This is a breaking news blog for all of the latest updates about the coronavirus pandemic. Get our complete coronavirus coverage here →
WATCH: Mayor Faulconer To Encourage San Diegans To Continue Being Responsible At The Beach
– 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2020
WATC LIVE here:
San Diego County Reports 147 New Coronavirus Cases, 10 Deaths
– 3:39 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2020
Mandatory face-covering health orders went into effect countywide Friday, with several transportation agencies following suit by mandating face coverings on all vehicles and public transit locations.
Any employee or passenger at the San Diego International Airport or aboard Metropolitan Transit System or North County Transit District vehicles are required to wear face coverings at all times — regardless of social distancing. People are not required to wear coverings at home or in their yard, their car, while jogging or surfing or if they have a medical condition preventing them from wearing a facial covering.
Coverings include a mask, bandanna, scarf or even a T-shirt. On Friday, however, San Diego County gave law enforcement agencies 10,000 masks and directed the agencies to distribute them to residents in public without facial coverings. County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said there will be more masks as the crisis continues. The directive is designed not to punish violators of the face-covering law, but to stymie the spread of COVID-19.
This led to questions about mass protests of county public health orders throughout the state Friday, as well as in downtown San Diego. Fletcher said he understood the huge toll stay-at-home orders have taken on the economy and on people's lives, but reminded protesters of the other costs of the pandemic.
"We've seen 64,000 Americans who have died in the last two months," he said, noting this weekend was the first with open beaches since they were shuttered in March. "Please be responsible and exercise restraint."
He said San Diego didn't want to befall the same fate as Orange County, which had beaches closed indefinitely after a weekend in which social distancing was not practiced there.
County Chairman Greg Cox and Fletcher gave some positive signs for protesters, announcing they would bring a business safety framework in front of the Board of Supervisors, aiming for a timeline and plan to reopen nonessential businesses.
County officials reported 147 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths Friday, raising the county case total to 3,711 cases and the death toll to 134.
Efforts to track the spread have included increased testing. The number of tests in the county reported Friday topped 2,625 — significantly fewer than the county needs to consider testing at an adequate level to further loosen restrictions. According to Fletcher, a study from Harvard and backed by the White House indicates jurisdictions should be performing 152 tests per 100,000 population on a daily basis. For San Diego County, that means approximately 5,200 daily tests.
Help is coming, first in state assistance coming May 5, which can increase daily tests by 782. Additionally, Nick Macchione, director of the county's Health and Human Services Agency, announced the county was in the process of hiring 200 public health nurses to help with any surge and testing. The county has a goal of 450 employees to be directly involved in contact tracing, making 1,200 investigations a day to track to progression of the illness. It currently has 128 on staff.
The county has completed 4,331 contact tracing investigations to date.
Area hospitals have 364 COVID-19 patients in their care, 141 of whom are in intensive care. A total of 3,308 patients are in area hospitals.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer, has reported 54 outbreaks of the illness, 36 in congregate living facilities connected to 882 cases and 64 deaths and 18 community-based outbreaks traced to 149 cases and five deaths.
– City News Service
State 'Really Close' to Making Changes to Stay-At-Home Order, Newsom Says
– 2 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2020
During Friday’s press briefing, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state is close to making significant changes to California's stay-at-home order.
"We’re talking days, not weeks," he said, adding that he was looking forward to making some “very constructive announcements” next week.
Those changes will eventually include reopening certain types of businesses — including restaurants — but with "serious" modifications.
The governor also provided the following update on state figures:
– Over 2,000 people have died in California since the coronavirus outbreak began.
– 91 people have died from the coronavirus in the past 24 hours.
–There are now more than 50,000 confirmed positive cases in California.
– Over 655,000 tests have been conducted.
Newsom acknowledged the growing frustration with the ongoing shelter-in-place order, but stressed that much progress has been made and that lifting restrictions too soon could "screw that up."
As for the lawsuit filed by some Orange County residents challenging Newsom's executive order to close beaches in the area, he said: "It doesn't surprise me," and that "we'll see what happens."
“We’re not out of the woods,” Newsom said. “But the good news ... our ICU numbers were flat yesterday, our hospitalizations actually went down yesterday.” — Michelle Wiley/KQED
Metropolitan Transit System Introduces Chemical Fogs To Fight COVID-19
– 12:16 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2020
The Metropolitan Transit System announced the addition of a new tool in the fight against coronavirus Friday — disinfecting fog.
Additionally, the agency is now requiring daily temperature checks for hundreds of bus and trolley operators, and is now offering one-way fares on its mobile ticketing app, Compass Cloud.
"We will continue adopting measures to improve protections for our employees, essential workers and riders taking essential trips," said Paul Jablonski, MTS chief executive officer. "Strict sanitizing protocols and early detection for this virus are key to slowing the spread. We will keep improving on both these fronts."
In addition to daily cleaning with disinfectants, buses will be fogged with a CDC-approved substance that kills COVID-19 (and other viruses) on contact. The small devices evenly spray a fine mist of chloride dioxide solution throughout each bus's interior. The fog can decontaminate hard-to- reach locations and fabric seats, leaving more time for professional cleaners to sanitize areas more frequently touched by passengers, a MTS statement said.
