Archived Northern California’s Coronavirus Outbreak Coverage

These are our archived updates on the CCP virus* outbreak coverage in Northern California.

For more news related to the CCP virus, see The Epoch Times special coverage of the CCP virus outbreak.

California currently has 110,583 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 4,213 deaths, according to May 30 figures from the California Department of Public Health.

Confirmed cases by county as of June 1 at 9:48 a.m.: Alameda: 3390, Santa Clara: 2776, San Francisco: 2558, San Mateo: 2104, Contra Costa: 1450, Sacramento: 1400, San Joaquin: 858, Sonoma: 553, Solano: 517, Marin: 483, Monterey: 530, Santa Cruz: 213, Napa: 112

Click here to see all the latest cases by county.

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April 30

• Santa Cruz County revises shelter-in-place order and allows landscaping and construction-related activities, nursery and gardening businesses, childcare, educational institutions for children and golf courses.
• Placer County announces that it’s planning for phased reopening. Its current health order will expire on May 2, with Newsom’s order still in effect.
• Lake County will have drive-thru COVID-19 testing starting May 5.
• Monterey County issues an order requiring face coverings in public and certain work settings.
• Epicenter youth organization of Monterey County announces free food distribution to families in need on May 1 from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. in Salinas.
• The El Dorado County Senior Nutrition program is offering drive-up “Take-Out” meals for all El Dorado County residents over 60 years old. Click here for the list of drive-up locations.
• Alameda starts its “Slow Streets” program to close certain streets and help with social distancing.
• Yolo County extends shelter-in-place order to May 31. Construction and drive-in religious services will be allowed starting May 4.

April 29

• San Mateo County’s extension order allows residents outdoor recreation within 10 miles of their residence. Some parks will reopen on May 4.
• Sacramento County extends shelter-in-place order to May 22.
• The seven Bay Area jurisdictions will loosen shelter-in-place orders. Starting May 4, certain construction projects may resume as well as real estate transactions. Outdoor businesses like nurseries, landscaping, and gardening may resume.
• A team of Stanford graduate students has partnered with volunteer groups to help those most vulnerable to COVID-19. They created a hotline to deliver groceries and essentials for free.

April 28

• Santa Cruz County offers hotel rooms for free or at a discounted rate for local healthcare workers who can’t self-isolate at home.
• After the Bay Area extended the shelter-in-place order through May yesterday, El Dorado County announced it will not extend, letting the order expire on April 30. Other counties have been taking steps to reopen.

April 27

• Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services offers a warm line for youths seeking emotional support.
• San Francisco will close Golden Gate Park’s JFK Drive to give people more space during social distancing, the mayor announced. Certain streets in McLaren Park will also be closed.
• The seven Bay Area health officers will likely extend shelter-in-place orders through May. More details will be provided later this week.

April 24

• Contra Costa County offers Emergency Child Care Program for child care relief for COVID-19 frontline workers. Existing professional centers and family child-care homes are providing child care in small group settings of up to 10 children.
• State launches “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors” to deliver three meals a day to older adults. It’s a partnership with counties, cities, and tribes.
• Solano County extends shelter-at-home health order through May 17.
• Santa Cruz County, in a press release, encourages residents to exercise in their neighborhoods and local parks and to postpone trips to remote parks and beaches.
• San Joaquin County loosens previous health order, allowing golf courses, landscape work, and outdoor faith-based gatherings, with social distancing requirements.
• SFMTA announces the Essential Trip Card (ETC) to reduce taxi costs for age 65+ or those with disabilities. SF also announces a “sing out” to “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” on April 25 at 12 noon.
• Mendocino County issues facial covering order and loosens restrictions for shelter-in-place order. Starting at 12 p.m., people may go out for recreational activities within a 20-mile drive of their residences. The facial covering order will go into effect May 1 at 12 p.m.
• Yolo County issues new health order and amendment to shelter-in-place with “Roadmap to Recovery” to begin reopening certain businesses and organizations.

