Public Health Alerts Families: Large Gatherings Still Not Safe
The Santa Cruz County Public Health Division has identified four clusters of COVID-19 transmission in South County involving family gatherings and is encouraging everyone to maintain social distancing and follow shelter-in-place orders during Memorial Day weekend.
On Friday, the county reported 186 cases, including 10 on Thursday – the most on a single day since the pandemic began.
Of the 186 cases, Watsonville has 77, unincorporated areas 45, the city of Santa Cruz 44, Capitola 6, Scotts Valley 6, and eight more under investigation.
Five people are hospitalized in Santa Cruz County, four positive cases, and one suspected, including one person in intensive care, according to the state health department. Among those with two or more chronic conditions, 31 percent diagnosed with COVID-19 required hospitalization.
Watsonville Plaza
The investigations into the clusters are ongoing, but the county reported all known transmission is associated with close contact between households during family get-togethers including a multi-generational Mother’s Day gathering and a large gathering involving individuals who travelled from out of state.
The March 16 county health order to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus prohibits non-essential travel and gatherings of any size, as does the governor’s shelter-in-place order.
County officials warn that if the number of cases continues to increase, efforts to reopen sectors of the community could be jeopardized.
Dr. Gail Newel
“I want to thank the community for all they have done so far to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel. “But we can’t let our guard down now, there are still more lives to save.”
All clusters are being monitored and investigated by the Communicable Disease Unit, including contact tracing and isolation/quarantine guidance.
“We understand that as the shelter-in-place orders enter their third month, people have a strong desire to gather with friends and family, particularly on holidays when the weather is good,” said Santa Cruz County Chief of Public Health Jen Herrera. “We want residents to understand that they may unwittingly place those they love at risk for getting COVID-19, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
Mimi Hall, the county’s Health Services Agency director, said the county has 18 contract tracers, and she expected to have 35 trained this week, with more to be trained to meet the state’s requirement of 15 per 100,000 residents, which is 41.25 positions.
Testing availability has increased since Margaret Lapiz became the head of head SAVE Lives Santa Cruz County two weeks ago.
“We have the capacity to conduct 3,000 tests a week,” she said, noting a new site at Ramsay Park in Watsonville, run by contractor OptumServe, which is free.
An appointment is required by phone or online at covid19.ca.gov; you must set up an online account first to get the test results but a doctor referral is not necessary.
For the first week, 658 of the 660 appointment slots were filled.
On Wednesday, before the clusters and uptick of cases, Hall said the county met the state’s metric requiring 1.5 tests per 10,000 residents, which is 420 tests a day.
She also said the state had relaxed the tracer requirement, allowing counties to attest that they have the resources to track cases and apply for a variance to allow retail and dine-in restaurants. This is slated to be on the Board of Supervisors agenda June 2.
On Thursday, before the uptick was posted, Manu Koenig, candidate for First District supervisor, hearing from business owners, said the board could call a special meeting and not wait til June 2.
If the state approves the variance, the county health official must write a new order to replace what exists now.
In Capitola Village, where June to September can account for 50 percent of business revenue, restaurant owners plan to ask city officials about outdoor dining on the Esplanade once the state allows. That will be discussed when the Capitola City Council meets at 7 p.m. May 28.
Beaches Closed During The Day
Local beaches remain off limits from11 a.m.-5 p.m., unless you are crossing the sand to engage in water activities.
Residents are advised to follow the order to wear face coverings while engaging others at work or in public and to wash the face covering frequently.
Children 12 and under are not required to wear a face covering and those 2 and under must not wear one.
Health officials also advise:
- Washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face
- Coughing or sneeze into your elbow
- Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces
- Stay home when ill except to seek medical care
Testing locations, including information about hours of operation and contact information can be found on the county’s web site at www.santacruzhealth.org/savelives.
For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Story By Jondi Gumz