Coronavirus Live Updates: COVID-19 in the Bay Area, Thursday May 21
The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in California has increased, averaging more than 1,850 a day over the past week, and bringing the known number of infections up to 11,594.
But there could be a good explanation for the jump — counties have increased their testing in an attempt to meet Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mandates for reopening their jurisdictions.
As the number of known infections has climbed, the death rate seems to have plateaued since a mid-April peak, dropping to an average of 75 a day.
Stay up to date with the virus’ spread with our Bay Area county-by-county map and our California-wide map.
Resources:
How to tell if you may have COVID-19
If you believe you have the virus, here’s what to do
How to get groceries without going to the supermarket
Here are tips for staying safe as you go to the grocery store
These Bay Area restaurants are offering delivery or takeout
If you are laid off or have hours cut in the crisis, here’s how to apply for state support
These Bay Area companies are hiring during the coronavirus crunch
Live updates:
If the United States had implemented social-distancing guidelines two weeks earlier, at the start of March instead of the middle, an estimated 54,000 live might have been saved, according to a new study by Columbia University. The study also warns that reopening too quickly could cost tens of thousands more lives. — Evan Webeck, 10:28 a.m.
The number of air passengers traveling through Oakland International Airport in April dropped by 96 percent, but officials are starting to see some future bookings for summer travel. — George Avalos, 9:59 a.m.
If you’re planning to get away for Memorial Day weekend by heading up to the Lake Tahoe area, unless you own a second home there the visit could cost you a $1,000 fine. The Tahoe area has entered Phase 2 of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s multi-stage plan for restarting the economy, but Tahoe officials want to keep the area closed to all but residents and business travelers. — Bay Area News Group, 7:01 a.m.
Thousands of people around the country adopted pandemic pets — rescue animals they hope will provide some comfort and joy through the long quarantine. But some might be struggling on how to care for their new housemates. Here are tips on getting started. — Joan Morris, 7 a.m.
The number of California workers filing first-time claims for unemployment jumped during the week that ended on May 16, continuing a disturbing trend created by coronavirus shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders. An estimated 246,100 workers filed initial claims last week, up 16 percent from the 212,700 who filed during the week that ended on May 9, the U.S. Labor Department reported. — George Avalos, 6:21 a.m.
As many as 3,000 churches in California could defy Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orders to remain closed, with 1,200 pastors signing “declaration of essentiality” and planning to reopen church doors to congregations on May 31. Newsom says churches will be allowed to open within weeks, but not before that. — Associated Press, 6:20 a.m.