April 23

• Stanislaus County announces that its community parks, playgrounds and restrooms will be open on April 24. Playgrounds are not disinfected. More details here.
• Napa County announces its expansion of COVID-19 testing for first responders and healthcare workers in the county and for community members with symptoms. A list of Baseline COVID-19 testing locations in California can be found here.
• Lake County begins to loosen restrictions. Certain recreational activities like golfing, hiking, and canoeing will be allowed. In addition, businesses with little to no person-to-person contact like pet grooming and real estate transactions are allowed.
• The City of Milpitas and Santa Cruz issue an order requiring face coverings when in public. It is effective April 24 through the end of the emergency.
• Stanislaus County extends shelter-in-place order, to be effective 5 a.m. on April 24, until further notice.

April 22

• Napa County extends shelter-in-place order until further notice, effective immediately.
• San Francisco expands by-appointment drive-thru testing for essential workers and SF residents with barriers to healthcare.
• Monterey County announces free mask distribution at Soledad High School on April 23 from 4:00–5:30 p.m. More details here.
• California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds people not to speed. From March 19 to April 19, the CHP issued 2,493 citations statewide for speeding more than 100 mph, compared to 1,335 during the same period last year.
• Contra Costa County opens by-appointment drive-thru testing sites for COVID-19. Residents with symptoms can make a free appointment for COVID-19 testing at one of four drive-thru sites around the county (Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, and San Pablo).
• Starting at midnight, the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges will suspend time-of-day pricing and will have $6 tolls at all times due to light traffic.

April 21

• San Francisco announces Slow Streets Program to help with social distancing. Certain streets will be closed starting this week.
• American Public Health Association (APHA) has a short video called “Sneezing and Coughing 101” suggesting to use a tissue or your elbow, away from others, and to wash hands.
• The City of Placerville plans to re-open the city in phases. The City Manager was authorized to send a letter to Gavin Newsom demonstrating the city’s circumstances.
• Placer County launches remote video inspection program for contractors and homeowners to connect with county inspectors on small projects like electrical services, heating and air change-outs, re-rooftop solar, and water heaters.
• Face coverings now required on BART.

April 20

• Older Californians can call Friendship Line California to connect with a friendly listening ear when they feel lonely and isolated.
• Chipotle launches “4HEROES” buy one, give one program for healthcare workers across the United States from April 21 through April 26. Chipotle will donate a burrito to medical professionals every time a digital customer names their burrito order “4HEROES” on the Chipotle app or website.
• AAA is offering free classic roadside assistance to first responders, whether they are AAA Members or not.
• Demonstrators gather at California State Capitol in Sacramento at 12 noon on April 20 to protest extended shelter-in-place order.
• El Dorado County can fine non-essential travelers $1,000 for visiting the county’s portion of Lake Tahoe.

April 17

• Marin, Alameda, and San Mateo Counties, San Francisco, and Berkeley issue order for residents to wear face coverings when out in public. Santa Clara County strongly urges all individuals to wear face coverings in public.
• Contra Costa issues “Cover Your Face” order starting 8:00 a.m. on April 22. People will need to wear face coverings when they leave their homes for essential needs.
• Sierra County extends restriction of recreational facilities and short-term lodging rentals through June 1.
• Napa County has an information line for those with symptoms but can’t afford copay or don’t have health insurance.
• The Baseline COVID-19 Program is currently offering free testing in certain locations for eligible people.
• San Francisco Public Library announces that “Coronavirus: A Book for Children” is available for free download.

April 16

• MTC released a framework for distributing $780 million of federal funds to Bay Area transit. It will be considered at the Commission’s next meeting on April 22.
• First person in San Francisco County Jail tests positive for COVID-19, a sheriff announced today.
• SFUSD lists schools offering free meals to all children in San Francisco while schools are closed.
• Berkeley issues order requiring people at nursing, residential care, and other licensed facilities to wear masks and to perform temperature screenings and symptom checks for workers and visitors.
• Contra Costa County is planning to deliver hand washing stations and portable toilets near homeless camps to slow COVID-19.
• Instacart will start delivering prescriptions from Costco across 200 Costco pharmacies in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New York, Washington, and Washington D.C.
• A Yolo landfill will resume self-haul waste on April 18, according to a press release. Only credit card and check payments are accepted at this time.

