SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Editor’s note: This story shows updates about the coronavirus outbreak in San Diego and California from April 14 - 16 (midday), 2020. Click here for real-time updates for April 16, 2020 and on.
Key facts in San Diego:
- There are 2,012 confirmed cases in San Diego County and 60 confirmed deaths.
- View San Diego County cases in a map by zip code or city.
- All San Diego County beaches are closed.
- San Diego County is following the California stay at home order.
- Most San Diego schools have moved to distance learning and students can still receive meals while schools are closed.
- Text COSD COVID19 to 468-311 to get updates from San Diego County.
- San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services has launched a new COVID-19 cases interactive dashboard.
- Click here for previous daily updates
Key facts in California:
- California governor issued a statewide stay at home order on March 19.
- There are 24,424 confirmed cases in California and 821 deaths, according to the California Department of Public Health.
- 3,171 Californians have been hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 1,175 are in the ICU, according to the California Department of Public Health.
- Approximately 227,600 tests had been conducted. At least 214,387 results have been received and another 13,200 are pending as of April 14, according to the California Department of Public Health.
- A senior hotline has been set up to answer questions at 833-544-2374.
April 16
BBB launches online CARES Act & PPP course for small businesses
BBB has launched a no-cost CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Course. The course is designed to educate small businesses seeking funding options. Various relief programs are available and misinformation can delay the critical process of receiving essential funding.
COVID-19 testing begins for homeless at San Diego Convention Center
Homeless people who are staying at the San Diego Convention Center will start getting tested for COVID-19 Thursday. Those tests will be given out daily to make sure no one inside the convention center has the coronavirus.
San Diego Pride cancels all in-person events in July
San Diego Pride’s Board of Directors and staff announced that all in-person gatherings scheduled for July 2020 will not take place as planned. For more information, click here.
San Diego County Sheriff's releasing hundreds of inmates to comply with statewide order
Authorities Thursday will continue releasing inmates without bail in compliance with a state order to reduce prison populations in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. For more information, click here.
Jerome’s Furniture restructures operations in response to COVID-19 quarantine
Jerome’s Furniture Thursday restructured operations to ensure it continues to provide families access to items such as specialty furniture, mattresses, home office, and other furniture needed to function during the COVID-19 quarantine period and afterwards. Doing so required the company to reduce its employee count by approximately one-third, or 274 staff members.
Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego presents a small business aid teleconference Thursday
Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, will present a small business aid teleconference Thursday at 2 p.m. to present the various resources available to small businesses across California in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To submit a question and/or register for the call, click here.
April 15
News 8 live special: Your Coronavirus Questions Answered
Dr. Phil Yphantides, Medical Director, Urgent Care, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group and Nathan Fletcher, County Supervisor, San Diego’s 4th District join News 8 on our live show where we present the facts not fear around the COVID-19 pandemic. Click to watch the video.
San Diego community leaders helping people navigate system for assistance
As the coronavirus/ COVID-19 pandemic continues to force thousands of San Diegans to apply for unemployment benefits, the system, for many is proving to be increasingly frustrating.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is trying to get as much information out to the community about the process and what people are entitled to.
Read the full story here.
Answering your questions about coronavirus as it relates to summer heat, groceries, gloves and soap
We're answering your questions about the coronavirus, and in this series of stories, Marcella Lee shares new research about the effects the summer months are expected to have on the coronavirus, an update on how to handle your groceries and fresh produce when coming home from the store, how soap works to break apart the coronavirus, and the proper way to use gloves to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Millions of Americans receive stimulus payments in bank accounts
There's been excitement and frustration as tens of millions of Americans, who started receiving stimulus payments. Some simply saw the money in their bank accounts while others have struggled to track theirs down on the IRS website.
Move over "Tax Day," April 15 became payday for millions of Americans getting a stimulus check, where they didn't have to do a thing but check their bank accounts, and the money was there.
