SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — County of San Diego officials announced 140 new cases of COVID-19 and six new reported deaths on Tuesday raising the county totals to 4,160 cases and 150 deaths.
The six deaths were three women and three men, ranging in age from 62 to 95, according to officials with San Diego Health Services.
The briefing was held later than usual after the San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting wrapped up.
Supervisor Nathan Fletcher cited research from a UCSD presentation to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors which reportedly said if the county had not taken as swift of action as it did the region would have suffered over 12,000 deaths by now.
Fletcher said the focus now should be on how the county reopens not "if" and "when."
"As we move forward, we want to be clear, thoughtful, we want to continue to have actions based on the data we share daily with you," said Fletcher. "To do otherwise and to move forward irresponsibly would be throwing away all the tremendous sacrifice that has been made and all the tremendous work that's been done."
The supervisor said he sympathized with those in economic distress but said without a phased approach there could be a second wave of the virus.
He said he still anticipates San Diego County will be able to follow suit with the state in loosening restrictions on certain businesses and industries by Friday including curbside retail for sporting good stores, toy stores, book stores and similar businesses.
Earlier Tuesday, the board of supervisors unanimously voted to adopt a framework to reopen businesses in a safe manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The framework offers guidelines on employee and customer safety, sanitation, physical distancing, and general business practices and communications.
Supervisors also unanimously approved $5 million emergency childcare vouchers available to essential frontline workers and families. The money will come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Jacob made an amendment to make the funds contingent on the city of San Diego also contributing $5 million from its CARES Act funding, for a total of $10 million.
Fletcher said the vouchers will "not only alleviate a financial burden but will increase access to childcare and allow them to focus on performing their essential services. We are hopeful the city of San Diego will join us and contribute."
The board also unanimously approved a six-month waiver of fees for inspections associated with environmental health, agriculture weights and measures, plan checks for tenant improvements, and air pollution control permit renewals.
Desmond -- who recently sponsored the proposal along with Supervisor Kristin Gaspar -- said the waiver will help local farmers, restaurants, salons, kennels, manufacturers and the medical industry. Gaspar said the action offers "some level of certainty. These recommendations are an investment."
Another COVID-19 proposal by Fletcher to offer hazard pay to essential county workers died for lack of a second motion.
Cox said that considering the county's long-term expenses in responding to the coronavirus, it was unwise to approve hazard pay.
Desmond said frontline employees are "doing God's work," but the county needs to open up its economy for the 25% of residents who aren't getting a paycheck at all.
"In the long run, they're the ones paying your salaries," he added.
Fletcher later said he was disappointed by the board's lack of support.
"Available federal funds could be utilized for this simple step to show respect and appreciation for county employees who are putting their lives at risk to serve our community," he said.
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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.