April 15

• Santa Clara County Fire Department and other departments show tribute to healthcare workers outside a hospital this morning in video.
• San Joaquin County releases a new shelter order and requires businesses to post social distancing protocols by 11:59 p.m. on April 17.
• San Francisco announces a new COVID-19 testing site in SoMa. It will be opened for drive-thru operations by appointment on April 17.

April 14

• LinkedIn shares a list of companies hiring to meet COVID-19-related demand.
• Stanislaus County posts a list of spring activities to do during social distancing.
• Santa Clara offers COVID-19 Assistance Navigation (CAN) for help with unemployment, food, housing, etc.
• El Dorado Transit temporarily offers free home grocery and pharmacy delivery service for El Dorado Transit Dial-A-Ride customers, per press release.
• California will consider six main indicators before changing the shelter-in-place order and other COVID-19 interventions, announced Governor Newsom.
• Sonoma County issues order requiring people to wear facial coverings when they leave their homes. It goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 17.

April 13

• Hayward COVID-19 Testing Center is moving to California State University, East Bay, Parking Lot A on West Loop Road, according to an announcement. The new testing center is to open at 9 a.m. on April 14.
• The San Francisco City Attorney and police department shut down an illegal nightclub operating during the pandemic. A surveillance video shows more than 150 people going to the building over 48 hours.
• Yolo County announced a COVID-19 outbreak at a nursing home. According to a press release, there are 35 confirmed cases (23 residents and 12 staff) and 1 resident death at the facility.
• Amazon will be hiring an additional 75,000 workers to keep up with the demand during the CCP virus pandemic.

April 12

• Mercury News reports a list of Bay Area churches with live streaming Easter services.

April 10

• According to press release, Stanislaus County reports its first COVID-19 death. The resident was an adult male with underlying medical conditions.
• Placer County extends shelter-in-place order to May 1, according to an announcement.
• Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch is to be converted into a care site for COVID-19 patients, according to an emailed press release.
• One of San Francisco’s largest homeless shelters has 70 people testing positive for COVID-19, the mayor announced.
• Colusa County extends shelter-in-place order until 11:59 p.m. on May 8, according to press release.
• San Joaquin County shares recommendations for holiday celebrations and faith-based services during COVID-19.
• San Francisco city launches “Text to 9-1-1 service” for people who cannot safely call in dangerous situations.
• Oakland will close 74 miles of city streets to cars and make room for pedestrians and cyclists to spread out during social distancing.

April 9

• Berkeley confirms first COVID-19-related death. The resident was in their 40s and had underlying health problems, according to the news release.
• Santa Clara County requires each entity and individual in the county to disclose number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators, if more than the minimum threshold, by April 15.

April 8

• Costco announces priority access to healthcare workers and first responders (by presenting official ID) to move to the front of the lines to enter Costco warehouses.

April 7

• Agents seized 50,000 masks in a Fremont warehouse raid.
• Santa Cruz County orders temporary closure of parks and beaches and prohibits surfing until 11:59 pm on April 15.
• Napa County says that emergency CalFresh allotments will be issued on April 12 and May 10 to eligible households.

April 6

• Santa Clara County directs hospitals and nursing facilities to disclose inventories of protective equipment and ventilators on a daily basis.
• SFMTA Muni begins to change services to only service the most essential routes, rolling out changes in phases.
• Lake County extends shelter-in-place to May 3; students will receive distance-based instruction for the rest of the school year.
• BART will run every 30 minutes Monday-Friday starting April 8.
• Oakland announces new COVID-19 drive-thru testing site at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.

