California is reaching its 1 Millionth confirmed Coronavirus infection. The U.S. now has more than 10 Million confirmed cases. California’s early action to order people to stay at home was successful in curtailing the spread, but each time it has relaxed restrictions, cases have risen.
Shasta County has once again set a single day record for new cases of COVID-19. The county reported 164 cases on Friday for a total of 2,980. 28 people are currently hospitalized and 6 are in intensive care. No new deaths were reported and the total remains at 36. There are 157 active cases and 360 people are quarantined due to possible exposure. The new cases continue to be reported among younger people. Of the 164 cases reported Friday, 10 were children under the age of 13. Public health says that the county has the highest case rate in the state. Officials are urging the public to take the virus threat seriously.
Public health says the case numbers directly reflect the level of precautions in the community. The only way to reopen the economy is by following the guidelines of face coverings, avoiding close contact with other people and washing hands frequently. Employers are strongly encouraged to offer alternative worksite options when feasible and to scale up safety measures.
Since Shasta County has entered the most restrictive purple tier, state agencies will likely take a more aggressive enforcement role.Shasta County must show red tier numbers for two consecutive weeks before restrictions will ease.
— Retail stores can only allow 25% capacity.
— Bars must close.
— It’s delivery and take-out only for restaurants.
— Churches, museums, entertainment and exercise facilities can only operate outdoors.
— Hair and nail salons, tattooing and piercing are allowed.
— Kindergarten through 12th Grade schools do not need to close.
Trinity County, with 62 cases, has joined Siskiyou and Modoc Counties in a move from yellow into the orange tier, forcing significantly tighter business restrictions. Siskiyou County has had one death among 321 cases. Modoc County has surged to 86 cases.
Tehama County is up to 1,084 cases and 19 deaths. Butte County has had 3,371 cases and 56 deaths. Glenn County has had 733 cases and 5 deaths. 653 cases are reported in Humboldt County with 10 deaths. Lassen County has had one death among their 164 cases in the community and 742 in prison.
Widespread testing is a vital component in getting Shasta County out of the purple tier. There have been 71,098 negative tests in Shasta County. Free testing options can be found at shastaready.org.