The substance also decontaminates air-conditioning filters. The fogging process takes just minutes. All buses will be fogged every other day and more often if necessary after more materials become available. Many buses are cleaned mid-day before returning to service for the evening commute, as well as the regular daily cleanings. – City News Service
WATCH: San Diego Mayor Gives Update On Coronavirus Response
4:30 p.m, Thursday, April 30, 2020
WATCH LIVE here:
County Extends Shelters In Place Order Indefinitely, Allows For Golf Courses To Open And Physical Activities At Parks
– 3:08 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2020
San Diego County officials on Thursday extended the stay-at-home order indefinitely until the medical emergency is declared over, but loosened some restrictions.
Supervisor Greg Cox started the briefing by reminding residents that starting Friday, everyone in the county is required to wear facial coverings when they are within six feet of another person in public or the workplace.
San Diegans will see some countywide restrictions loosened while others are tightened. Officials announced Thursday more access to parks, golf courses and the region’s waters.
WATCH LIVE here
San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said parking lots at parks can open to half capacity and members of the same household unit can engage in active sport together.
“Now to be clear, this does not mean all of your family members who live in different households can come together. It means the individuals who live in one household can go out and play together,” Fletcher said.
Golf courses can open for limited use if they follow safety policies and boating is now OK. Golf courses won’t be able to have instructions or sit-down food services. Players will be able to walk the course, but not use carts.
Another 132 San Diegans tested positive and four more people died. That’s a total of 3,564 cases and 124 deaths.
Fletcher said the increase in positive cases correlates with more testing, but overall, the percentage of tests coming back positive is remaining steady at around 6%. However, he said if a spike comes after the amendments to the San Diego County public health officer order, restrictions will be put back into place. — Alexander Nguyen, KPBS web producer; Tarryn Mento, KPBS health reporter; John Carroll KPBS general assignment reporter
San Diego City Unveils 'Slow Street' Pilot Program
2:50 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2020
San Diego launched a "slow streets" pilot program Thursday that will limit traffic on some streets to enable better social distancing for pedestrians.
The slow streets movement has been growing in cities across the globe, as more sidewalks start getting crowded with people seeking a break from home isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. Faulconer said the city was starting with about 2½ miles of streets, and that he would be consulting with city council members on where the program can be expanded.
"Some areas we are seeing over 1,000 pedestrian trips per day," he said at a briefing Wednesday. "More people are walking around. And this means that people need more room to physically walk around."
The first phase of the pilot covers Diamond Street from Mission Boulevard to Olney Street; Adams Avenue over Interstate 805; Howard Avenue from Park Boulevard to 33rd Street and an unnamed portion of roadway in City Council District 4, which covers most of Southeast San Diego.
The streets will be marked with temporary signage over the next several days, with Diamond Street coming first, and the mayor said he would consult with council members on where to expand the program.
Faulconer added that the city would be reopening commuter bike paths that had been closed several weeks ago. Those include state Route 56 bikeway; the San Diego River bikeway from Ocean Beach to Mission Valley; Rose Creek bikeway; Rose Canyon bikeway; state Route 52 bikeway; Murphy Canyon along Insterstate 15 and Lake Hodges Bridge.
Advocates had urged the city to automate all pedestrian cross signals to prevent the spread of germs on crosswalk buttons. Faulconer said the city was exploring that possibility, but that for now, it will replace small crosswalk buttons with larger ones that can be pushed with an elbow or arm.
Councilwoman Jen Campbell, who appeared with Faulconer in Wednesday's briefing, said while the slow streets pilot was temporary, it could help the city with its larger goal of reducing car travel.
"By expanding street access for pedestrians and bikes while not impeding residential and emergency access, we can move about more safely and the city can study long term opportunities for our environment," Campbell said. "A clear analysis on the possibilities could inspire a vision for the San Diego of tomorrow, one that prioritizes walkability and more open green space for our communities." — Andrew Bowen, KPBS metro reporter
Gov. Newsom Temporarily Closes All Orange County Beaches
– 12:50 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2020
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday temporarily closed all beaches in Orange County because of “disturbing” images of people packing beaches there.
“The images we saw on some of the beaches were disturbing,” Newsom said, regarding the overcrowded beaches in Newport Beach. “I was candid about that.”
WATCH here:
There were concerns Wednesday night into Thursday that the governor would close all beaches throughout the state, but Newsom said he was cognizant of the fact that a vast majority of people in counties such as Los Angeles and San Diego were following social distancing orders and did not pack beaches.
“In areas that we didn’t see that, you have to recognize that. You have to own that,” he said. *— Alexander Nguyen, KPBS web producer
Judge Orders Review Of Otay Mesa Detainees For Eventual Release Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
– 12:09 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2020
A San Diego federal judge ordered Thursday that a group of up to 69 "medically vulnerable" detainees at the Otay Mesa Detention Center be screened for release amid a coronavirus outbreak at the facility.
The order from U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw came as part of a class- action lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union's San Diego chapter against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and CoreCivic, a private company which operates the Otay Mesa Detention Center.
As of Thursday, 162 detainees at the facility have tested positive for COVID-19.
The ACLU argues that overcrowded conditions at Otay Mesa have made social distancing an impossibility and puts detainees at serious risk of contracting the virus. The nonprofit is seeking a vast reduction in the inmate population — of both ICE and U.S. Marshals' detainees — but Thursday's hearing focused on a group of detainees considered at the highest risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19.
