California surpassed the 20,000-case mark Thursday night in the coronavirus pandemic, according to data compiled by this news organization.
The Bay Area is home to more than 4,500 of those cases and more than 100 deaths. But Gov. Newsom offered some hope Thursday in announcing the number of people in ICU beds decreased day-over-day.
Whether that becomes a broader trend remains greatly in question. The state is still expecting a patient surge in the coming weeks despite stay-at-home orders that appear to have helped level off new cases.
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:
San Francisco health officials reported three new deaths Friday morning from the coronavirus, bringing its cumulative death toll to 13. The city also added 73 new cases, pushing its total to 797. – Evan Webeck, 9:56 a.m.
County courts across California have pivoted to operating via video or phone conferencing for various proceedings, but First Amendment and civil-rights groups say that a lack of third-party access to the hearings has stopped the public from observing and safeguarding operations of the criminal justice system. – Robert Salonga, 9:11 a.m.
Oakland is closing 74 miles of its streets to cars in an effort to allow more space for walkers, bikers and runners during the coronavirus crisis. – Evan Webeck, 8:39 a.m.
New reports show that U.S. intelligence agencies began tracking the coronavirus in China as early as November. It is unclear when President Trump was first briefed about the virus. – CNN, 8:32 a.m.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an extension of the no-sail order for all cruise lines, which was initially unveiled a month ago. All cruise ships in U.S. waters must cease operations for the next 100 days, or until the federal emergency order is lifted. Evan Webeck, 7:04 a.m.
Two weeks after the federal CARES Act was passed, small businesses across the Bay Area are still waiting for their money, and some appear to have lost out in the chaos. – Leonardo Castañeda, 7 a.m.
The rancher who led an armed occupation of a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon several years ago is now organizing an Easter gathering featuring hundreds of people despite stay-at-home and social distancing orders. – CNN, 6:51 a.m.
Allergies may make your respiratory system more fragile and could even make it easier to catch the coronavirus. – CNN, 6:22 a.m.
Even occasional marijuana smokers could be more susceptible to the effects of the coronavirus than those who don’t smoke at all. – CNN, 5:13 a.m.
Officials in Los Angeles County announced 25 new deaths due to the virus Thursday, but they also expressed optimism that the curve may be flattening. – David Rosenfeld, 5:04 a.m.
Santa Cruz County’s case curve is “among the very best” in California, according to the county’s health officer. As of Thursday, the county had 80 confirmed cases, and the total was doubling about every eight days. – Nick Ibarra, 4:57 a.m.