San Diego mayor proposes major budget cuts to offset COVID-19 revenue losses
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer proposed sweeping budget cuts Wednesday aimed at reducing the impact of a $250 million tax revenue shortfall the city is facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The revised budget would eliminate 354 city jobs among San Diego's 11,000-member workforce, cut arts funding in half, and reduce hours at city libraries and recreation centers.
Faulconer said the city would work to help employees affected by the job eliminations.
San Diego County COVID-19 cases over 2,000 with 60 deaths reported
San Diego County officials reported 82 new cases of COVID-19 today and seven additional deaths, raising the county's totals to 2,012 cases and 60 deaths.
Authorities also announced the release of hundreds of inmates to lighten the jail population amid the pandemic.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department was expected to release approximately 400 inmates without bail Wednesday and Thursday in compliance with a state order to reduce prison populations to prevent the spread of COVID- 19, Sheriff Bill Gore said.
Drive-thru COVID-19 antibody test site ordered to shut down by County of San Diego
A drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic in Cardiff has been shut down by order of the County of San Diego. The San Diego County health department sent a cease and desist letter Wednesday to MiraCosta College, the site of the pop-up testing clinic.
San Diego Unified approves hazard pay, grade protection during COVID-19 pandemic
The San Diego Unified School District will begin paying hazard pay to employees still interacting with the public in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as protecting the grades of students while schools remain closed. A majority of students will begin graded online instruction on April 27, when the new grading policy will also go into effect.
San Diego Humane Society begins baby animal program on social media
The San Diego Humane Society is launching a virtual program to allow families sheltering at home to watch litters of puppies and kittens grow. The "Ready, Set, Grow!" program allows the public to watch baby animals in foster care via Instagram and Facebook posts as they wait to be adopted. As the community responds to the impact of COVID-19, animals are still entering San Diego Humane Society's care on a daily basis. For more information, click here.
San Diego first responders receive 900 face shields to protect against coronavirus
The San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation announced a donation by The JEM Project of 900 face shields that will help protect San Diego first responders and their patients against exposure to coronavirus during treatment and medical transport. Now the two nonprofits are challenging their fellow San Diegans to step up to support first responders. For more information, click here.
San Diego County Fair Postponed Until 2021
The San Diego County Fair Board on Tuesday announced this year's county fair has been postponed until 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The "Heroes, Unite!" theme will be carried over to the 2021 fair.
San Diego Comic-Con, another of San Diego's biggest summer events, has yet to announce if they will move forward with this year's event or also postpone. Read the full story here.
April 14
SDSU Filipino organization said it was 'Zoombombed'
A Filipino American student organization at San Diego State University said it was 'zoombombed' on Friday, April 10. The so-called "Zoombombers" used racial slurs and derogatory language toward minorities.
Trouble sleeping and weird dreams common amid pandemic
Online searches about sleep deprivation and weird dreams during quarantine were up more than 200% in the last few weeks. Many of us are having a hard time falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, and dreaming about really strange stuff.
Dr. Victoria Sharma with Sharp Grossmont Hospital says you shouldn't lose sleep over having weird dreams.
Sharma is a board-certified sleep medicine physician. She said people's sleep habits are all over the place right now, and a lot of it has to do with our changing schedules.
'Bubble Man' of Ocean Beach explains reason for rolling around streets
A video that recently went viral seemed to be a sign of the times showing social distancing taken to an extreme. The man in the video has become known as the "Bubble Man of Ocean Beach," but what seemed like a gimmick is the man's way of getting a message across.
The cell phone video that spread on social media shows a man rolling through the streets of Ocean Beach in a giant plastic bubble. What you may not be able to see is he was also wearing a hazmat suit and mask.
The pandemic was definitely the beginning of his vision but for Jason Chase and many other families, the coronavirus is about much more than closed beaches and businesses. The virus is a direct threat to their loved ones.
In this case, it's a threat to Chase's 10-year-old son Maximus.