On Tuesday, attorneys for ICE and CoreCivic told Sabraw that eight detainees fall under the designation of medically vulnerable. But a supplemental brief filed the following day by Otay Mesa Detention Center Warden Christopher LaRose's attorneys states that additional information from ICE medical staff indicated there are 51 to 69 ICE detainees who may fall within CDC guidelines for being at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. – City News Service
San Diego Unveils 'Slow Streets' Pilot Program
– 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2020
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer on Wednesday announced a pilot program to limit traffic on some streets to enable better social distancing for pedestrians.
The "slow streets" movement has been growing in cities across the globe, as more sidewalks start getting crowded with people seeking a break from home isolation. Faulconer said the city was starting with about 2.5 miles of streets, and that he would be consulting with city council members on where the program can be expanded.
"Some areas we are seeing over 1,000 pedestrian trips per day," he said. "More people are walking around. And this means that people need more room to physically walk around."
The city says it will post a list of those streets Thursday morning on its coronavirus web page.
WATCH here:
Faulconer added that the city would be reopening commuter bike paths after they were closed several weeks ago. Those include the SR-56 bikeway, the San Diego River bikeway from Ocean Beach to Mission Valley, Rose Creek bikeway, Rose Canyon bikeway, the SR-52 bikeway and Lake Hodges Bridge.
Advocates had urged the city to automate all pedestrian cross signals to prevent the spread of germs on crosswalk buttons. Faulconer said the city was exploring that possibility, but that for now it was replacing small crosswalk buttons with larger ones that can be pushed with an elbow or arm.
Councilwoman Jen Campbell, who appeared with Faulconer in Wednesday's press conference, said while the slow streets pilot was temporary, it could help the city with its larger goal of reducing car travel.
"By expanding street access for pedestrians and bikes while not impeding residential and emergency access, we can move about more safely and the city can study long term opportunities for our environment," Campbell said. "A clear analysis on the possibilities could inspire a vision for the San Diego of tomorrow, one that prioritizes walkability and more open green space for our communities." — KPBS Metro Reporter Andrew Bowen
San Diego County Confirms 118 New Coronavirus Cases, Two More Deaths
– 3:18 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2020
San Diego County public health officials reported 118 new cases and two deaths Wednesday, raising the county totals to 3,432 cases and 120 deaths. – City News Service
San Diego Superior Court Closures Extended Through Memorial Day Weekend
– 3:47 p.m., April 29, 2020
The San Diego Superior Court will extend its COVID- 19-related closures through May 22, meaning county courthouses will remain shuttered until after the Memorial Day weekend, court officials announced Wednesday.
Courthouses throughout the region had been slated to reopen to the general public this Friday. But the Superior Court stated that non-emergency court services will remain suspended in the interest of public health and mitigating the spread of the virus.
"As COVID-19 continues to be a concern for our community, we are closely monitoring the recommendations from local and state public health agencies while working to determine the safest way to resume normal operations," said San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge Lorna Alksne. – City News Service
Newsom Announces New CalFresh Program, Provides Updates On Unemployment And Homelessness
1:55 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced during his daily press briefing on Wednesday that changes to the CalFresh program will increase access for children, seniors and families through online ordering, and a new Pandemic-EBT program.
Additionally, he said the state will partner with food banks, farms, local producers and ranchers to create "food boxes," providing families with fresh produce.
The governor said they will extend hours and provide more staff.
Additionally, the governor said that the state has acquired 12,603 hotel rooms to provide housing for the homeless. "Thousands of individuals now have a place, at least for the moment, to call home," Newsom said.
Additional updates on testing and contact tracing are expected tomorrow.
WATCH here:
On unemployment, Newsom said 3.7 million people have filed for unemployment insurance in the state. This includes a 235,000 spike yesterday — the first day of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help self-employed and independent workers.
"I am deeply aware that many of you tried to access that system online and struggled to get in," Newsom said. "We have to meet the moment, and provide more support." — Lakshmi Sarah
San Diego County Could See Rise In Domestic Violence During Coronavirus Pandemic
– 1:33 p.m., April 29, 2020
With stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in place indefinitely, greater levels of stress could cause an increase in domestic violence throughout San Diego County, a Sharp Health psychologist said Wednesday.
"Stress levels in general are elevated and there are not as many opportunities to relieve stress, which could create a lot more opportunities for conflicts to escalate," Dr. Christina Huang, a clinical health psychologist at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital told City News Service.
Factors such as financial strain and the possibility of getting sick, paired with the feeling of having no control over the COVID-19 pandemic, could also amplify tense situations, Huang said.
In the span from March 1 to April 25, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department logged 2,309 domestic-related calls, a roughly 3% increase from the 2,237 such calls handled in the comparable two-month stretch last year, according to sheriff's Lt. Ricardo Lopez.
Other departments around San Diego reported that not much has changed regarding domestic violence call statistics recently, but the situation is still developing.
"The short answer is that we have not seen a change in the number of cases submitted or filed by our office at this time," said Steve Walker, a spokesman for the San Diego County District Attorney's office.
"It's a complicated issue that we haven't been able to analyze yet since we don't have all the data yet." – City News Service
UC San Diego Health Begins Trial Of Arthritis Drug As Coronavirus Treatment
– 1:07 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Researchers at UC San Diego Health have begun a portion of a global clinical trial to assess whether a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders might also have therapeutic value for COVID-19 patients who have developed or are at high risk of developing serious lung damage from the infection.
