COVID-19: Second Death Announced

Shelter Order May Ease May 4; COVID-19 Metrics Important

By Jondi Gumz

A South County man died Tuesday from the contagious coronavirus COVID-19, the second fatality in Santa Cruz County, but Dr. Gail Newel, the county’s health officer, shared her view that the March 16 “shelter in place” order may be eased when it expires May 3.

The man who died, a father and a grandfather, was in his late 60s and had a cardiovascular condition, one of the three known risk factors for serious complications and death, according to Newel.

“We mourn his passing,” she said.

His friends, family and contacts at his workplace have been tested, she added.

At UC Santa Cruz, where he drove a shuttle bus, Chancellor Cynthia Larive posted a campus message expressing condolences, saying he was “well-liked and respected.”

Newel noted the county’s first fatality was more than two weeks ago — “a good sign.”

ICU Cases Down

As of April 14, the county reported 91 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 16 people in the hospital and 2,340 negative test results. The state database shows five people in intensive care, as of April 13, three confirmed positive and two suspected cases, fewer than a week ago.

Gov. Newsom, at his Tuesday press conference, said hospitalizations statewide are up 2 percent but ICE admissions are down .1 percent, giving him “a bit of optimism.” He said he checks ICU and hospitalization numbers every morning.

County beaches and parks will reopen Thursday April 16 as Newel intended when she closed them on April 8 but she warned she will close them again if people ignore the social distance rules to stay six feet away from non-household members.

If social distance rules are not followed at skate parks and dog parks, they will be closed, she added.

Newel said she is working with health officials in the San Francisco Bay Area to potentially lift some restrictions starting May 4.

Construction May Restart

What’s being discussed is allowing construction, landscaping and gardening businesses to resume operations, and perhaps golf courses. Summer camps for children — with new safety practices such as a limit of 12 in a group — also are under consideration.

“No gatherings of any significant size,” Newel said, referring to music festivals and movie theaters.

Shortly thereafter, the city of Santa Cruz announced cancellation of the Japanese Cultural Fair on June 6, Juneteenth on June 13, Woodies on the Wharf June 27, and the Church Street Fair Aug. 1-2.

Asked about July 26 Wharf to Wharf race, scheduled to bring 16,000 runners to Santa Cruz and Capitola, Newel said, “Plan for 2021.”

Mike Ryan of Santa Cruz Shakespeare has already cancelled the summer season and is looking to 2021.

“We’re looking at things like gatherings up to 10,” Newel said, then eight weeks later, up to 50.

Mimi Hall, director of the Health Services Agency, was hesitant to loosen restrictions too quickly, or “the progress we’ve made could be eliminated.”

Metrics

Newel said regional health officials have four metrics that must be met: Enough COVID-19 testing capacity so everyone can be tested, sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers with a 30-day supply in reserve, a decline in hospitalizations and enough staff to investigate every positive case as to how the coronavirus was transmitted.

Three local testing sites are expected to go into operation this week, and the number of hospitalizations is “looking good,” according to Newel, who hopes to get a shipment of PPE from the state.

“We’re in rationing mode,” Hall said, with the state sending 10 percent of the protective equipment she’s requested.

With the federal government intervening with private suppliers, Hall is hopeful the situation will change “in a few weeks.”

Staffing also is an issue. Public health staff have been working double shifts to investigate cases, which Newel said is “not sustainable.”

She expects a second wave of cases, as happened with the 1918 Spanish flu, and even a third and fourth wave.

Asked about people who have lost jobs due to shelter in place, she said, “We hear them, we see them. We know they are hurting and we’re taking that into consideration.”

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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 the hours of 8 a.m. and 6