April 5

• Lake County confirms first case of COVID-19.

April 4

• El Dorado Transit services temporarily going fare-free to decrease financial burden for passengers.

April 3

• El Dorado County restricts travel to Lake Tahoe amid COVID-19 concerns.
• Santa Clara County has a dashboard with visual info related to CCP virus in the county.
• Fremont opens drive-thru system to check for COVID-19 symptoms at Fremont Fire COVID-19 Testing Center.
• San Francisco starts issuing citations for shelter in place violations and bans reusable bags.
• Contra Costa Health confirms COVID-19 outbreak at a senior facility.
• California counties recommend wearing face coverings in public, in addition to social distancing and hand washing.
• San Francisco announces 25 SuperSpot internet devices to deploy on April 13, 2020 to support distance learning during COVID-19-related school closures.

April 2

• Solano County confirms first CCP virus death. The resident was at least 85 years old had multiple severe underlying health conditions and recently traveled out of the country.
• Del Norte County confirms first case of COVID-19. The resident is a middle aged male, according to the news release.
• Part of the Moscone Center will be turned into a shelter for the homeless to help with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to ABC7 News.
• Today, San Jose launched a food distribution map with important information on countywide food distribution sites. People can visit their website for more information on how to access food resources, donate or volunteer.
• Menlo Park moves to virtual permit center in response to COVID-19 to support existing permit applications and ongoing projects.
• Save Mart, Lucky and Food Maxx grocery stores will start opening stores one hour early for first responders, law enforcement, fire and medical personnel.
• California plans to release 3,500 inmates over CCP virus outbreak, according to The Associated Press.
• Contra Costa County officials are working with the state to convert the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond into a 250-bed medical station for COVID-19 patients.

April 1

• School campuses will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, according to Bay Area school districts.
• SAT or ACT will not be required for University of California admissions in the 2021 academic school year.
• Community Service Solutions releases newsletter with monthly at-home challenges for Alpine, Douglas, and Modo County.
• Governor Gavin Newsom confirms that schools in California won’t open by the end of the academic year.
• Covered California is now taking special enrollment for health insurance due to the CCP virus.
• Yolo County extends shelter in place order to May 1 and launches online dashboard that displays data for confirmed cases by city, age range, gender, and more.
• El Dorado County extends shelter in place to April 30.
• Chipotle is thanking healthcare workers with free burritos for healthcare facilities to celebrate National Burrito Day on April 2 and free delivery through April.

March 31

• California launches campaign and hotline to help answer questions for older Californians and urges people to check in on those over 65 years old, per Twitter update. In England, two teenagers have been delivering essentials to their elderly neighbors.
• A Santa Rosa police officer has died from COVID-19.
• Bay Area health officers extend stay-at-home order with new restrictions through May 3.
• El Dorado County performs checks on 418 restaurants and bars to verify closure and limitations, which includes educating owners on COVID-19 guidance, according to county page.
• Today, Taco Bell offers a free Doritos® Locos Tacos at participating drive-thru locations. No purchase necessary.

March 30

• Alpine County reports its first COVID-19 case. The resident acquired the infection somewhere distant from the county and is recovering at home, according to a press release.
• In a live video conference with Mark and Priscilla Zuckerberg, Gov. Gavin Newsom says California needs more health workers and ventilators. He encourages new and retired healthcare workers to step in. According to Newsom, the goal is to get 10,000 ventilators; there are currently over 4,000. He encourages people to send their old ventilators in for reuse.
• All six counties will soon extend shelter-in-place orders until at least May 1.
• Lake County schools will remain closed through May 1.
• Bay Area extends stay at home order through May 1, according to officials.

March 29

• Santa Clara County Fairgrounds is preparing trailers and cot spaces for the homeless, says Supervisor Cindy Chavez.
• Santa Cruz County announces its first COVID-19 death. The resident was in his 70s and had an underlying health condition.

