SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Editor’s note: This story shows updates about the coronavirus outbreak in San Diego and California from Sept. 6 - 8 (midday), 2020. Click here for real-time updates for Sept. 8, 2020 and on.
Key COVID-19 facts in San Diego and California:
- There are 40,650 confirmed cases in San Diego County and 707 reported deaths.
- There are 737,911 confirmed cases in California and 13,758 reported deaths.
- View San Diego County cases by zip code or city and find local testing sites.
- Click here for previous updates
Sept. 8
Governor Newsom gives update on state's response to wildfires and COVID-19
Newsom stood at the podium on Tuesday to update Californians on the many different wildfires raging across the state. He gave the newest burn acreage and containment numbers while reminding people to stay vigilant especially with Santa Ana winds on their way to the region.
He also talked about the new COVID-19 numbers, including more counties moving from purple to red in his color-coded plan.
To see the address in its entirety, click here.
Sweetwater Union High School District to offer free Adult Education courses
The Sweetwater Union High School District announced Tuesday its Adult Education Division will begin offering free career technical education courses in South Bay communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"During these unprecedented times, it is our priority to help and support our community through this global pandemic by offering free courses throughout the South Bay," said Audrey Diedorff, a teacher in the adult and continuing education division.
Sept. 7
San Diego State extends stay-at-home order through Sept. 14
Officials for San Diego State University announced Monday the school is extending its stay-at-home order and COVID-19 advisory for another week as it battles its outbreak of the coronavirus. The order for students living in on-campus residence halls, asking them to stay in their current residences except for essential needs, was set to expire Tuesday but the order will now remain in effect through Monday, Sept 14 at 9 a.m.
Sept. 6
San Diego State total probable or confirmed COVID-19 cases jumps to 286
San Diego State University on Sunday confirmed over 100 new probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Friday among its on- and off-campus student population. The school's total number of cases as of Sunday was 286.
The announcement was the latest in a series of reports from SDSU of climbing virus numbers. On Friday, the school reported a jump of 120 cases bringing their total to 184.
San Diego County reports 308 new COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths
San Diego County public health officials reported 308 new COVID-19 cases and three additional deaths Sunday, raising the county's cumulative totals to 40,650 cases and 707 fatalities.
Two women and one man died between July 29 and Aug. 31. Their ages ranged from the mid-50s to mid-90s. Two of the three had underlying medical conditions.
States plan for cuts as Congress deadlocks on more virus aid
State budget cuts are mounting and reserve funds are dwindling as governors and lawmakers address declining tax revenue and increased costs caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Press reported Sunday. Many states and local governments had hoped Congress would pass another round of aid after receiving $150 billion from a relief bill this spring. But Congress has deadlocked for months over the size, scope and necessity of more help.
“There is a lot at stake in the next federal stimulus package and, if it’s done wrong, I think it could be catastrophic for California,” said Assemblyman Phil Ting, a Democrat from San Francisco and chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee.
The budget that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in June includes $11.1 billion in automatic spending cuts and deferrals that will kick in Oct. 15, unless Congress sends the state $14 billion in additional aid. California’s public schools, colleges, universities and state workers’ salaries all stand to be hit.
View all News 8 coverage of coronavirus / COVID-19
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BACKGROUND:
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, "CO" stands for "corona," "VI" for "virus," and "D" for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, as with any other respiratory illness:
Know how it spreads:
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Protect yourself and others
Wash your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- It’s especially important to wash:
- Before eating or preparing food
- Before touching your face
- After using the restroom
- After leaving a public place
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling your cloth face covering
- After changing a diaper
- After caring for someone sick
- After touching animals or pets
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
- Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancingmeasures are difficult to maintain.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
Monitor your health daily
- Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
- Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
- Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
- Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
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.
As of April 4, 2020, all employees in San Diego County who may have contact with the public in any grocery store, pharmacy/drug store, restaurant or food establishments, convenience store or gas station are required to wear a cloth face covering while at work as an additional measure to help “flatten the curve” in the San Diego region.
As of May 1, San Diego County requires everyone in the county to wear face coverings in many public settings. The coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are part of our path to reopening San Diego. See full health order here.
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.