Tocilizumab, marketed as Actemra, is an immunosuppressive drug used primarily to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a severe form of the disease in children. The antibody-based therapy works by blocking cellular receptors for interleukin-6, a small protein that plays an important role in triggering inflammation as an early immune response to disease.
In some patients with COVID-19, however, the immune response runs amok, overexpressing the protein, which can lead to potentially life-threatening damage to lungs and other organs. This has been linked to a number of inflammatory diseases, from respiratory conditions caused by coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS to some forms of influenza to non-infectious diseases such as multiple sclerosis and pancreatitis.
Previous research has suggested elevated levels of the protein are associated with higher mortality in people with community-acquired pneumonia. According to UCSD Health researchers, in the early days of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan last year, Chinese physicians used tocilizumab to treat a small number of COVID-19 patients with serious lung damage and reported promising results. The Chinese National Health commission now includes tocilizumab in its guidelines for treating COVID-19-related pneumonia and other lung issues. – City News Service
Del Mar Will Reopen Beaches Thursday
11:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Del Mar will reopen its beach Thursday morning for recreation activities, the city announced late Tuesday.
Beaches will be opened for surfers, swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders in the ocean, as well as runners and walkers on the sand.
But group gatherings, sports activities, parking in lots, except for disabled-access vehicles, and lying down on the beach are not allowed.
Beaches in San Diego, Oceanside, Encinitas, Coronado and Imperial Beach reopened for recreation activities on Monday but beaches Del Mar, Carlsbad and Solana Beach remained closed.
Solana Beach city officials announced Sunday that they are working to reopen city beaches the week of May 4. — City News Service
Carlsbad's JLab Audio Donates 3,000 Headphones To County Students Affected By Coronavirus For Distance Learning
– 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Citing students' lack of equipment necessary to participate in distance learning during stay-at-home orders, local company JLab Audio has donated 3,000 headphones to San Diego County school districts, education officials announced Wednesday.
"One of the biggest challenges right now is making sure that all students have what they need to continue learning during this unprecedented time," County Superintendent of Schools Paul Gothold said. "We are grateful to JLab Audio for providing headphones that will reduce distractions and help students be able to focus better on the content they are consuming."
Students in the South Bay Union and Vallecitos school districts, the King-Chavez Neighborhood of Schools, as well as at the San Diego County Office of Education's Juvenile Court and Community Schools will receive the headphones. The neon on-air headphones are a variant of the company's top-selling line.
"I was watching the governor's address a few weeks ago and he thanked Google for stepping up with Chromebooks and asked other companies to step up too," JLab CEO Win Cramer said. "As I watched my 14-year-old put on headphones and use her Chromebook for her 8th-grade classes, I realized we have a way to help. That moment sparked the idea to donate what we could." — City News Service
Homeless Count Being Used to Allocate Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic
– 5:20 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2020
The Regional Task Force on the Homeless found 7,619 homeless San Diegans live in the county, and those numbers are being used to best direct resources during the coronavirus pandemic, the organization announced Tuesday.
The task force -- a group of government and nonprofit stakeholders committed to preventing and alleviating homelessness in San Diego -- conducted its point-in-time count over three days beginning Jan. 23 to collect the data. Nearly 1,800 volunteers including 500 county employees took part in the event, which found a 6% reduction in the homeless population from the 2019 numbers.
The event, also known as WeAllCount, had volunteers and outreach workers interview unsheltered individuals using the mobile Counting Us application and geographical information system technology. The introduction of the system this year allowed the task force to analyze data in real-time and distribute resources in the community.
WATCH here:
Task force officials said they have begun using this data to aid in the COVID-19 response and will continue to use it to advance regional best practices.
"The RTFH's person-centered approach to the annual point in time count has given the San Diego region the tools and information to inform all aspects of addressing homelessness," said San Diego City Councilman Chris Ward, chair of the task force. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, these best- practices and new technology have delivered more accurate, actionable data to Public Health Officials and have allowed outreach workers to specifically target at-risk homeless individuals for life-saving services. This data will continue to be analyzed in our ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19."
The point-in-time count has been used in the past to develop San Diego's Community Action Plan on Homelessness and implementation of best practices. This data has also helped to determine the placement of several hand washing stations, the number of high-risk unsheltered individuals in need of additional services, and the opening of the temporary homeless shelter at the San Diego Convention Center.
"The information gathered during this annual count is critical in our fight to tackle homelessness in San Diego County," said Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, vice chair of the task force. "With this data we can secure more funding to support our homeless outreach strategies and deliver critical mental health, substance abuse and housing services to people living in our region without shelter."
According to this year's count, there are approximately 3,971 unsheltered individuals and 3,648 sheltered but homeless throughout the county. Out of the total unsheltered population, 8% are veterans, 17% are chronically homeless and 8% are unsheltered youth.
"Since the count and in response to COVID-19, hundreds more who were living on the streets have found shelter in the San Diego Convention Center and we enacted an eviction moratorium to help prevent folks from losing their home in the first place," San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer said. "We will keep working day and night to overcome this pandemic and help even more people find shelter and housing in the process." — City News Service
San Diego County Reports 173 New COVID-19 Cases, Five More Deaths
– 4:12 p.m., April 28, 2020
County health officials reported 173 new cases of COVID-19 and five additional deaths today, raising the county totals to 3,314 cases and 118 deaths.