March 28

• Alpine County announces that the public should be discouraged from misusing non-pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate (a chemical used in home aquariums) to treat COVID-19. Severe illnesses can occur from ingestion or misuse of the chemical. On another note, apple cider vinegar has shown health benefits among multiple uses.

March 27

• Governor Gavin Newsom issues order to ban eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. It prohibits landlords from evicting tenants.
• Menlo Park closes additional recreation facilities like park restrooms, all public tennis courts and all public basketball courts for better social distancing.
• San Jose’s Alum Rock Park and the Communication Hill Trail and Staircase are temporarily closed to protect pubic health and safety.
• California DMV offices are closed due to COVID-19 outbreak starting today.

March 26

• A Berkeley firefighter tested positive for COVID-19. According to the report, he is in good condition and being isolated at home.
• Santa Cruz County announces order for all residential healthcare facilities to exclude entry for non-essential persons. This is to prevent spread of the CCP virus.
• VTA light rail is suspended until further notice after train operator tests positive for COVID-19.

March 25

• A gate agent at Oakland International Airport tested positive for COVID-19.
• According to SF Chronicle, San Francisco City Hall is closed to pubic until at least April 7, 2020. Some essential services, including treasurer and clerk’s offices will continue.
• Today, Wednesday, March 25 at 11 a.m., the Bay Area County superintendents jointly announced an extension of the school closures through Friday, May 1, 2020. The re-opening date of Santa Clara Unified schools is planned for Monday, May 4, 2020.

March 24

• San Francisco issues order restricting residents from leaving Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehab Center, effective Mar 25 - Apr 7, 2020.
• El Dorado county announces first confirmed case of COVID-19. The resident acquired it from an unknown source.
• Some state parks are closed as they have become more popular during the virus outbreak. Here is the full list.
• Seven Bay Area jurisdictions order laboratories testing for COVID-19 to report testing data to state and local authorities.

March 23

• Santa Clara and San Jose launches an estimated relief fund of $11 million, funded by tech companies and nonprofits, Mercury News reports.
• For people in the Bay Area who are left without a job, Bay Area post offices are looking to hire up to 1,000 people throughout the Bay Area, particularly in San Francisco and San Jose areas, according to a press release.
• Alameda County reports first COVID-19 death.
• Marin County public health officer tests positive for COVID-19 he announced in a video. He is currently self-quarantining at home with his family.
• CCP virus testing center opens in Easy Bay at Hayward Fire Station for sick people, first responders, and health-care workers who may be exposed to the virus.

March 22

• Napa County confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on the morning, and its second case in the afternoon of the same day.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom announces that California secured President Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration to support the state’s COVID-19 emergency response.
• Merced County announces first case of an individual testing positive for CCP virus. The report says that the cause travel related and that the person is doing well, isolated, and recovering at home.
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom sent the White House an application for a disaster declaration that is expected to be approved “very quickly” and “maybe” on Sunday night according to President Trump.
• Yolo County reports first COVID-19 fatality of an older adult with underlying chronic health problems.

March 21

• Monterey County reports its first death of a resident due to CCP virus.
• Mercury News reports that a mom in San Jose began dancing on her front yard every afternoon, with neighbors soon joining from their own homes. “It’s completely transformed my state of mind,” said Glennon, who lives in San Jose’s Northside neighborhood. “They’re singing from the windows and balconies in Italy. I can’t sing, but I can do this.”

March 20

• On March 19, the Superior Court of Alameda County releases 247 inmates from Santa Rita Jail in light of COVID-19. All those released are considered to have served their sentences.
• Starting March 21, all seven state-owned toll bridges in the Bay Area will be not be collecting cash to minimize exposure to COVID-19. Instead, payment will all be electronic.
• Napa Valley reduces Vine transit services and waives all fares for Vine buses, community shuttles, and para-transit service starting on Mar. 21, 2020.
• Due to low ridership, BART will be shortening its hours of operation. Starting Monday, March 23, BART will provide service Monday-Friday from 5am-9pm (currently service is 5am-midnight). Current weekday train frequency will remain.
• El Dorado County announces first COVID-19 case.
• NBC News employee, 61, dies after testing positive for CCP virus.
• First CCP virus-related death confirmed in Contra Costa County. The resident was in their 70s.
• Alameda County released 300 prisoners, most of whom had sentences of 45 days or less, due to concerns of COVID-19 spreading in prisons. County Public Defender Brenden Woods called for the release, and he hopes to see more releases and delays of cases. Inmates kept in close quarters can be at risk, he said in a press release.