Outreach teams working to bring homeless off San Diego streets into convention center
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer discussed the next phase of Operation Shelter to Home at a media briefing Tuesday. Faulconer was joined by Alpha Project President and CEO Bob McElroy and Father Joe’s Villages President and CEO Deacon Jim Vargas. Their organizations are two of three service providers assisting clients at the San Diego Convention Center.
The city has so far relocated hundreds of homeless individuals from shelters into the San Diego Convention Center to provide safe and sanitary living conditions amid the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the mayor, the next phase which started over the weekend includes outreach teams working to bring people living on San Diego streets into the convention center. Since Friday, more than 85 unsheltered individuals have reportedly moved into the convention center.
Scripps Health President responds to Newsom's guidelines for reopening California economy
After Newsom's announcement, Scripps CEO and President, Chris Van Gorder, voiced his concerns and argued that healthcare workers require proper PPE before any restrictions can be relaxed in California. You can read the full story here.
Countywide death toll reaches 52
1,930 people in San Diego County have tested positive for COVID-19 out of the 27,048 people that have been tested. The county announced 83 new cases on Tuesday, none of which are homeless people.
53 people have died countywide. These newly-announced deaths were people ranging in age from 63 to 100, according to McDonald. If a person dies at home, the medical examiner is in charge of investigating. You can read the full story here.
SD Loyal raising money to help Rady Children’s Hospital combat COVID-19
The San Diego Loyal Soccer Club on Tuesday announced a partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital and the Conrad Prebys Foundation to raise money for the hospital’s fight against the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Last week, the hospital announced a $350,000 matching grant from the foundation to fund the creation of 3D-printed nasal swabs, protective face shields, and other critically needed materials to protect health care workers on the frontlines as well as patients and families.
Through a virtual fundraising challenge, the SD Loyal is asking fans and locals to help the team reach their goal of $30,000 to, in turn, get the hospital closer to reaching its goal in partnership with the Conrad Prebys Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announces $1.08 billion to California airports in response to COVID-19
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $1.08 billion in airport aid to 188 airports in California to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. View a list of California airports receiving funding on an interactive map, along with funding for all U.S. airports on FAA’s website.
Chula Vista community thanks first responders
On Tuesday morning, officers were given greeting cards along with candy and other sweets to thank them for their service. For the full story, click here.
Governor Newsom reveals roadmap for easing COVID-19 stay-at-home orders to reopen California
Governor Gavin Newsom addressed Californians Tuesday and laid out parameters and tools needed before the state would modify California’s statewide stay-at-home orders and other broad COVID-19 interventions.
Newsom revealed a roadmap, that includes six key indicators, for gradually releasing California from the coronavirus restrictions that have kept 40 million residents indoors for much of the last month.
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RELATED: Governor Newsom reveals roadmap for easing COVID-19 stay-at-home orders to reopen California
View all News 8 coverage of coronavirus / COVID-19
News 8 has joined forces with The San Diego Foundation to raise immediate, emergency funds for our most vulnerable neighbors in need. Here is how you can help.
We also have a Frequently Asked Questions page we will continue updating with the latest information and reports.
Click here to watch "Facts Not Fear," a News 8 Special on coronavirus from March 26, 2020.
BACKGROUND
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, as with any other respiratory illness:
Know how it spreads
There is no vaccine
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus
It is thought to spread mainly from person-person between people in close contact
And believed to be spread by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Protect yourself
Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds
If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourselves and others
Protect others
Stay home when you are sick
Wear a facemask if you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
If you don't have tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow
Immediately wash your hands after coughing and sneezing
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
You can find information on disinfecting and cleaning on the CDC's How to Protect Yourself page.
The California Department of Public Health has issued guidance on the use of cloth face coverings to protect against the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
The County of San Diego has made face coverings mandatory for those working with the public including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and similar businesses.
While officials say these face coverings are not a substitute for practices like social distancing and handwashing, there is evidence to suggest that the use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission. Officials do not recommend the public use N-95 or surgical masks which are needed by health care workers and first responders.