The 173 cases are the second-highest reported since the pandemic began, but could correspond with the significant increase in daily test results, officials said. More than 2,500 tests results were reported, the third highest since San Diego's first case of the novel coronavirus.
The percentage of positive tests Tuesday was around 7%, slightly higher than the county's rolling average of nearly 6.5%, according to San Diego County Public Health.
The five deaths were two women, in their mid-50s and mid-80s, and three men — one in his early 70s and two in their late 80s. All had underlying health conditions according to Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer.
Since the beginning of the public health crisis, 713 people have been hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 and 238 have been sent to intensive care. These represent 22.1% and 7.2% of all positive cases, respectively. The rate of mortality from the illness in the county is 3.6%.
The county continues to move forward on its plan to require facial coverings in public by Friday, and agencies are rushing to adapt. The Metropolitan Transit System announced Tuesday it would require all passengers and employees to wear facial coverings while in vehicles or at transit centers or bus stops.
"Our number one priority is the safety of our passengers and frontline employees. Face coverings are a proven approach to slowing the spread of coronavirus," said Paul Jablonski, MTS chief executive officer. "We want to ensure we are doing everything we can to offer safe, essential trips in a sanitized environment. Face coverings are another step in that direction."
Dr. Nick Yphantides, the county's chief medical officer, backed up that point, displaying data at a Tuesday media briefing that suggests even a homemade cotton mask can dramatically reduce the amount of water droplets and aerosolized drops from the respiratory system of a person positive for COVID- 19. He then implored the public to continue to wear facial coverings and prepare for Friday's public health order.
"Folks, it's not that big of a deal," he said. "If it had a chance of helping prevent the spread of this illness, I'd wear a dirty sock on my face." – City News Service
Palomar Health To Lay Off 317 Employees, Citing Lack Of Revenue
– 4:09 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Palomar Health announced Tuesday that it is laying off 317 employees effective Wednesday, citing significant patient visit declines and loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the hospital, it has seen a 45% to 50% decrease in overall patient visits since the coronavirus outbreak began, absorbing a $5.7 million operating loss in March, "with losses in April expected to be worse, yet hard to estimate given the uncertainty of the virus."
Palomar Health, which operates multiple medical centers and clinics in north San Diego County in San Marcos, Poway, Escondido, Ramona and Rancho Bernardo, is far from the only health care provider feeling the impact.
UCSD Health Center has lost more than $50 million in revenue since March, Voice of San Diego reported Tuesday.
RELATED: Federal Hospital Coming To Palomar Medical Center As Officials Brace For Coronavirus Surge
The 317 positions represent 5% of Palomar's workforce and the majority are part-time workers. The number includes 50 clinical RNs. The remaining 267 positions are spread across the organization, ranging from clerical staff to technicians.
Employees who are affected will receive a severance package and are immediately eligible for unemployment and health insurance coverage through their severance period, Palomar Health officials said. – City News Service
WATCH: San Diego County Officials Give Update On Coronavirus Response
– 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2020
WATCH LIVE here:
Gov. Newsom Says Schools May Reopen As Soon As July
– 12:45 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2020
California schoolchildren could return to their classrooms as early as July though there likely will be modifications, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.
No formal decisions have been made, but he acknowledged there have been “learning losses” as parents have sought to teach their kids from home. Most schools and classrooms have been closed since March, when Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Districts and families have struggled to adapt to at-home learning. Starting the new school year earlier would make up for some of that lost time, Newsom said.
WATCH here:
B ut schools may look radically different than before. Newsom previously said schools may launch with staggered start times to limit the number of students in the school at one time and make changes to recess, lunch and other normal school gatherings that draw large groups of students together. — Associated Press
MTS To Require Face Coverings On Buses, Trolleys Starting Friday
– 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Starting Friday, public transit passengers in San Diego County will be required to cover their face and mouth when riding buses and trolleys to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the Metropolitan Transit System announced Tuesday.
Passengers without face coverings might be denied service, MTS said.
Earlier this month, MTS eliminated cash fare payments on buses and required rear-door boarding for all passengers except seniors and people with disabilities in an effort to limit interactions between passengers and drivers. The busses and trolleys are also being cleaned more often and the agency has asked passengers to sit as far apart as possible.
Still, at least five MTS bus drivers and two trolley maintenance workers have tested positive for the coronavirus. One fare inspector also tested positive but had not been at work for two weeks prior to testing positive and had no contact with passengers or other employees, MTS spokesman Rob Schupp said.
Two of the infected bus drivers work for Cincinnati-based First Transit, which MTS contracts with to operate its paratransit services. Several co-workers who may have been exposed to them were ordered by First Transit to stay home without pay for 14 days.
Two of the eight confirmed coronavirus cases among MTS workers have fully recovered and are back at work, Schupp said. — Andrew Bowen, KPBS Metro Reporter
First Day Of Limited Beach Opening 'Encouraging,' San Diego Mayor Says
6:15 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2020
San Diegans' first sanctioned day back at the beach following weeks of COVID-19-related coastal closures went well Monday, with visitors enjoying the surf and sand while largely complying with public health requirements, city leaders reported.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer described the start of the first phase of the region's return to the shores as "very, very encouraging."
WATCH here:
Several municipalities in the county reopened their beaches to limited use — recreational activities such as running and swimming. In San Diego, gatherings, boating and group activities are not permitted, and boardwalks, piers and parking lots are closed.