March 19

• A San Jose Police Department reserve officer has tested positive for COVID-19. The department is checking if other officers may have been exposed, and ordered police facilities and vehicles the officer had recently come into contact with to be deep cleaned.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom expands Bay Area shelter-in-place to all 40 million residents in California.
• Starting today, 99 Ranch Market will designate their first hour for the elderly, expectant mothers, and people with disabilities in Northern California, Washington State, and Oregon.
• Sacramento County issues COVID-19 order. Individuals should stay in their residence and only go out for essential activities.
• County and City of San Francisco announces restrictions for visitors and non-essential from visiting residential facilities from Mar. 19 - Apr. 30, 2020.

March 18

• A 75-year old male resident at the Los Altos Sub-acute and Rehabilitation Center in Los Altos tested positive for COVID-19. He is currently being isolated in a private room.
• San Joaquin County announces first deaths of two (2) county residents from the CCP virus. They were among the elderly with underlying medical conditions. “Our hearts and sympathies go out to the loved ones of the individuals,” said Maggie Park, M.D. of SJCPH.
• Solano County issues shelter at home health order and would be effective immediately through Apr. 7, 2020.
• Napa County issues shelter in place order starting Mar.20-April 8.
• Several stores are designating times for seniors to shop: Safeway, Target, Whole Foods Market, Zanotto’s Market, Dollar General, The Fresh Market
• The BottleRock Napa Valley music festival has been postposed to Oct. 2-4, 2020.
• City and County of San Francisco prohibits Routine Medical Appointments, Elective Surgery Procedures, in-person Routine Counseling, and Routine Healing Arts Appointments in the county. Essential or emergency appointments may continue, but with caution.
• Yolo County announces shelter in place order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 from Mar. 19 to Apr. 7. People can only go out for essential needs and essential businesses can to operate.

March 17

• According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, most schools are not likely to reopen before summer break.
• Monterey County announces first confirmed cases of two residents testing positive (now in isolation). MCHD believes it was due to international travel.
• Napa County prohibits gatherings of 50 or more, except to perform essential functions (effective March 18 - April 7). As of the announcement, the county has no confirmed cases of COVID-19.
• Orange County is closing all restaurants. It now has 22 cases of COVID-19 (up from 17 on March 15).
• San Bernardino County has reported its second case of COVID-19 in a 54-year-old man with underlying health conditions who had come into contact with travelers from Washington state. It’s first case was announced March 15.
• Kern County announced its first COVID-19 case. A non-resident tested positive while visiting Kern County.
• Some 7 million Bay Area residents are under orders to stay at home and only go out for essential purposes, starting March 17. It’s the strictest measure in place in the United States so far, reports the Associated Press.
• San Diego County reported a total 55 cases of which 10 patients have been hospitalized.
• Jonny Blue, a 33-year-old physical therapist, set up a toilet paper exchange on a street corner in Encinitas, reported the San Diego Union Tribune. He held up a sign saying “Share your toilet paper,” and some people would give him their extra rolls, then he would pass those along to people who needed some.

