our students and their families. » — City News Serivce

Southwestern College Students Eligible For Federal CARES Act Funding

– 4:45 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020

outhwestern College students can apply Monday for federal CARES Act funding, making the school the first community college in the region to disburse the funds to its students.

According to the college, $4.62 million in Federal Emergency Relief Grant funding is available for students’ food, housing, course materials, health care, technology, child care and other much-needed resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students can only apply once for the funding. Applications are available at https://www.swccd.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/.

Undocumented students, DACA students, AB 540 students or students enrolled in noncredit courses are ineligible, though other funding sources are available for those students, according to Southwestern College officials.

« The pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to our students and college operations, » said Governing Board President Nora E. Vargas. « While Southwestern and its partners have done so much to provide free technology, food and other assistance, we are grateful to be able to put these dollars directly into the hands of our students. »

The first distribution of funding is expected on or around May 18 and will be disbursed by the college’s financial aid department until it runs out.

The college has also been providing funding to its student body through its SWC Cares emergency grant program, which awards funds ranging from $200 to $700 depending on a number of factors, including the student’s potential job loss or participation in college support services.

« At Southwestern College, we are committed to continue working with our foundation and other entities to assist our students — especially our students who have few other resources, » Vargas said. « We urge our California legislators and the governor to provide assistance to our immigrant students during this pandemic. » — City News Service

WATCH: Mayor Faulconer, County Chairman Cox Urge Governor To Let County Decide

– 4:30 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday, urging him to give San Diego County the authority to open sections of its economy as its leaders see fit.

Faulconer posted a copy of the letter on his Twitter page and wrote: « Urging the Governor to give consistent and achievable metrics for a safe reopen. Some state requirements aren’t realistic and would keep folks unemployed for many months if left in place. This isn’t about returning to normal. It’s about letting us get started with the new normal. »

Cox and Faulconer contend in the letter that Newsom’s orders have been confused and misguided.

« Some of the state’s ‘Stage 2 Readiness Criteria’ released on May 7, such as the restriction that a county has ‘No COVID-19 death in the past 14 days,’ are not realistic standards that can be met any time soon in large counties across the state, » they wrote.

WATCH LIVE here:

San Diego County reported 150 new COVID-19 cases and zero deaths on Sunday. The total number of cases in the county rose to 4,926 and the number of deaths remained unchanged at 175.

The leaders say that with social distancing and other public health orders, the highly contagious virus’ spread can be limited, while noting that scores of out-of-work San Diegans are struggling under stay-at-home orders.

« The current phasing approach has confused and frustrated millions of workers who have been pushed into unemployment and are struggling to make ends meet, » their letter reads.

The San Diego region’s estimated unemployment rate rose to 26.8% last week amid the coronavirus pandemic, a high not seen since the Great Depression, according to a report released by the San Diego Association of Governments.

According to the SANDAG analysis, 450,000 people are out of work in the San Diego region, more than 400,000 of whom lost employment after March 7 — which public health officials have pinpointed as the date the health crisis began locally.

With some retail businesses — such as sporting good stores, book shops and florists — reopening last Friday, those numbers have likely fluctuated, but the current and long-term scope of the pandemic remains unclear.

Dine-in restaurants, bars, shopping malls, car washes and other businesses are next in line to reopen under Newsom’s phased plan, but when that is remains to be seen.

« Our businesses are ready to thoughtfully reopen and adapt with necessary protective measures, but they need to be provided that opportunity, » the Faulconer/Cox letter states. « We know `how’ many of our businesses can operate in this new normal. Now our communities are looking for clear and practical guidelines on ‘when. »‘ — City News Service

San Diego Crosses 5,000 Mark In Positive Cases

– 3:30 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020

The number of COVID-19 cases in San Diego County topped 5,000 Monday, but the death toll remained unchanged for the second day in a row.

County health officials reported 139 new cases, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 5,065. The number of deaths stands at 175.

As of Monday, 390 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, with 142 in intensive care units. There have been an estimated 2,966 recoveries from the illness in the region since the pandemic began.

WATCH here:

Of the 2,638 tests reported to the county on Monday, 5% were positive new cases. The 14-day rolling average percentage of positive tests is closing in on 5% following significant downward trends in positive case percentages. Officials have set a goal of 5,200 daily tests, and even with weekend testing at more than 3,000 per day, the county is well short.

According to the county’s public health officer, the age range of COVID-19 goes from 3 months to 101 years old.

Dr. Wilma Wooten reported 63 active outbreaks in the county, with 41 in congregate living facilities traced to 1,344 cases and 89 deaths, and 22 community outbreaks with 232 cases and five deaths traced to them. — City News Service

Western States Ask Federal Government For $1 Trillion In COVID-19 Relief Funds

– 1:20 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020

In a new joint letter to the federal government, the Western States Compact — signed by officials in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Colorado — is requesting funding in the range of $1 trillion dollars to provide financial relief, said Gov. Gavin Newsom during his daily press conference.

« This is the requirement of this moment. This gives you a sense of the thrust of the needs that we are all feeling — as states, as regions, as cities — that are required to get through this pandemic, » he said.

This comes one week after state officials estimated that California’s budget would see a more than $54 billion budget shortfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

« It’s not just states asking for a bailout. Quite the contrary, it’s requesting that we support those that we need the most at this time — our public safety officials, our public health officials and make sure we do justice to our public education system, » Newsom explained.

WATCH here:

On the subject of regional variances — which allow some counties to more quickly enter a full rollout of the second stage of the state’s shelter-in-place order — Newsom said 19 counties have provided their plans to state officials, and meetings are scheduled with nine additional counties.

But he again underscored these decisions will be made based on public health metrics.

« We will work with every county, every city, in a practical and responsible way. But here’s the caveat: This is a health-driven conversation, » Newsom said.

The governor plans to provide more formal guidelines and updates on how counties will move forward during his daily briefing on Tuesday. — Michelle Wiley/KQED

FDA Authorizes San Diego Company To Market First Coronavirus Antigen Test

– 3:40 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2020

The Food and Drug Administration has given a San Diego company, Quidel Corp., emergency-use authorization for its COVID-19 antigen test.

Company officials said the FDA gave them permission Saturday to market their Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA, a rapid point-of-care test for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in nasal specimens from patients meeting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s criteria for suspected COVID-19 infection.

« These diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs, » the FDA said. « One of the main advantages of an antigen test is the speed of the test, which can provide results in minutes. Positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. »

« In the fight against COVID-19, our employees are truly making a difference, and I am tremendously proud of our organization’s ability to quickly develop and mobilize an accurate rapid antigen test, » said Douglas Bryant, president and chief executive officer of Quidel Corporation.

Currently, there are two types of tests in wide use for COVID-19: polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests and antibody tests.

PCR tests are used to diagnose active cases of the disease and are highly accurate but can take longer to show results. Antibody tests work to see if someone’s body has created antibodies to combat the virus, though health experts warn that antibodies don’t necessarily mean that someone is immune to COVID-19.

Antigen tests don’t work in the same way PCR tests do, but can similarly detect if a person is sick with COVID-19.

Antigen tests are also cheaper and easier to mass-produce because of their simplistic design, the FDA said.

Health experts and lawmakers have said widespread testing is key to safely reopening the country, but warn that current testing falls short. – City News Service

San Diego Assemblywoman Offers Blunt Response To Tesla Chief’s Threats To Leave State

– 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2020

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, didn’t waste time in responding to Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk’s latest missive in his fight against Alameda County’s shelter-in-place orders due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, Musk announced on the Tesla website that the high-end electric car manufacturer is suing the Bay Area county because of the orders, which have kept its plant in Fremont closed. Also on Saturday, he sent a series of tweets in which he castigated Alameda county officials and vowed to move his operations out of state.

“Frankly, this is the final straw,” one of Musk’s tweets read. “Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately.”

Gonzalez’s response came Saturday evening: “F*ck Elon Musk,” she tweeted.

Gonzalez elaborated on her profane tweet Sunday morning, accusing the company of having poor worker safety policies and also benefiting from state subsidies.

“California has highly subsidized a company that has always disregarded worker safety & well-being, has engaged in union busting & bullies public servants,” Gonzalez tweeted. “I probably could’ve expressed my frustration in a less aggressive way. Of course, no one would’ve cared if I tweeted that.”

Gonzalez further pointed out that the coronavirus has impacted the Latino community especially hard.

“And, the deaths from Covid-19 in California are disproportionately Latino. Our communities have been the hardest hit. By far,” she tweeted. “Maybe that’s why we take the public health officials’ warning and directions so seriously.”

In its lawsuit filed in federal court, Tesla accused the Alameda County Health Department of overstepping federal and state coronavirus restrictions when it stopped Tesla from restarting production at its factory. The lawsuit contends Tesla factory workers are allowed to work during California’s stay-at-home order because the facility is considered “critical infrastructure.”

– KPBS Staff And Associated Press Reports

Californians Can Hike, Shop And Golf As Virus Restrictions Ease

– 9:05 a.m. Sunday, May 10, 2020

Hiking to the Hollywood sign and hitting the links is being allowed this weekend as the California county hardest hit by the coronavirus cautiously reopened some sites to recreation-starved stay-at-homers.

Los Angeles County permitted the reopening of trails and golf courses but with social distancing restrictions. For those interested in retail therapy, there was even better news as Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday allowed tens of thousands of stores to reopen, including florist shops, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The city of Los Angeles announced it also was reopening some public spaces, including sprawling Griffith Park, which includes popular paths to the Hollywood sign.

But mounted police and park rangers would be keeping hikers to small, distant groups wearing face coverings. Mayor Eric Garcetti urged “good judgment” and said the city would rely on education and encouragement rather than heavy-handed enforcement.

It was “not our vision to make this like a junior high school dance with people standing too close to each other,” he said.

County beaches could reopen next week with restrictions designed to keep people from thronging the shore and possibly spreading COVID-19.

“We don’t want a stampede to the beaches,” Nicole Mooradian, spokeswoman for the county Department of Beaches and Harbors, told the Los Angeles Times. “Right now we’re planning for Wednesday.”

Los Angeles County, the state’s largest with 10 million residents, has more than half California’s roughly 2,700 virus deaths and has seen dozens of new deaths daily. Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer acknowledged the risk that easing restrictions could lead to a new spike in infections.

“There is a lot at stake,” Ferrer said. “Reopening our county, even slowly, only works if we’re all really committed to being careful.”

But pressure has been building to reopen the state, seven weeks after Newsom’s stay-at-home order shut down nonessential businesses and told 40 million residents to stay mainly in their homes.

More than 4 million people have filed for unemployment benefits. The California Department of Finance is projecting an unemployment rate of 18%, or 46% higher than the peak of the Great Recession a decade ago.

On Friday, Newsom eased the order and said roughly 70% of the state’s businesses can open with restrictions.

Weekend shoppers can visit bookstores, as well as stores for jewelry, toys, clothing, shoes, home supplies and furnishing, sporting goods, antiques and music. People can’t browse but must pick up purchases curbside. Car dealerships also got the nod, with some showroom restrictions.

“There’s a slow trickle of customers, nothing compared to pre-pandemic numbers but it’s a little something,” said Gigi Garcia, who began offering curbside shopping Friday in front of her kids clothing store It Takes A Village in Montrose, a foothill community 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of downtown Los Angeles.

She said business won’t pick up until people can dine in the restaurants surrounding her shop again.

“You have no idea how much business the restaurants bring in for us,” she said. “We all feed off each other.”

While San Francisco and six Bay Area counties have said they won’t ease their own retail restrictions for another week or longer, nearly two dozen counties — many of them small, rural populations with few coronavirus cases — want to move faster than called for under Newsom’s four-phase reopening plan.

The governor said the state will allow that under strict criteria based on the number of cases, deaths and tests.

But the state also sent a stern warning to three Northern California counties that have been defying his orders. Leaders in Yuba, Sutter and Modoc counties have allowed businesses to reopen that are outside the scope of Newsom’s plan, including dine-in restaurants, hair and nail salons and shopping malls.

On Friday, California’s Office of Emergency Services told Yuba, Sutter and Modoc they could lose federal disaster aid if they continued ignoring the governor’s order.

The state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, which issues permits for hair and nail services, similarly said it was warning violators they could lose licenses.

The Sutter County Board of Supervisors voted Saturday to pass a proposal telling the state the public health officer for the two counties attests they meet state criteria for broader reopening, the Appeal Democrat reported.

California is now in stage two of Newsom’s four-phase process. The governor on Friday did provide a glimmer of hope that phase three, which would allow reopening of such businesses as nail salons, isn’t far off. That phase would also allow for the reopening of churches, movie theaters and some hospitality services.

“It’s not six months away, it’s not even three months away. It may not even be more than a month away,” Newsom said. “We just want to make sure that we have a protocol in place to secure customer safety, employer safety, and allow the businesses to thrive in a way that is sustainable.”

To move more quickly to reopen restaurants, malls, office buildings, childcare facilities and services such as car washes and pet grooming, counties must demonstrate they’ve had zero deaths and just one case per 10,000 residents during a two-week stretch, as well as robust testing and tracing and an ability to house up to 15% of the homeless.

Los Angeles County has no chance of being fast-tracked, said Ferrer, the public health director. A Los Angeles Times analysis found that 95% of Californians live in counties that don’t meet the standards.

“This may apply much more easily for those very small counties that already have in fact seen a significant decrease or may have had no deaths at all to date, » she said. “But for the larger counties, we will only be able to apply for a variance under these conditions when the pandemic is over.”

Meanwhile, a fifth inmate from the California Institution for Men in San Bernardino County died Saturday at an outside hospital from what appeared to be complications related to COVID-19, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. – Associated Press

Oceanside City Councilman Encourages Residents To Violate County Health Protocols

– 8:20 a.m. Sunday, May 10, 2020

An Oceanside city councilman was castigated by the city’s mayor for urging nonessential businesses and houses of worship to violate COVID-19 protocols by reopening ahead of schedule and asking residents to disregard county- and state-mandated regulations by patronizing them.

« I’m convinced that the constitutional rights of Oceanside residents and businesses have been trampled upon and I choose to take a stand, » Councilman Christopher Rodriguez wrote in a statement. « If your business has been labeled ‘nonessential’ and you share my convictions, then I encourage you to open immediately and to please follow all social-distancing, face mask and sterilization protocols that essential businesses and employees are currently following. »

Rodriguez called on the city’s residents « to safely patronize and support these businesses, » and he called for « nonprofits to serve again, and houses of worship to worship again. »

Oceanside Mayor Peter Weiss responded Saturday, saying Rodriguez was merely expressing his personal views, and did do not reflect the official position of the city, which is adhering to the latest San Diego County Health Officer’s orders allowing retail stores to reopen with curbside and delivery service only.

« The Oceanside City Council did vote to open all businesses as soon as possible, however, the latest County Health Order limits business openings, » Weiss said. « Neither the City Council nor individual council members have the authority to direct any business to violate the county orders. »

He also warned that the city’s police department would enforce the health order. – City News Service

San Diego County Reports 114 New Cases, 7 New Deaths

– 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2020

County health officials announced a total of 3,401 new tests performed yesterday, with a total of 114 new positive cases. The total positive cases for San Diego County residents is now 4,776.

938 of the cases required hospitalization, and 291 cases required intensive care.

Seven additional deaths were reported for a total of 175 total deaths for the region. Of the new deaths, the age range was 56 to 101 years old, five were men and all seven cases had underlying health conditions. – Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS/Arts Producer/Editor

More Testing Arrives In Southeast San Diego

– 1:15 p.m. 9 mai 2020

Southeastern San Diego County is getting more COVID-19 testing this weekend, as demand has outstripped testing capacity in the area.

Last weekend, the 24 drive-through testing appointments at the Euclid Medical Center in Southeast San Diego were quickly filled. This led local doctors to call on the county to increase testing capacity in the area.

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher promised that the county would be focusing on that. On Saturday, the county reopened the drive-through site, with more than double the previous amount of available appointments.

On Saturday, drivers arrived in ten-minute increments to check in, get tested, and drive off, all in under twenty minutes.

People experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 still have to receive a doctor’s referral and call 2-1-1 make an appointment at the site, in contrast to the walk-up sites that opened this week in Chula Vista, El Cajon, and Escondido.

On Sunday, the county will open a second site in the area, offering another thirty appointments. – Max Rivlin-Nadler, KPBS Reporter

Viejas, Pechanga Casinos Announce Reopening Plans

– 12:15 p.m., May 9, 2020

Viejas and Pechanga casinos have announced plans to reopen within the next few weeks. Viejas Casino, in Alpine, said it will open on May 18th. Pechanga Casino, in Temecula, today announced a reopening time frame of June 1.

In its announcement, Viejas said it has enhanced its cleaning protocols, including “hospital grade UVC germicidal technology that will be utilized to sterilize the property each day. To that end, we will be closing from 3:00 am to 7:00 am daily to UVC treat all of our high contact surfaces.” The casino also said it has installed hand sanitizers throughout the resort, and that guests and employees will be required to practice social distancing.

Pechanga said it will be a few days before it confirms its planned June 1 reopening, and warns patrons that the casino will look different in some ways. There will be fewer slot machines and table game positions, and restaurant seating will also be reduced. Employees will be required to wear face coverings, and the casino said guests will likely have to do the same. Pechanga said there will be no concerts or major events in the near term. – Gina Diamante, KPBS News Editor

YMCA Gets $1M To Open Summer Camps

– 11:40 a.m. Saturday, May 9

San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher joined officials from the San Diego YMCA and the San Diego Foundation this morning to announce a $1M grant from the foundation to help the YMCA open its camps for children this summer. The money comes from the foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund, and is the largest single grant from that fund to date.

The grant money will help cover camp scholarships for low-income campers. The YMCA is still determining how many children will benefit from the grant. Fletcher noted the YMCA has historically been the county’s largest summerr child care provider. – Gina Diamante, KPBS News Editor

Pregnant Woman With COVID-19 Delivers Baby While In Coma At UC San Diego Health

– 11:15 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2020

A pregnant woman admitted to the ICU in late March after testing positive for COVID-19 has delivered a baby, UC San Diego Health officials said in a news release today. The woman was intubated, placed in a coma and delivered her baby via emergency cesarean section.

The baby girl was born healthy at 32 weeks gestation, tested negative for COVID-19 and was cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The mother awoke from her coma almost a month later and learned she had delivered her baby.

« Before we went into the main operating room because of how sick she was, we did a huge pre-brief, with the ICU team, the OR team, the NICU team. We all came together because this was such a big case between mom and baby, just because of the unknown between the two of them — trying to figure out how they could safely get this baby out and get the mom safely recovered postpartum and also with her respiratory and cardiac function at the time, » said Zerrin Hill, clinical NICU nurse at UC San Diego Health.

Mother and baby were discharged this week, a few days before Mother’s Day.

« I’m just trying to recover lost time, » Blanca Morena, the mother, said. Reading from a written statement, she continued, « I want to thank the entire medical team, nurses and doctors, for the great work they have done in helping my Atziri – my baby – when she needed me the most and I couldn’t be there for her. Also, thank you very much to all the medical teams researching and working on this disease since it began to appear. Thanks to all of you I’m a survivor of COVID. » – Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS/Arts Producer/Editor

WATCH LIVE: County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher And YMCA To Announce Summer Camp And Childcare Initiative

– 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020

Watch live:

San Diego City, County Direct $10 Million For Frontline Worker Childcare

– 6:14 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2020

The city and county of San Diego announced Friday that $10 million in federal stimulus funding will be directed toward expanding childcare services for workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city will match $5 million in CARES Act funding approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors earlier this week for child care.

« Child care and the economy are fundamentally linked. If parents can access child care, they’re more likely to enter the workforce and of course, to stay employed, » San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. « School and child care closures really put an incredible burden on working parents throughout San Diego County. »

WATCH here:

Health care workers, first responders, emergency medical services personnel, grocery store staff and child care providers are among those eligible to receive assistance. Eligibility will be prioritized for at-risk individuals and families with disabilities and special health care needs, Faulconer said.

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said, « An important part of having people get back to work is ensuring the availability of child care at a time when our schools are closed when grandparents are not the best place for kids to be given their vulnerability because of age, we have to do everything we can to ensure that there are more child care opportunities available for workers as they go back to work. » — City News Service

Chula Vista Church, Local Rabbi, Sue State And Local Officials Over Coronavirus Church Closures

– 4:20 p.m., May 8, 2020

A Chula Vista church, its senior pastor and a Carmel Valley rabbi sued Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state and local officials Friday for not including churches and other places of worship among the state’s Stage 2 sectors cleared for reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Bay United Pentecostal Church, the church’s senior pastor Bishop Arthur Hodges III and Rabbi Mendel Polichenco of Chabad of Carmel Valley take issue with places of worship being slotted as a Stage 3 sector within the state’s reopening plan, which would also include « salons, tattoo parlors, gyms, bars and movie theaters, » according to the lawsuit filed in San Diego federal court.

« This new regime, where manufacturing, schools, offices and childcare facilities can reopen — but places of worship cannot — is mindboggling, » the complaint states, referring to industries considered for reopening during the latter part of Stage 2. « The churches and pastors of California are no less `essential’ than its retail, schools and offices to the health and well- being of its residents. »

The lawsuit alleges state and local elected officials have « intentionally denigrated California churches and pastors and people of faith by relegating them to third-class citizenship. »

The suit not only challenges Newsom’s stay-at-home order, but also public health orders issued by the county and city of San Diego, as unconstitutional.

The suit states that many religious activities require in-person services, but are prohibited by the state’s order. – City News Service

Encinitas To Reopen Beach Access Stairs Saturday Morning

– 3:20 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2020

The city of Encinitas will reopen several beach access stairways Saturday morning, but a facial covering will be mandatory when using the narrow staircases.

The stairways located at Swami’s, D Street, Stonesteps and Grandview will open for access to, and egress from the beaches as of 8 a.m. Saturday.

« Please help us keep these access points open by using them only to transit back and forth to the beach, » a city statement reads. « Use the stairs in a single-file fashion, please be respectful while passing others, and remember that as restrictions are beginning to be lifted, elements of the public health order remain in effect. »

Residents are asked not to work out or jog on the stairs to avoid contact in the narrow staircases.

Beacons Beach access will remain closed due to damage from an April 10 storm that dropped more than 4 inches of rain in a short time period, causing erosion damage to the bluff and trail, city officials said. The parks and recreation department is awaiting approval from the California Coastal Commission to allow the necessary repairs to be made to reopen Beacons Beach Trail. City officials said foot traffic could cause further damage, resulting in a longer construction period. — City News Service

Live Blog: San Diego County Records 233 New Coronavirus Cases, 4 Deaths

– 3:15 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2020

San Diego County officials reported 233 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths Friday, even as they announced the loosening of restrictions on several recreational activities.

The new cases represent the highest daily case increase since the pandemic began, but it also coincides with the most daily tests the region has completed — 3,572.

These tests are still far below the county’s recommended 5,200 daily tests to get a complete picture of the local pandemic, but are an improvement. The county and its health care providers have completed more than 72,000 COVID- 19 tests since the pandemic began, with a rolling positive test average of around 6%. Friday’s tests were about 7% positive.

The county’s total cases increased to 4,662 and deaths increased to 169. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 919 people have been hospitalized due to the illness, 289 spending at least some time in intensive care. Since the first case was confirmed in the county, 19.7% of all positive COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized, 6.2% have been sent to intensive care and 3.6% have died. All three percentages have decreased since yesterday, and hospitalizations have trended downward for more than a week.

The number of people at the San Diego Convention Center to be tested has increased to 1,126, with 1,102 testing negative, three positive and 19 « indeterminate. »

The region’s campgrounds will be allowed to open as soon as Saturday with restrictions, including having every other campsite remain empty and only members of a single household allowed to share a site. Communal areas like playgrounds will remain closed. The opening of the campgrounds applies region- wide, but campgrounds under city jurisdictions can be closed by those cities.

The county is also opening tennis and handball courts, provided participants meet social-distancing requirements. Golf carts for single riders, regardless of age, will also be permitted. Additionally, rental of outdoor equipment like bikes, kayaks and surfboards will be allowed again.

Still closed are community pools, which could be among the last places to be reopened, going by the state’s guidance.

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said that as the state moves forward with « Phase 2 » of its reopening plan, businesses such as dine-in restaurants, malls and swap meets, pet grooming businesses, car washes, outdoor museums and office-based businesses are next on the agenda — with social distancing still required.

Retail stores across the region opened for curbside service today provided they met San Diego County’s guidelines.

The stores able to open Friday included bookstores, music stores, jewelers, shoe stores, toy stores, antique dealers, home and furnishings suppliers, sporting goods, clothing stores and florists, but those businesses will have to operate through curbside service or deliveries.

Manufacturing, warehouse and logistics businesses supporting those businesses were also able to open Friday.

All businesses opening as part of « Phase 2 » must complete a safe reopening plan, found at www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html, and post it publicly. All employees must be given copies of the plan.

– City News Service

Californians To Receive Mail-In Ballots For November Election Under Newsom’s Order

– 2 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2020

Every voter in California will receive a mail-in ballot for the November general election under a new executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday.

The move was to ensure all voters can exercise their right to vote as well as maintaining public safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Elections and the right to vote are foundational to our democracy,” Newsom said. “No Californian should be forced to risk their health in order to exercise their right to vote.”

WATCH here

Newsom recognized that some people may still need access to in-person voting for a variety of reasons, including people with disabilities or who are experiencing homelessness. His office will work with the Legislature and Secretary of State on how to best implement the plan.

Individual counties have until May 30 to come up with a plan for in-person voting while still preserving public health. — Alexander Nguyen, KPBS web producer

Some Businesses Open For Curbside Service As Coronavirus Cases Reach 4,429

– 8:23 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2020

Retail stores across the region can open for curbside service starting Friday provided they meet San Diego County’s guidelines, but shopping malls, dine-in restaurants, museums and offices will remain closed until the next phase of California’s emergence from the regime of restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stores able to open today include bookstores, music stores, jewelers, shoe stores, toy stores, antique dealers, home and furnishings suppliers, sporting goods, clothing stores and florists, but these businesses will have to operate through curbside service or deliveries.

Manufacturing, warehouse and logistics businesses supporting those businesses will also be able to open today.

All businesses opening as part of « Phase 2 » must complete a safe reopening plan, found at www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html, and post it publicly. All employees must be given copies of the plan.

Two California Department of Motor Vehicles offices — in Hillcrest and San Marcos — are part of the 25 field offices also reopening today throughout the state. The offices at 3960 Normal St. and 590 Rancheros Dr. in San Marcos will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Wednesday, when it opens at 9 a.m. They will handle appointments and transactions requiring an in-person visit, such as reinstating a suspended or revoked license, applying for a disabled person parking placard, or paying registration for an impounded vehicle, among other things.

Chula Vista announced that it will reopen its parks and trails today for recreation activities, but face coverings are still required and residents must practice social distancing.

Parking lots are open, but team sporting activities, gathering/congregating in groups and picnics are still prohibited.

These partial reopenings come after health officials reported 110 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths Thursday, raising the county’s totals to 4,429 cases and 165 deaths. The fatalities include two women and five men. The percentage of deaths among the Latino population continues to rise, up to 41.2% of all deaths, as the mortality rate among the white population has dropped below half of all deaths.

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher reported the county was amending some of the childcare health orders it had set down in March, including raising the number of children allowed in independent childcare groups with one adult from 10 to 12, and allowing shared use of hard-surfaced areas such as kitchens and bathrooms — provided those common areas saw consistent cleaning. These modifications bring San Diego County more into alignment with California’s recommendations.

For the first two months of the pandemic, the county more or less blazed its own path in an unprecedented situation, but has begun to adhere more strictly to the state’s — and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s — guidance. As a result, Fletcher said, the county would follow the state’s gradual phased opening structure.

A somewhat confusing proviso in Newsom’s reopening structure is the ability of some counties to move faster in reopening businesses like dine-in restaurants, bars and malls if those counties meet certain standards. Fletcher said this standard includes no new COVID-19 related deaths for a period of time that is highly unlikely in any of California’s large, urban counties anytime soon. – City News Service

San Diego To Donate Midway-Area Bridge Shelter To Chula Vista

– 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2020

San Diego and Chula Vista announced a partnership Thursday to combat homelessness regionally, which will include the construction of a new shelter in Chula Vista.

The Midway-area bridge shelter operated by Veterans Village of San Diego would be demolished with a replacement built in Chula Vista, pending approval by the Chula Vista City Council, which is expected to discuss the agreement at Tuesday’s meeting.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the shelter was built on land offered by the U.S. Navy in 2017 under two conditions — it would serve homeless veterans and be a temporary site.

« Nearly three years later, the time has come to find a new home for this shelter, » Faulconer said.

WATCH here:

Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said, « the bridge shelter will position Chula Vista and the South County to better respond to public health emergencies like COVID-19 and to provide a better solution to protect our unsheltered and get them the critical services that they need. »

City officials are working to identify funding to operate the proposed shelter, whose site has not been determined, Salas said.

Faulconer said the shelter served up to 200 people, but that figure could change based on Chula Vista’s needs and capabilities.

Residents from all the city’s bridge shelters have been relocated to the San Diego Convention Center during the coronavirus pandemic as part of the city’s Operation Shelter to Home. — City News Service

Some Retail Outlets To Reopen Friday, Dine-In Restaurants Still Closed

– 4:38 p.m., May 7, 2020

As some local retail businesses prepare for a limited reopening on Friday, health officials said Thursday that San Diego County is far from meeting state-mandated criteria for reopening other businesses such as offices or dine-in restaurants.

Bookstores, florists and sporting goods retailers are among the types of businesses allowed to restart business Friday, but they can only offer delivery or curbside pickup. Warehouses and logistics companies that support those retail outlets are also allowed to reopen.

Governor Gavin Newsom has allowed counties to reopen other businesses such as office buildings, dine-in restaurants and car washes — but only if those counties meet strict criteria surrounding testing, tracing, hospital capacity and zero deaths from COVID-19 in the past two weeks. County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said no large urban county was meeting that goal.

« That does not stop us from moving forward with the retail, that does not stop us from moving forward with the warehouse and the logistics, » he said. « It just stops us from moving beyond what the state of California has outlined. »

County officials also announced a modest change to its public health order that would allow childcare facilities serving essential workers to take kids in groups of 12, rather than 10, in alignment with state guidelines.

« We are aware that in order to reopen our economy we have to simultaneously work with those childcare providers to make sure that (we have) safe environments for kids that are adhering to what we think are the best practices that are available, » he said.

The county reported 110 new positive cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 4,429, and seven new deaths, bringing the local death toll to 165. – KPBS metro reporter Andrew Bowen

Gov. Newsom Loosens Stay-Home Order, Allows Some Retailers To Reopen With Limits

– 1 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2020

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued the broadest loosening of his stay-at-home order so far, allowing some retailers to reopen but not have customers in stores.

The announcement Thursday was the result of improvement in battling the coronavirus, and it moves California into the second phase of a methodical four-step process to full reopening.

It covers only a sliver of retail businesses as well as manufacturers’ warehouses considered low risk for the virus. Stores that will be allowed to open with curbside service if they meet other safety requirements include bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores.

Higher-risk businesses like hair salons and gyms, offices and dining in restaurants will come later. — Associated Press

County Unemployment Numbers Pass Great Depression Levels, SANDAG Report Finds

– 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The San Diego region’s estimated unemployment rate has risen to 26.8% amid the coronavirus pandemic, a high not seen since the Great Depression, according to a report released Wednesday by the San Diego Association of Governments.

The report was prepared with data from April 18-25, before Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order to open some retail, manufacturing and logistics businesses this Friday.

« The phased reopening may signal that the pandemic curve is flattening, and economic improvement may occur in the next few weeks, » the report reads.

Although the number of unemployed is likely to increase with the next two weeks’ data, SANDAG’s chief economist, Ray Major, said the numbers could start dropping by May 11 as people get back to work.

On March 7, the unemployment rate in the county was 3.4%.

According to the SANDAG analysis, 450,000 people are out of work in the San Diego region, more than 400,000 of whom lost employment after March 7 — which public health officials have pinpointed as the date the health crisis began locally.

A few ZIP codes are seeing a more significant impact. Logan Heights leads the county in unemployment, with 37.5% of residents out of work. Golden Hill, City Heights, the College area and San Ysidro all have more than 32% unemployment and National City has more than 31% unemployed.

« Combined, these six ZIP codes total about 53,000 unemployed residents, compared to 52,000 countywide before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, » the report states.

The industries most severely impacted by COVID-19 and various stay-at-home and social distancing orders associated with the pandemic include ones in which close contact is required, such as hotel, restaurant, personal care, transportation and entertainment jobs.

ZIP codes with a higher percentage of office workers who can work from home are less severely impacted by unemployment. Those areas include West Rancho Bernardo, Eastlake, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Sorrento Valley and Scripps Ranch — all of which have 22% or less unemployment. — City News Service

WATCH: Mayor To Highlight Home Caregivers On Frontlines, Invite Seniors to Join Check-in Program

– 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2020

San Diego County Records 159 New Coronavirus Cases, 8 Deaths

– 3:14 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2020

San Diego County continues to prepare for some businesses to reopen Friday, even as Wednesday’s data showed a slight increase in the rate of COVID-19 positive-testing individuals.

Local health officials reported 159 new cases and eight deaths Wednesday, raising the county totals to 4,319 cases and 158 deaths.

County Chairman Greg Cox said while the county prepared to meet Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orders to reopen some retail, manufacturing and logistics businesses, it ultimately held power on which were going to open.

Some businesses might not have the staff, supplies or protocols in place to safely reopen, and the county would not allow those unprepared businesses to open in an unsafe manner « no matter what the governor says, » Cox said.

To avoid that uncomfortable situation, he encouraged business owners to visit www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html to find a « safe reopening plan » template to help prepare.

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said employers and employees should get used to increased health surveillance, including daily temperature checks. He said the best way to prevent the spread of the illness is « changing our individual behavior, » but that by sending home sick employees, businesses could help.

City Councilman Scott Sherman urged county officials to give San Diegans the right to choose.

« San Diegans have sacrificed much to flatten the curve and many are now struggling. Our region has shown that we can act responsibly, » he said. « I urge the County Board of Supervisors to begin immediate work so our region can move more quickly through phase two and open more businesses. »

Wednesday’s deaths included three women in their 70s to 80s and seven men ranging from their 40s to their 80s.

The county and its health partners completed 2,260 tests Wednesday, raising the total completed tests to 65,737. Of those, around 7% returned positive, a slightly higher rate than the rolling average.

On Wednesday, 363 COVID-19 positive individuals were in the hospital, 133 in intensive care. Since the health crisis began, 882 people with novel coronavirus have been admitted to the hospital, 281 of whom were sent to the ICU. The county estimates 2,333 people have recovered from the illness.

These numbers translate to 20.4% of all positive-testing individuals being hospitalized, 6.5% spending at least some time in intensive care and 3.7% dying of COVID-19.

According to data presented by Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer, men are more likely to die of the illness — they represent 56.3% of the fatalities — and people identified as white make up around 49% of the deaths, with Latinos not far behind at 39% of all COVID-19 deaths in the county.

On Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a framework for safely reopening businesses amid the pandemic. As part of the plan, the county will send a letter to Newsom requesting « total local control » on COVID-19 decisions.

The framework also offers guidelines on employee and customer safety, sanitation, physical distancing, and general business practices and communications. Recommendations were based on input from the Responsible COVID- 19 Economic Reopening Advisory Group, which includes county supervisors, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, small business owners and construction industry associations.

Approval of the business guidelines was just one of several COVID-19 related actions the board tackled during its regular meeting.

Supervisors also unanimously approved $5 million in emergency childcare vouchers available to essential front-line workers and families. The money will come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Supervisor Diane Jacob made an amendment to make the funds contingent on the city of San Diego also contributing $5 million from its CARES Act funding, for a total of $10 million.

The board also unanimously approved a six-month waiver of fees for inspections associated with environmental health, agriculture weights and measures, plan checks for tenant improvements, and air pollution control permit renewals.

Andy Pease, Health and Human Services Administration finance director, told supervisors the county will receive $334 million from the CARES Act to cover costs between March 1 and Dec. 30.

He said the money will not cover revenue losses or shortfalls, and added the county is now on track to spend $100 million on efforts to combat the virus, and costs will continue to rise.

Tracy Sandoval, county finance and general government manager, said her office estimates a total revenue shortfall of between $265 million and $395 million, and said it will be imperative for governments to develop long-term strategies to weather the downturn.

A San Diego Association of Governments study released Wednesday found that local freeway traffic has decreased by 44% since the COVID-19 stay at home orders began in the San Diego region, including 52% on State Route 163 and 50% on Interstate 5.

The SANDAG research and program management team analyzed travel on San Diego County freeways from mid-March to mid-April this year, and when compared to the same time last year, traffic volumes at eight hotspots decreased an average 41 percent. Additionally, speeds during peak periods averaged 30 mph higher.– City News Service

California Launches Online Tool to Find COVID-19 Testing Near You

– 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced during his Wednesday briefing that the state has launched a new online tool for people to access and schedule COVID-19 testing.

The new GIS tool allows people to enter a zip code to find testing sites nearby and make reservations for an appointment. Newsom said this new tool will allow officials to better visualize testing « deserts, » which could help address those discrepancies.

Newsom also announced the signing of an executive order that extends workers compensation benefits to all sectors of the economy.

WATCH here:

« If you’ve tested positive, or been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a physician, you are eligible for this worker’s comp benefit, » Newsom said. He clarified that employers could rebut the claim under strict conditions.

Another executive order signed Wednesday will extend the penalty waiver on residential property taxes through May 2021 for those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The deadline for small-business property taxes has been extended through the end of the month.

As for the daily state numbers, the governor said 94 people have died from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, while hospitalizations and ICU admissions are slightly down.

Newsom also said he would make public the contract between the state and a Chinese manufacturer to acquire personal protective equipment after several outlets reported having their records requests stonewalled by his administration. — Michelle Wiley/KQED

Carlsbad Approves $5 Million Package For Struggling Local Businesses

– 12:18 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Carlsbad City Council has approved a $5 million economic revitalization package to help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will accept applications for the relief Wednesday through May 25.

The majority of the funding, $4.4 million, is for micro loans and small business recovery loans directly to Carlsbad small businesses.

To qualify for the loans, businesses must hold a valid Carlsbad business license as of March 1, 2020, and be in good standing with the city. Applicants who have already applied for federal assistance may not use city loan money for costs covered by the federal assistance. Loans should be used for operational expenses such as rent, payroll, mortgage interest and utilities, a city statement said.

Businesses interested in the loans can reach out to business@carlsbadca.gov with questions and for applications.

Micro loans are available for businesses with gross revenue of $2 million or less and 15 employees or fewer. The loan amounts will be between $5,000 and $10,000.

Small business recovery loans are available for businesses with gross revenue of $3 million or less and 50 or fewer employees with loan amounts between $10,000 and $25,000.

The city will contract with a third-party organization specializing in these kinds of loan programs, officials said. – City News Service

San Diego’s Illumina Donates $1 Million to Front-Line Workers, Local Students

– 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2020

San Diego biotechology company Illumina announced Tuesday it is donating $1 million to the region’s front-line workers affected by COVID-19 and local K-12 students.

The donation is composed of $300,000 for front-line workers’ « critical needs » such as personal protective equipment, and $700,000 to support distance learning, technology and STEAM education for San Diego-area students.

« This donation we’re announcing today is going to change lives right here in San Diego, » San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said during an afternoon news conference.

Illumina CEO Sam Samad said: « From individuals to communities, from companies to countries, we’re finding ways to support each other during this challenging time in order to address this pandemic together. In fact, the amount of innovation and service to others is one of the brightest silver linings of this time. »

The mayor said the funds would help students in their ongoing transition to distance learning while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those who lack regular access to computers and/or the internet.

San Diego Unified Superintendent Cindy Marten said the school district has provided more than 800,000 meals and distributed more than 50,000 Chromebooks in response to the pandemic. — City News Service

San Diego County Records 140 New Coronavirus Cases, 6 Deaths

– 4:35 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2020

County supervisors Tuesday unanimously voted to adopt a framework to reopen businesses in a safe manner during the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials announced 140 new cases of COVID-19 and six additional deaths, raising the county’s totals to 4,160 cases and 150 deaths.

The six deaths were three women and three men, ranging in age from 62 to 95, according to officials with San Diego Health Services.

As part of the framework plan, the county will send a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed by Supervisor Dianne Jacob requesting « total local control » on COVID-19 decisions.

The framework also offers guidelines on employee and customer safety, sanitation, physical distancing, and general business practices and communications. Recommendations were based on input from the Responsible Covid- 19 Economic Reopening Advisory Group, which includes county supervisors, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, small business owners and construction industry associations.

Faulconer said the group is bipartisan, bi-national and features a diverse makeup. He also thanked business groups and organizations « who jumped in with both feet » to offer input.

« We are not out of the woods yet, but what we are doing in San Diego is working, » the mayor added.

Board Chairman Greg Cox said it has not been easy for businesses to adapt, but the framework allows them to reopen smoothly and safely.

During the meeting, more than a few residents expressed their frustrations with Newsom’s orders shuttering non-essential businesses, along with the county’s rule requiring residents to wear masks.

Timothy Ryan, an attorney based in Coronado, said the notion that a public official can determine whether a business is essential is offensive. « This shutdown is no longer about public health, but politics, » he added.

Others told board members they have taken all the necessary steps to ensure their businesses are safe for customers.

After the vote, Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said it’s important to « start the difficult work of rebuilding our economy, but it is vital that it be done right. »

Supervisor Jim Desmond said the county should consider an ombudsman to help answer questions about the business guidelines.

Tuesday’s meeting was the fourth held via teleconference since the pandemic began, with supervisors voting remotely.

Guidelines for businesses was just one of several COVID-19 related actions the board tackled during its regular meeting. – City News Service

Newsom Says ‘New Normal’ On the Horizon as Retail Restrictions Are Eased

– 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2020

As California moves into the next phase of easing shelter-in-place restrictions, Gov. Gavin Newsom met with a small business owner in Sacramento during his daily briefing on Tuesday. The governor said she is one of many that will be able to reopen their store — with limitations — starting Friday.

On Monday, Newsom announced that the state would begin slowly moving into stage two of the stay-at-home order, allowing retail businesses to gradually open. How California residents go about this next phase will determine if the state has to toggle back on easing restrictions, or can continue to move forward.

“We’re not going back to normal. It’s back to new normal with adaptations and modifications until we get to immunity until we get to a vaccine,” Newsom said.

In good news, the governor said the number of new positive cases has remained steady over the past several days, despite a significant increase in the number of tests. Additionally, tens of millions of new masks have been coming into the state on a weekly basis, which Newsom called « foundational » for moving into the next stage.

California has distributed 14.2 million surgical masks since the beginning of the pandemic, but the state has acquired 19.3 million masks over the past few days. Newsom hopes to begin distributing these masks to grocery, retail and transit workers.

“I can assure you, in all of these months, we have never had so many procedure masks, surgical masks, in our possession, now able to be distributed all across the state of California,” Newsom said.

— Audrey Garces/KQED

County, City Leaders, Discuss Proposed Guidelines For Economy Reopening

– 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2020

San Diego county and city leaders unveiled a plan Monday that will allow local businesses to safely reopen and operate once state public health restrictions are lifted.

The guidelines aimed at maintaining employee and customer safety were developed by the Responsible COVID-19 Economic Reopening Advisory Group — RECOVER — which consists of nearly 30 local business and civic leaders from various industries.

The group’s recommendations, in development since mid-April, focus on five areas — employee health, safe worksite entry, sanitation, workplace distancing and employee training.

WATCH here:

The announcement followed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s outlining of a plan to ease California’s stay-at-home order later this week, allowing some « lower- risk » retail stores to reopen with restricted operations. Further details are expected to be released this week.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said if public health orders are eased for San Diego County, the RECOVER group’s plan will allow local businesses to reopen responsibly.

« San Diego is ready to recover, » said Faulconer, who called the plan « a strategy that helps put San Diego back to work and helps businesses get a head start on their reopening plans. »

Further clarification on the county’s plan is expected at Tuesday’s San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting when the board is expected to vote on a Business Safety Framework to be adopted by all businesses once the state restrictions are lifted.

Businesses will need to demonstrate they can reopen and operate within state and county public health guidelines.

County Supervisor Greg Cox said the timing of the reopening is out of county leaders’ hands, but « what we can do is help make it easier for businesses to reopen safely and smartly and smoothly as soon as possible if they have a set of guidelines to work from. » — City News Service

San Diego County Reports 93 New Coronavirus Cases, 5 Deaths

– 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2020

San Diego County health officials reported 93 new COVID-19 cases and five additional deaths Monday as it prepares to enter « Phase 2 » of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to reopen the state.

The county’s coronavirus totals now stand at 4,020 confirmed cases and 144 deaths, but officials said numbers were trending in the right direction and thanked San Diegans for behaving responsibly this weekend as beaches opened — allaying fears of overcrowding and subsequent state-mandated closures.

County Supervisors Greg Cox and Nathan Fletcher announced they are planning to introduce a framework to reopen nonessential businesses at Tuesday’s board morning, and the county is preparing to loosen business restrictions on some retail stores in conjunction with the state on Friday.

Newsom acknowledged the cooperation of the majority of the state’s residents so far.

« Millions of Californians answered the call to stay home and thanks to them, we are in a position to begin moving into our next stage of modifying our stay at home order, » he said at a midday televised briefing. « But make no mistake — this virus isn’t gone. It’s still dangerous and poses a significant public health risk. »

Watch the press conference here:

San Diego Republicans claimed a victory with Newsom’s loosening of restrictions.

« After several weeks of inaction, the governor, seemingly rattled at today’s press conference, finally acknowledged that Californians can be trusted to be responsible, » said Tony Krvaric, chairman of the Republican Party of San Diego County.

Democrats also claimed the move as a win.

« Moving to stage two signals another step in the gradual reopening of California, » said Assemblyman Todd Gloria, D-San Diego. « Under state guidance and with ratification by county leaders, retail stores will be able to open with modifications, as well as the associated manufacturing and supply chains. This means more small businesses will get to open and more Californians will be able to get back to work. »

Even with a future course charted for reopening the state, officials reminded residents to be diligent about social distancing and facial coverings.

« Keep in mind we haven’t crossed a finish line, » Fletcher said. « This is not the beginning of the end, rather the end of the beginning. We will not truly be out of the weeds until we have a vaccine of therapeutic treatments. »

Cox agreed. The public’s compliance has « pulled us away from the edge, » but the county is still in the « danger zone, » he said.

State public health authorities are opening testing locations in partnership with the county’s health agency starting Tuesday. The initial locations will be at Grossmont College, the former Sears building in Chula Vista and the county’s North Inland Live Well Center in Escondido. Testing will be by appointment only. To secure a spot, visit Lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123 weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The facilities could boost the county’s testing numbers by 800 daily. The county is working toward a goal of 5,200 tests per day, according to Fletcher.

« While state and federal guidelines call for `robust testing,’ there is no hard and fast rule for the exact number, » he said Sunday. « We’ve chosen to use a Harvard study to identify our goal: 5,200 tests per day in San Diego County. We’re working with our new testing task force to meet that goal. »

The county and its health partners reported the results of 1,293 tests Monday, around 7% of which were positive. A total of 61,171 tests have been completed in the region since the pandemic began. Case tracking staff have completed a cumulative 4,903 contact investigations, and 552 people have been housed in public health hotel rooms after being exposed to the virus.

The latest deaths involved three women in their 70s and 80s and two men in their 60s and 80s, according to Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer.

The county estimates 2,181 people have recovered from COVID-19, 842 have been hospitalized and 271 have spent at least some time in intensive care.

Of all 4,020 positive-testing individuals, 20.9% have been hospitalized, 6.7% have been admitted to the ICU and 3.6% have died.

Regional hospitals reported 3,372 beds in use Monday, and Fletcher said that number is expected to rise as people who have been putting off medical care begin returning to emergency rooms and hospitals begin scheduling elective procedures again.

– City News Service

Newsom Says Some Business May Reopen This Week

– 12:45 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2020

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will move into the second phase of his reopening plan as early as Friday, allowing lower-risk workplaces to resume operations with modifications to help prevent spread of the coronavirus.

WATCH here:

The plan outlined Monday includes a range of retailers that would be permitted to reopen, including clothing stores, sporting goods and florists. It did not immediately include dine-in eating at restaurants and reopening of offices, which were in previously stated Phase 2 plans.

Newsom says a key consideration for entering Phase 2 is the ability for health authorities to test and conduct contact tracing of infections. — Associated Press

First Weekend Of Open Beaches In San Diego Passes Without Major Incident

– 6:40 p.m., Sunday May 3, 2020

San Diego’s first weekend of open beaches since the coronavirus pandemic forced their closure went by without major incident.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer made an appearance at the Pacific Beach lifeguard station Sunday, reminding the public the beach is open for walking, running, swimming, surfing and paddleboarding only.

“Attention on the beach, the stay at home order continues to be in effect. Please do not sit or congregate on the beach,” Faulconer said over the loud speaker. “Thank you for your cooperation. You’re doing a great job. Stay classy, San Diego.”

– Andrew Bowen, KPBS Metro Reporter

SDPD Encourages San Diegans To Avoid Sunset Cliffs

– 5:15 p.m., Sunday May 3, 2020

San Diego Police Department officials are asking Sunset Cliffs visitors to stay away because the crowds are getting too big in the evening.

SDPD posted the advisory on Facebook, encouraging visitors to steer clear of the Sunset Cliffs area along the west curbline of the 700 to 900 block of Sunset Cliffs; and the 4500 block of Ladera Street. “No parking” signs have been posted.“Friendly reminder, San Diego County has 70 awesome miles of coastline – please consider choosing a different location,” the post reads.

Also on Sunday, the San Diego Fire Rescue Department reported the rescue of a Navy sailor from Sunset Cliffs.

The man, who recently got out of quarantine, got too close to the water about 12:30 a.m. while watching the bioluminescence and was pulled into the ocean by a large wave. Lifeguards rescued him from the water and he suffered some cuts and scrapes, SFRD officials said.SDPD Chief David Nisleit said last week many were still visiting the area at sunset and staying after to watch the red tide, « I understand it is a great thing to see, but we are inundating the area of Sunset Cliffs, and we’re not being able to do that physical distancing. »

Nisleit said there would be extra police officers patrolling Sunset Cliffs through the weekend. -City News Service

San Diego County Reports 85 New Coronavirus Cases, One Additional Death

– 4:05 p.m., Sunday May 3, 2020

San Diego County officials are reporting 85 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday and one new death.

The county has now reported a total of 3,927 coronavirus cases and 139 deaths.

The new death reported was that of an 81-year-old woman who had underlying health conditions, officials said.

In total, 828 or about 21% of cases,have required hospitalization, with about 7% of patients being placed in intensive care, according to a county news release. – KPBS Staff

Lake Poway Recreation Area Reopens With Restrictions on Sunday

– 1:25 p.m., Sunday May 3, 2020

On Sunday, Lake Poway became the county’s latest large recreation area to reopen following San Diego County’s order to relax certain park restrictions in the ongoing stay-at-home order.

The reopening comes with the following restrictions: Parking lots will only be filled to half the capacity; boating and the archery range are closed and the Fisherman’s Trailhead is also cordoned off to hikers, according to the City of Poway’s website. Restrooms and picnic areas are open.

Regular hours of 6 a.m. until sunset resume on Monday. – KPBS Staff

California Lawmakers Set To Return As Coronavirus Lingers

– 12 p.m., Sunday May 3, 2020

California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon is calling lawmakers back to the Capitol on Monday, restarting a legislative session interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, even as a handful of lawmakers plan to stay home for fear of contracting or spreading the disease.

But it won’t be business as usual for California’s full-time Legislature after lawmakers agreed to their first sustained unscheduled work stoppage in 158 years. They’ll be limited to having just one staff person with them and nurses will check their temperatures at the door, among other precautions.

Atop the new to-do list for lawmakers: softening the economic fallout from the pandemic.

In the state Senate, President Pro Tem Toni Atkins is not bringing members back until May 11 and has allowed members to participate in committee meetings via video conferencing. The Senate is considering letting members cast votes remotely once the full session resumes.

But Rendon says all Assembly members must be at the Capitol to participate in committee hearings and floor sessions, based on legal advice that any votes taken remotely “would likely be challenged in the courts and thrown out.”

He said anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable coming is “encouraged to stay home. We are definitely not forcing anybody to come to work.”

It’s a tough choice for the Assembly members who are over 65, putting them at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract the coronavirus.

Assemblyman Bill Quirk, a Hayward Democrat, says he will stay home Monday. The 73-year-old is in good health but lives in a retirement community where many are on oxygen or have other health problems.

Quirk said he will watch committee hearings online and work with his staff to win approval for his bills in committee. But his influence will be limited because he won’t be able to vote.

“I have urged the speaker to consider remote participation, » he said. “Allowing members to participate remotely would allow everyone to have a full and fair opportunity to participate in the legislative process. »

The only thing lawmakers absolutely must do is pass an operating budget, and time is running out. Lawmakers face a June 15 deadline for approval or they will forfeit their salaries. Newsom has scrapped his January budget proposal and will reveal a new one on May 14, giving lawmakers about a month.

With such a compressed calendar, lawmakers are having to rethink their policy goals. The Assembly’s 32 committees must share the three hearing rooms large enough for lawmakers and the public to stay at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart, likely limiting the number of bills they can consider.

Only 14 of the roughly 100 bills before the Assembly Higher Education Committee will be heard this year, committee chairman Jose Medina said.

“Priorities have shifted,” said Medina, 67, who decided to return after consulting with his family and doctor.

Before the crisis hit, legislative leaders wanted to borrow about $4 billion to prepare California for climate change disasters such as wildfires and flooding.

Now, lawmakers are discussing adding more money and projects to the bill to jump start the struggling economy, what many believe is the best option for a state stimulus package. While Congress can pass trillion-dollar aid packages to give cash to businesses and citizens, the California Constitution requires a balanced budget.

Democratic Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, who wrote the Assembly’s version of the climate change borrowing proposal, said the spending can still focus on the environment, but create jobs through things like construction to protect coastal communities against sea level rise.

“We just hope that the governor also sees it this way and we can do something to get Californians back to work, » he said.

But lawmakers still have other priorities, including homelessness, which Newsom devoted his entire State of the State address to earlier this year.

A high-profile housing bill from Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener would allow multi-family homes to go up in single-family neighborhoods.

“We had a housing crisis before COVID, and the housing crisis has not gone away and in many ways COVID has made it worse,” said Weiner, of San Francisco.

More than 2,100 Californians have died from coronavirus and more than 53,000 have been confirmed to have it, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, though the number of infections is thought to be far higher because of a shortage of testing.

For the vast majority of people, coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. – Associated Press

County Supervisor Says More Testing Is On The Way For Southeast San Diego After Drive-Through Test Site Falls Short Of Need

– 6:15 p.m., Saturday May 2, 2020

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher wrote on Twitter that more testing is on the way to Southeast San Diego after KPBS reported that a temporary drive-through testing site was not meeting the need for testing in the working class neighborhood.

The drive-through test site outside of the Euclid Medical Center was open for six hours on Saturday. Each test took ten minutes — meaning that only 24 people could be tested at the site on Saturday.

The testing was by appointment-only. Those who wanted to be tested had to call 211 to be screened beforehand.

“Many folks in this community are frontline personnel, they have to work,” said Dr. Rodney Hood, a primary care physician at the Euclid Medical Center, who reached out to the county to set up the testing today. “Many are living in mutli-generational environments where there are other folks who might be sick. And they’re getting exposed. This is a high-risk population, and more extensive testing needs to be done.”

Dr. Hood says people tried to make appointments, and were qualified to do so through screening, but there weren’t enough time slots available.

“I think this is an important first step, but I believe that after this, it really has to be on a more regular basis,” Dr. Hood told KPBS. – Max Rivlin-Nadler, KPBS reporter

Beachgoers Appear To Maintain Social Distancing and Other Guidelines During First Weekend of Beach Reopening

– 5:15 p.m., Saturday May 2, 2020

Moonlight Beach in Encinitas was filled with people on Saturday, but it appeared that most of them were either swimming, surfing, walking apart from one another, or exercising.

All of those fall within local guidelines for the reopening of the beach.

A mother and child were told by a lifeguard that playing in the sand wasn’t permitted as the lifeguard station blasted periodic reminders to follow guidelines.

Signs posted at all entrances also reminded beachgoers to cover their face when possible, and to keep six feet apart. But not all guidance was clear to everyone.

Torin, who only gave his first name, tried to fish from the beach, something he said he cleared with the sheriff’s department. But lifeguards told him it wasn’t allowed.

“There’s signs here that say what you’re allowed to do and what you’re not allowed to do, fishing is not on that sign,” Torin told KPBS. He said he had walked a mile down the beach to get away from the crowds before being told he couldn’t fish.

Parking lots at the beaches remained closed. – Max Rivlin-Nadler, KPBS reporter

San Diego County Reports 131 More COVID-19 Cases, Five More Deaths

– 3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2020

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in San Diego County increased by 131 on Saturday, for a total of 3,842 cases. There were also five additional deaths, bringing the region’s total to 138. The county health department says the latest victims ranged in age from 54 to 100 years old. Three were men and two were women; four had underlying medical conditions.

One death from yesterday’s count was found to be a nonresident and removed from total count.

811 (21.1 percent of cases) have required hospitalization, and 259 (6.7 percent of all cases) had to be placed in intensive care.

State public health authorities announced new COVID-19 testing locations at Grossmont College and the County’s North Inland Live Well Center in Escondido beginning Tuesday. Testing is by appointment only: Schedule online here or by calling 888-634-1123. – Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS Arts Calendar Editor/Producer

Pelosi And McConnell Decline Quick COVID-19 Tests

– 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2020

The top Republican and Democrat in Congress say they’re respectfully declining an offer of quick COVID-19 tests offered by President Donald Trump’s administration. Senate leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi say in a statement they want the equipment to go to front-line facilities instead. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar tweeted Friday that three rapid-testing machines and 1,000 tests were being sent for the Senate to use next week. Limited testing for lawmakers has become an issue in decisions about when they should return to Washington. – Associated Press

Senate Returns On Monday But House Stays Closed

– 2:45 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2020

The Senate reopens on Monday as the coronavirus crisis rages and the House stays shuttered. It’s a politically and physically fraught move by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, convening 100 senators during a pandemic. The Senate’s return gives President Donald Trump the imagery he wants of America getting back to work. But the Washington, D.C., region is still under stay-home orders as a virus hot spot. The House was advised by the attending physician on Capitol Hill to keep its more than 400 members away. Democrats say if the Senate is in session it needs to focus on the response to COVID-19. Instead, the agenda is focused on confirmation hearings for the president’s nominees. – Associated Press

City Of Carlsbad Details Reopening Of Parks, Trails, Beaches And Golf Courses

– 11 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2020

On Friday, the Carlsbad City Council approved plans and timelines to ease restrictions on public spaces due to COVID-19 public health concerns. Public spaces must adhere to county and state public health orders, including new face covering rules.

RELATED: Why And When San Diegans Must Wear Facial Coverings Beginning May 1

Beaches: Open at earliest Monday at 9 a.m., in coordination with State Parks

The majority of the beaches in the city of Carlsbad are owned and maintained by California State Parks. Beaches will not open before Monday at 9 a.m., and specific timing will depend on the State Parks. An announcement has not been made yet. When formally reopened, new operating hours will be 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What’s allowed: Walking, running, swimming, kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding, body surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving from the shore is allowed. Paddleboarding and kayaking are permitted at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon entrances. Fishing is only allowed from a kayak or boat.

What’s not allowed: No stopping, sitting or lying down on the beach. No gatherings, games, yoga, calisthenics, or sports of any kind or activities that involve staying in one place.

Carlsbad parks: Open to limited use starting Monday May 4 at 2 p.m.

Carlsbad-owned parks will reopen to limited, « passive » use starting Monday, May 4, at 2 p.m. The modified operating hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Passive use allows only walking, jogging or sitting on the grass. No active use, including sports games of any type, even among families. Available parking spaces will be reduced by at least half, and all community centers, aquatic centers, athletic fields, sports courts, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks and similar areas remain closed. For a complete list of parks affected, visit the City of Carlsbad’s COVID-19 page.

City-owned trails: Open Monday May 4, at 2 p.m.

Modified operating hours for the city of Carlsbad trails will be 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is not owned or managed by the city and remains closed.

Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course: Open Saturday May 2, at 8 a.m.

The city-owned Crossings golf course will reopen but all employees and patrols will be required to undergo temperature screening. No golf carts (unless needed to meet ADA requirements), congregating or sit-down food service will be allowed. – Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS Arts Calendar Editor/Producer

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