San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit and city Lifeguard Chief James Gartland, who head the agencies leading the enforcement of public health orders at the beaches, said Monday went smoothly, with some large crowds that thinned out as the day went on. – City News Service
San Diego County Records 98 New Coronavirus Cases, 2 More Deaths
– 3:07 p.m, April 27, 2020
With pressure growing to lift coronavirus restrictions, San Diego County health officials urged patience from the public today as they announced 98 more COVID-19 cases and two deaths from the illness, raising the county's totals to 3,141 cases and 113 deaths.
County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said county staff is working with cities on plans to gradually open parks and businesses, but such moves would be made incrementally and cautiously. He said any city wishing to reopen will have to have specific plans detailing how they would implement social distancing and post signs notifying the public of the restrictions.
WATCH LIVE here:
Additionally, the county public health order going into effect Friday mandating facial coverings in public will have to be factored into any plan.
"We believe face coverings are going to be part of our life for the foreseeable future," Fletcher said.
How long it will last remains unknown, but he said the development of widespread vaccinations or other treatments for COVID-19 would play a major role in when the county goes back to "normal."
The county and regional hospitals reported 823 test results Monday, with 12% returning positive. This represents a considerably higher rate than the rolling average — around 6% since the pandemic began. There are 1,734 COVID-19 positive individuals who have recovered from the illness, San Diego County health officials estimate, and 363 coronavirus patients were hospitalized as of Monday. – City News Service
Gov. Newsom Says Crowding at Beaches 'Could Set Us Back'
– 2 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2020
During his daily briefing on Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom had strong words for those who crowded onto beaches in Southern California this weekend, saying “this virus doesn’t take the weekends off.”
While noting that not all beaches experienced overcrowding, Newsom said the state must confront certain locations — like Newport Beach and Ventura — where social distancing guidelines were clearly not being followed.
Officials in Orange County plan to meet tonight to determine if beaches there should be closed again due to public health concerns. Newsom said he will also consider more aggressive enforcement of the statewide stay-at-home order if crowds continue to gather.
WATCH here:
"The only thing that will set us back is our behavior," Newsom said.
Over the past 24 hours, there were 1,300 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California, and 45 deaths.
Additionally, Newsom announced that Colorado and Nevada have joined California, Washington and Oregon in a Western states coronavirus compact, allowing for greater cooperation and data-sharing between the states. — Michelle Wiley/KQED
Encinitas City Council Votes To Reopen Moonlight Beach Monday Morning
- 6:15 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2020
The city of Encinitas announced Sunday night that Moonlight Beach will reopen Monday for walking, running and all water activities except boating, a city spokesman said.
The reopening, which was decided upon at a Sunday afternoon meeting of the Encinitas City Council, was scheduled to begin Monday at 8 a.m., said Encinitas public spokesman Patrick Platt.
RELATED: Which San Diego Beaches Are Open Monday?
San Diego County's ongoing health order still prohibits public gatherings and beachgoers must continue to practice social distancing. Beachgoers were also asked to wearing face coverings. If those orders are violated, the beach may be re-closed.
Boundaries of the beach will be dictated by the tides and, for the public's safety, they will be marked with black-and-white checkered flags at the north and south ends, Platt said.
The meeting in the Council Chambers, at 505 South Vulcan Ave., was scheduled in response to the San Diego County Health Department's surprise announcement Friday that ocean activities would be allowed again starting Monday.
"The cities did not get any warning regarding the announcement," officials said. "The initial strategy was to have a collaborative approach across the region. The county's unilateral action caught most cities off guard and the collaborative, uniform beach opening across the region will not be happening on Monday, April 27."
In Phase 1 of the draft proposal, all water activity, including swimming, surfing, paddling and kayaking would be allowed. Walking or running on the beach would also be allowed.
"No gatherings of any kind on the beaches," the draft states. "No stopping, standing, sitting or lying down and no chairs, blankets, coolers or anything stationary. No games or sports on the beach."
All beach parking lots will be closed and parking on Coast Highway will be prohibited, the draft said.
"Law enforcement will closely monitor adherence to the County of San Diego Public Health order prohibiting gatherings."
In Phase 2, an intermediate phase with no date to begin scheduled, the entire beach would be opened to all activity without restrictions.
On Saturday, three people were arrested and cited at Moonlight Beach for violating the stay-at-home order and congregating on a closed beach, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
The arrests happened during a protest rally against beach closures and the stay-at-home order. - City News Service
Otay Border SENTRI Lanes To Close Earlier Starting Sunday
- 6 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
Vehicle SENTRI lanes at the Otay Mesa passenger port of entry will close two hours earlier starting Sunday as result of decreased traffic volume, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said.
SENTRI is the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection that provides expedited border processing of pre-approved travelers considered low-risk. New operating hours for SENTRI vehicle lanes will be from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. - City News Service
Two Sheltered At Convention Center Test Positive For Coronavirus
- 4:50 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
Two homeless people sheltering at the San Diego Convention Center tested positive for the coronavirus and are in isolation, city officials said Sunday.
Earlier this month, the city began proactively testing hundreds of individuals at the convention center, regardless of whether they were displaying symptoms of the disease. The cases announced Sunday were the only positive results out of 663 tests administered to date, the city said.
Both people who tested positive are being transferred to isolation in a hotel room leased by county health officials. Earlier in the day, officials said one of the individuals had refused to go into isolation and left the convention center. But that person was later found and agreed to go into isolation.
— KPBS Metro Reporter Andrew Bowen
San Diego County Reports 100 New Coronavirus Cases, No New Deaths
-3:45 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
San Diego County health officials reported 100 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases to 3,043.
No new deaths were reported Sunday, according to a county news release. Thus far, 111 county residents have died from the virus.
The county also reported on Sunday that of those who contracted the virus, about 23% have required hospitalization and 7.5% have had to be placed in intensive care.— KPBS Staff
Demonstrators Protest Stay-At-Home Order in Pacific Beach
- 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
Protesters gathered near a lifeguard station in Pacific Beach today to protest state and county stay-home orders and beach closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 100 people rallied with U.S. flags and protest signs next to the PB Shore Club at 4343 Ocean Blvd., most not following social distancing orders or wearing facial coverings.
Two police motorcycle officers circled the area with dozens of officers patrolling on foot.
The protest, dubbed "A Day of Liberty San Diego Freedom Rally," was organized by Naomi Soria, who organized last week's downtown San Diego rally.
It was not immediately known whether anyone was cited for violating the stay-at-home order or congregating on a closed beach.
Protesters carried signs such as "COVID is a LIE" and "PB IS OPEN."
The protest began at 1 p.m. and people started to leave the area near the lifeguard tower after about half an hour, gathering at the corner of Mission Boulevard and Grand Avenue.
At Moonlight Beach on Saturday, three people were arrested and cited by sheriff's deputies during a protest. The three were cited for violating the stay-at-home order and congregating on a closed beach.
The Encinitas City Council was scheduled to vote Sunday afternoon on possibly opening Moonlight Beach on Monday.
The Carlsbad City Council on Saturday voted to keep its beach, parks and trails closed for now. The council will hold a special meeting May 1 to review plans for a phased reopening.
The six miles of Carlsbad's coastline controlled by California State Parks also remain closed. City officials said they want to coordinate the opening of all beaches in Carlsbad at the same time.
Officials in the beach cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach say they will not reopen beaches on Monday.
The County of San Diego Health Department announced Friday it would lift the restrictions on going into the ocean starting Monday, but left it up to cities and state parks whether to open the beaches.
San Diego beaches are set to open Monday morning for surfers, swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders in the ocean and runners and walkers on the sand. The Phase 1 plan restricts group gatherings, parking and lying down to soak up the sun. — City News Service
El Cajon Distributes $100K To Food Assistance Programs
- 11 a.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
El Cajon has distributed more than $100,000 to support grocery and food assistance programs in the city.
The money comes from the CARES Act, the federal coronavirus relief package passed by Congress in March. It was dispersed Friday to nine food assistance grocery delivery organizations in El Cajon, according to a city news release..
Food is expected to reach the homes of those El Cajon who need assistance by this week, the news release said. — KPBS Social Media Strategist Laura McVicker
Encinitas City Council To Meet About Opening Moonlight Beach
- 11 a.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
Monday's potential opening of Moonlight Beach will be considered by the Encinitas City Council at a special meeting today at 4 p.m.
The beach would open at 8 a.m. Monday and all entrances that are at least 6 feet wide would open, but all other beach access points would be closed, according to a draft proposal released by the city.
The meeting in the Council Chambers, 505 South Vulcan Ave., is in response to the San Diego County Health Department's surprise announcement Friday that ocean activities would be allowed starting Monday.
"The cities did not get any warning regarding the announcement," officials said. "The initial strategy was to have a collaborative approach across the region. The county's unilateral action caught most cities off guard and the collaborative, uniform beach opening across the region will not be happening on Monday, April 27."
In Phase 1 of the draft proposal, all water activity, including swimming, surfing, paddling and kayaking would be allowed. Walking or running on the beach would also be allowed.
"No gatherings of any kind on the beaches," the draft states. "No stopping, standing, sitting or lying down and no chairs, blankets, coolers or anything stationary. No games or sports on the beach."
All beach parking lots will be closed and parking on Coast Highway will be prohibited, the draft said.
"Law enforcement will closely monitor adherence to the County of San Diego Public Health order prohibiting gatherings."
In Phase 2, an intermediate phase with no date to begin scheduled, the entire beach would be opened to all activity without restrictions.
Three people were arrested and cited at Moonlight Beach on Saturday for violating the stay-home order and congregating on a closed beach, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
The arrests took place during a protest rally against beach closures and the stay-home order. — City News Service
Carlsbad Launches ‘Touchless’ Crosswalks
- 10:55 a.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
As part of its effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the city of Carlsbad now has “touchless” crosswalks at 12 intersections in Carlsbad Village and near the coastline.
The new technology automatically flashes the walk and don’t walk signs, without a passerby from having to push a button.
The city implemented the touchless crosswalks on Friday at the intersections that average the most button pushes a day, according to a city news release. — KPBS Social Media Strategist Laura McVicker
Del Mar, Solana Beach Will Not Reopen Beaches On Monday
–3:55 p.m., Saturday, April 25
While San Diego County health officials say local beaches can reopen on Monday, the cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach are going to wait. In a joint news release, the two cities said their beaches will remain closed while they evaluate the staffing, protocols and logistics needed for a reopening.
The cities said they have not approved the phased approach of the county and city of San Diego, and they said they have not had enough time to share their unique concerns and needs for a coordinated approach. They also said they have not had enough time to discuss the matter with their city councils.
"Throughout the discussions, all parties, including the County, agreed that reopening of our beaches and the implementation of a two-phased approach would occur in accordance with State and Federal guidelines for reopening based on Coronavirus data points for the region," the Friday news release stated. "However, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported today by the County of San Diego indicates a dramatic two-day spike of cases rather than a downward or flattening trend."
San Diego county saw record increases in the number of positive cases on Thursday and Friday, with 335 total new cases reported over the two days. –Gina Diamante, KPBS News Editor
San Diego County Reports Nine More COVID-19 Deaths, Two More Drive-Through Sites Planned
–2:55 p.m., Saturday, April 25
San Diego county health officials Saturday reported nine more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the toll for the region to 111. The five men and four women died between April 17 and April 24, and all had underlying medical conditions.
The health department says there are now 2,943 total cases in the county, an increase of 117 from Friday. As of today, a total of 43,638 COVID-19 tests have been administered to San Diegans, and 7% have been positive.
The county health department also announced plans to open two new drive-through testing sites. One will be at the North Inland Live Well Center in Escondido and the other at the Public Health Center in Chula Vista. Officials say if you have symptoms and want to be tested, you must have a referral from your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor or insurance, call 2-1-1 and ask to speak to the nurse triage line to request a referral. – Gina Diamante, KPBS News Editor
Shotguns Seized From San Diego Man Planning Government Takeover Related To COVID-19
– 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020
The San Diego City Attorney’s office says it has obtained a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) against a Rancho Penasquitos man who made “bizarre and threatening” social media posts about COVID-19. San Diego police officers seized three unregistered shotguns from the home of the unidentified 52-year-old, who is on probation for a drunken driving conviction and is not allowed to own firearms.
The City Attorney’s office says police had received multiple complaints about the man’s social media posts, which claimed COVID-19 was a government hoax. When police went to his home with a mental health professional, they determined he was a danger to others. He is currently on a 72-hour psychiatric hold.
"Stress from the COVID-19 public health crisis is exacerbating anxiety and mental health struggles for many," City Attorney Mara W. Elliott said. "Thanks to public vigilance, police were able to safely intervene and remove firearms from someone who presented a danger to himself and others before he resorted to violence." – KPBS Staff
ACLU Sues To Stop ICE Transfers
– 1:25 p.m., Saturday, April 25
The ACLU has filed an emergency lawsuit to try to stop people from being transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The suit names California Governor Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
The ACLU says conditions at ICE detention centers and at county jails make it impossible to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In a written statement, ACLU SoCal’s chief counsel Peter J. Eliasberg said, “It is not just those confined to jails, detention centers, and youth facilities who are in danger. Once the virus gets inside, the regular movement of staff and visitors in and out means that walls and razor wire can neither slow nor stop the viral spread to communities at large.”
In a second lawsuit, the ACLU is also demanding a drastic reduction in the populations of county jails and juvenile detention facilities due to the pandemic. – Gina Diamante, KPBS News Editor
Three Protesters Arrested At Moonlight Beach In Encinitas
– 1:18 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020
At least three people were arrested Saturday during a rally at Moonlight Beach, organized to protest beach closures and stay-at-home orders in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three were cited for violating the stay-at-home order and congregating on a closed beach, according to Channel 8, which tweeted video of the protest that showed deputies handcuffing a man on the beach. "The Surf's Up Shred the Tidal Wave of Tyranny" protest, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon, was organized by Crista Anne Curtis, who led a similar protest last week. Beaches remain closed in the region — including Encinitas — until Monday morning at sunrise. – City News Service
Global Death Toll From Coronavirus Surpasses 200,000
– 11:20 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020
Johns Hopkins University researchers say the global death toll from the coronavirus has surpassed 200,000. A tentative easing around the world of restrictions is gathering pace with the reopening in India of neighborhood stores that many of the country’s 1.3 billion people rely on for basic goods. The relaxation of the Indian lockdown did not apply to hundreds of quarantined towns or shopping malls. The U.S. states of Georgia, Oklahoma and Alaska also began loosening lockdown orders on their pandemic-wounded businesses. Italy said free protective masks will be distributed to nursing homes, police, public officials and transport workers, preparing for the return to work of millions when lockdown restrictions are eased from May 4. – Associated Press
San Diego City Beaches To Re-Open Monday At Sunrise, With Restrictions
– 8 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020
San Diego will launch Phase 1 of its beach reopening plan on Monday morning at sunrise. The decision to reopen the beaches comes after county health officials approved reopening beaches next week.
Phase 1 of the city’s plan allowed limited coastal activities in the following areas:
Beaches and shorelines: Only walking and running allowed. No stopping, sitting or lying down
Oceans and bays: Swimming, surfing, kayaking and single-person paddling allowed
Closed: Boardwalks, piers, parking lots and Fiesta Island
Not allowed anywhere: Gatherings and non-physical distancing activities – Gina Diamante, KPBS News Editor
1,000 San Diego Families To Receive Food At SDCCU Stadium Saturday
– 8 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020
Feeding San Diego and the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council will distribute food to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at SDCCU Stadium on Saturday morning. The giveaway will begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until the food runs out. More than one thousand families are expected to receive food.
This is the fifth week of food distribution for the two groups. – Gina Diamante, KPBS News Editor
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