March 16

• The California Legislature has suspended its work until April 13; it’s believed to be the first time in 158 years for such an unexpected halt to the Legislature’s work, the Associated Press reports. The Legislature also approved up to $1 billion in new spending to combat the virus outbreak.
• Gov. Newsom issued an executive order authorizing local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slow foreclosures, and prevent utility shutoffs for those affected by COVID-19.
• Following the announcement that older adults and those at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should isolate, Gov. Newsom issued an executive order directing state health and social services agencies to redirect resources and staff to facilities caring for these more vulnerable people.
• Gov. Newsom sent a letter calling on the Legislature to do away with the 72-hour period public notice before a bill can pass into law. He said this will help the state move quickly in keeping with the state of emergency he declared on March 4.
• UCLA’s Chancellor, Gene D. Block, just confirmed the college’s first case of the new CCP virus. In an email to the UCLA community, the chancellor wrote: “We have learned that a member of our UCLA campus community has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is a UCLA staff member who works off campus, has self-isolated at their off-campus residence and is receiving care. I have spoken to our fellow Bruin to express my hope for a quick recovery.”
• New guidelines for food and beverage venues were released by the California Department of Public Health.
• The LA County Department of Public Health confirmed 25 new cases of COVID-19. Five cases have an unidentified source of exposure, one case was exposed during recent travel, one had “close contact” with a confirmed case, and another case was reported by the Pasadena Health Department yesterday. Seventeen cases are pending more investigation.Of the 94 confirmed cases in the county, 15 are “likely due to community transmission.”
• The Orange County Sheriff’s Department announced March 16 it will temporarily prohibit public visitation and inmate programming at all Orange County Jail facilities. The suspension will be lifted March 27 upon the Sheriff’s Department reassessment. The visitation suspension does not apply to official legal visits between inmates and their attorneys.
• In San Luis Obispo County, the Public Health Department will stop alcohol sales in the county beginning at 5 pm on Monday. County administrative officer and emergency services director Wade Horton has put out an executive order “to protect the public’s health” by placing a limit on establishments that sell alcohol from 5 pm Monday until 12:01 pm on Wednesday, Mar. 18.“We need to take immediate action to slow the spread of the virus over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday and to limit large gatherings in public serving spaces,” Horton said in the release.This comes after the Public Health Department confirmed its third case of the virus in the county. The individual who tested positive is a household member of the second SLO County resident confirmed to have the illness.
• Seven Bay Area health officers have ordered shelter in place in six counties. People living in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties should only go out for essential needs starting March 17. Health care, law and safety, and essential government functions can continue operations.
• Although many schools are closed, school districts are providing school meals through the Summer Food Service Program & Seamless Summer Option, according to the California Department of Public Health.
• A Grand Princess cruise ship has moved from the Port of Oakland to a remote dock in San Francisco, where it will stay for crew and 3,500 passengers to complete a 14-day-quarantine, reported the Associated Press.
• Senior collegiate athletes shared their disappointment with The Epoch Times that their careers have been cut short by COVID-19-related cancellations. “I hung up my jersey for the last time without even knowing it,” said Cheyenne Eskridge.

March 15

• Santa Barbara County confirmed its first case of COVID-19. The individual, who is now in self-quarantine, is in his/her 60s and does not have underlying health issues. The case has been classified as a communal transmission since the individual did not travel outside of the U.S. within the last six weeks.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom called on all bars, pubs, breweries, and wineries in California to shut down over virus, adding that there will be new restrictions on restaurants. Restaurants will have their occupancy levels cut in half, he announced on Sunday night in a press conference.  He also recommended home isolation for all seniors 65+ years in age and those with chronic health conditions.
• San Diego County reported a total 39 cases. The County Public Health Laboratory is now able to test for the virus and no longer has to send all specimens to the CDC, making testing quicker.
• San Bernardino County reported its first case of COVID-19. The patient is a 53-year-old woman who returned from the United Kingdom.
• The Orange County Public Health Care Agency announced there is now laboratory evidence of community transmission of the new CCP virus in Orange County. There are a total of 17 cases of the virus in the county, with 11 being travel-related cases, three acquired communally, and three through person-to-person spread. There are a total of 160 people who have been tested by the HCA Healthcare Company.

*The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Party’s coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic.