NBC Bay Area launched a blog at the height of the coronavirus pandemic to provide updates on COVID-19. Here's an archive of the updates from our coverage in April.
Wednesday, April 29
A federal judge in San Francisco, citing a "significant risk of harm" from the spread of the coronavirus, on Wednesday ordered a process for possible release of some of the more than 400 immigrants being held at two crowded California facilities.
Stay-at-home orders across the Bay Area have officially been extended through May 31, and some businesses will be allowed to operate again.
Click here for a list of what's allowed in the Bay Area's revised stay-at-home order.
The pandemic continues to affect the lives of people across the Bay Area, and this time, several San Jose workers will see the consequences of it as the city has announced major furloughs.
From Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services to San Jose Public Library and San Jose Police Derpartment, here's how these employees will be affected and how the city will handle it.
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic hit the Bay Area, many small businesses have struggled greatly to stay afloat during stay-at-home orders.
In order to help struggling small businesses in Chinatown, a man decided to help his favorite Chinatown restaurants by delivering meals to friends and family across the Bay Area for free. Here's more.
Contra Costa County is now offering low-cost childcare for essential workers who may be working a lot more than usual during the pandemic.
The coronavirus took a toll on sports and plenty of us miss watching games every week.
As far as baseball goes, reports had indicated that when baseball returns it likely will do so only in select areas. But a recent update gave the first glimmer of hope that the Giants could return to Oracle Park as soon as June.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art staff created a petition asking the museum's director and members of the cabinet to forgo their salary to help other employees of the museum. The petition has been signed by over 1,400 people. check it out.
Tuesday, April 28
Seven Bay Area counties announced that their shelter-at-home orders will be extended through the entire month of May. So, wondering how law enforcement has been and will be enforcing the order? Data compiled by the Investigative Unit show a variety in approaches. Check it out here.
Many businesses are worried the stay-at-home order will harm them financially. Some of those have even made the decision to return to work, including Broadcom in San Jose.
In the North Bay, some small business owners are pushing back against the forced closing of their companies, and are looking at reopening and how exactly would that happen.
The pandemic is even affecting health care workers at Stanford Health Care as they're being forced to take mandatory furloughs during the outbreak.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that schoolchildren may be able to return to their classrooms as early as July, though there will likely be modifications. More on that
He also announced new modifications to the state's reopening plan. Check it out:
Some students across the state sued the California State University and the University of California systems for refusing to refund unused portions of fees for campus-related services that aren't being used during the pandemic. Read more about this lawsuit here.
Monday, April 27
The total number of global coronavirus cases surpassed 3 million, according to Johns Hopkins University tally.
Meanwhile, here's a look at how many patients around the globe have recovered from coronavirus:
Seven Bay Area jurisdictions announced they will extend stay-at-home orders through May. San Francisco Mayor London Breed took to Twitter to preview the announcement:
SF Mayor Breed also announced the closure of two more city streets -- John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park and John F. Shelley Drive in John McLaren Park will be closed to vehicles during stay-at-home orders.
A new testing site is coming to the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
This new testing site will be limited to residents of Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore that meet certain criteria. Here are more details.
In Fremont, Tesla factory employees are being asked to return to work and resume production despite of the county's public health orders to keep operations at a minimum given the pandemic.
We want to remind you that you can watch the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department's coronavirus discussions daily on their Facebook page. The discussions take place at 10 a.m.
In today's press conference, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state of Nevada is joining the Western States Pact, which consists on a plan to reopen West Coast states safely:
Bringing it back to the Bay, the city of Vacaville's seasonal farmers' market will be opening Saturday, but will have to follow strict modifications to adjust to safety precautions during the pandemic.
UC Berkeley and UC San Francsico researchers partnered up and announced a joint study of antibody test kits to examine potential immunity to COVID-19 coronavirus. More details, here.
The San Jose Sharks announces the Sharks Sports and Entertainment COVID-19 relief fund:
Soon-to-be lawyers will have to wait longer to take their bar exam. The California Supreme Court decided to postpone the exam from July to September due to the pandemic.
Sunday, April 26
The tightknit south San Jose community of New Almaden threw a gratitude parade for first responders Sunday night, with over 100 families turning out to give thanks. Read the story.
We're hearing a lot of numbers when it comes to coronavirus cases and deaths, but let us not forget the people behind the numbers, like 56-year-old Oakland resident Terry Blanchard who became infected with the virus and died. His family said he was someone who made the most out of life. Check out the video below.
A lot of people in the Bay Area are working to spread some joy in the midst of these trying times by doing #SomethingGood. Check it out:
Campbell resident Steve Rapa performed a social distancing concert in his front yard for his neighbors. Video below.
Another #SomethingGood, 8-year-old Mitchell celebrated his birthday in Santa Clara and his mom threw him a drive-by party -- with Santa Clara Police in attendance. Around eight officers showed up and sang happy birthday on their bullhorns. Full video below.
Temperatures continue to warm up, and that has brought a 'summer day crowd' to beaches across the state.
Gov. Gavin Newsom encourages people to keep their social distance if they do decide to go outside:
However, some beaches across the Bay Area still saw an influx of people. Such was the case of Sausalito in Marin County, which has now decided to close city parking lots on weekends and holidays until further notice.
People also crowded the beach in Pacifica, where police officers asked those who were not from the area to leave:
Saturday, April 25
Popular San Jose restaurant Emperor Norton's, a favorite of locals since 1975, is closing its doors tomorrow. The eatery was already struggling with rising rent and food and labor costs when the coronavirus dealt the business its final blow. Full story here.
Sunny and warm temperatures are expected this weekend, and with that, officials across the state are expecting people to flock parks and beaches.
In the Bay Area, Pacifica police say they encountered hundreds of people last weekend not following the local stay-at-home orders.
The East Bay Regional Parks Board is taking serious measures and said they will have an "helicopter up in the air to be able to be looking out for any large gatherings because obviously large gatherings are not allowed."
#SomethingGood -- Members of the Gilroy High School Choir can't rehearse in person, so they practiced virtually. Check it out!
Popular American singer Tony Bennett loves San Francisco -- really. As if this wasn't widely known for his song 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco,' the singer lead a world wide sing-along this afternoon to pay tribute to frontline workers in the frontline against COVID-19.
Residents and officials joined the #SingOutSF Saturday afternoon. Take a listen:
Friday, April 24
Solano County Public Health officials extend the county's shelter-at-home order through May 17. More information here.
Gov. Newsom announced a partnership with FEMA on a meal delivery program for senior citizens across California during the coronavirus crisis. Read more about it here.
There was an outbreak at a single room occupancy hotel in San Francisco's Mission District. The 52-unit supportive housing site, Casa Quezada, has 22 residents and two staff members infected. Read more about the oubreak here.
We should be coming up on graduation season, but celebrations will be different this year due to the pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Check out how some people in the East Bay are celebrating the class of 2020:
This is pretty neat! Want to see an uplifting video? These local legends have just what you need.
Heading to the store soon? California grocery and retail stores won’t be required to charge 10 cents per bag, and they can again hand out thinner, single-use plastic bags under an executive order signed by Gov. Newsom. Read the full story here.
An NBC Bay Area hidden-camera investigation reveals how documents relating to restraining orders, adoption applications, and custody disputes have been left unsecured in the San Francisco Superior Courthouse, allowing anyone to access them once passing through the security checkpoint at the entrance of the courthouse.
Need something to take your mind off the coronavirus pandemic? Check out this incredible video out of Southern California.
Thursday, April 23
With roads wide open during the coronavirus pandemic, the CHP is catching a lot more drivers speeding. From March 19 through April 19, officers issued 2,493 citations to drivers suspected of speeding in excess of 100 mph, the CHP said. That’s compared to 1,335 during the same period last year — marking an 87% increase. Read more here.
Want to get up to speed on the latest COVID-19 updates in California? Check out Gov. Newsom's daily briefing below.
Local law enforcement agencies once again gathered to shower health care workers with praise. This latest expression of gratitude was put together for Stanford Health Care workers. Check out the heartwarming clip below.
Sonoma County is opening a new "warm line" -- like a hotline, it is a resource for people who are feeling lonely or emotionally distressed as a result of the pandemic and shelter in place order. Callers also can receive information about resources and social services currently available in the county for an array of needs including depression, grief, anger, parenting support, substance abuse shelter needs and more.
Wednesday, April 22
San Francisco is now offering free coronavirus tests to all essential workers at two city sites. Both locations will be able to test up to 1,500 people per day, Mayor London Breed said.
Big news came in late Monday night -- the first coronavirus-related death in the Bay Area happened in February, not in March like originally thought, according to Santa Clara County.
The county initially reported its first coronavirus death March 9, but an autopsy revealed there was one in the county on Feb. 6. What this means is that not only is it the first death in the county, but it is now also the first recorded death in the U.S.
Santa Clara County Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said during a press conference that the first confirmed COVID-19 death was a 57-year-old woman who died on Feb. 6.
Today, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California doesn't have an exact day to reopen, but surgeries are scheduled to resume at local hospitals. More info on that and the rest of the plan here.
Happy Earth Day! Today marks the Earth's 50th anniversary, and although we may not be able to celebrate it by being outside due to shelter-in-place orders, there are still some ways to commemorate the day.
Tuesday, April 21
Gov. Gavin Newsom launched #CaliforniansForAll, a website that will connect volunteers with people across the state that need help during these trying times. Check it out:
Do you ride the Muni or BART? Both agencies are now requiring people in San Francisco to wear face masks when waiting for or riding transit, taking a taxi or shuttle, performing essential work and in public facilities per a new public health order.
San Francisco announces it'll open select streets for pedestrians and bicyclists. More details here.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to take a toll on the Bay Area as layoffs are expected to soar this week.
Sadly, according to notices filed with the state's employment office, more than 44,000 jobs will be cut. More details on that, here.
In response to the uncertainty the pandemic and loss of jobs is causing, various Bay Area locations are looking into passing local renters protections to protect tenants. Here's a short list of the regions that are doing so.
On the bright side, Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose was able to take its surge capacity tents used to screen coronavirus patients down Monday after a month and a half.
"People should take this as a very good sign, as a positive sign," said Chief Nursing Officer Mark Brown.
In San Francisco, an iconic Hyde Street recording studio is fighting to stay alive. Hyde Street Studios is a venerable recording institution that has seen the likes of music legends from The Grateful Dead to Creedence Clearwater Revival to Green Day to the Wu-Tang Clan.
Coronavirus outbreaks continue to harm nursing homes in the Bay Area; Central Gardens Convalescent Hospital in San Francisco's Japantown is the latest to be hit with a total of 67 cases.
ICYMI: San Francisco released a new map that shows the city's cases by zip code.
We want to celebrate the class of 2020 in our newscasts! Take a pic of your soon-to-be grad and send it to us by DM on Twitter or Facebook, or using #MarkingAMilestone in a tweet! Please include student's first name and school.
And to wrap up -- big news came in late Monday night, the first coronavirus-related death in the Bay Area happened in February, not in March like originally thought, according to Santa Clara County.
The county initially reported its first coronavirus death March 9, but an autopsy revealed there was one in the county on Feb. 6. What this means is that not only is it the first death in the county, but it is now also the first recorded death in the U.S.
Monday, April 20
Starting this morning, a new project by UCSF and the town of Bolinas is doing something that has't been done in the U.S. yet since the coronavirus hit the nation -- testing the entire population of a town.
#SomethingGood -- a boy with Down syndrome turned 14 yesterday, and he didn't understand why he couldn't have a party or go to Disneyland. So friends organized a classic car parade outside of his San Jose home. Happy Birthday Kamden!
And for more good news -- Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose removed their surge tents, saying they're not seeing as many cases as they expected. They were the first in the county to put them up and are the first to take them down. Full story here.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed took to Twitter to announce that the city released a map of confirmed COVID-19 cases by zip code. Check it out:
In an effort to help food truck owners and workers, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to allow temporary operation of food trucks in rest areas to provide food for highway truck drivers and motorists. Here's how operators can apply for a permit.
The impact of coronavirus varies from one place to another in our country. If you're curious to find out and compare coronavirus deaths in your city and state, take a look at this chart.
In today's press conference, Gov. Gavin Newsom made an emphasis on distance learning and what the state is doing to help students and avoid a digital divide.
He said Google is donating a number of Chrome books and hot spots to help students:
Sunday, April 19
Let's start off by sharing #SomethingGood!
Neighbors in Campbell are helping each other by leaving a chalk road map to a box filled with free fruit for any passerby. Check out the video below:
In other good news, turns out the Bay Area's fast response to the coronavirus outbreak actually helped the state of California take action before things turned out even worse.
Back in March, members of the Association of Bay Area Health Officers, a group born out of the AIDS epidemic that ravaged San Francisco in the 1980s, met and discussed what the Bay Area should do to respond to the pandemic.
Shortly after, the San Francisco Bay Area became the first place in the nation to order residents to stay home. Within hours, at least 20 other California counties adopted the Bay Area order.
Read more about how officials made such an important decision, here.
In San Francisco, a public transit advocacy group is leading a campaign to supply face masks and face shields to Muni drivers and riders. More on that here.
An oil refinery in the East Bay is temporarily closing due to a low demand for gas.
Saturday, April 18
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a new initiative called Project Roomkey, which will focus on housing the homeless during the pandemic.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo joined him in a press conference where they detailed the initiative.
The governor tweeted out some details about the project:
In Santa Clara County, a total of 35 homeless people who tested positive for COVID-19 have already been housed. More on that here.
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will host a Pet Food Pantry where animal owners can get free pet food on April 21 and April 28.
Today, Santa Cruz beaches will reopen to the public but measures of social distancing must remain in place.
Remember the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department holds daily discussions on their Facebook page. You can watch it here at 10 a.m.
Also in Santa Clara, several applications for grants to small businesses and nonprofit groups were submitted the same day the applications opened. So what's the next step for those businesses? Find out more here.
In Contra Costa County, a church was cited after allegedly violating the county's health order by holding mass on Easter Sunday. More details here.
Some neighbors in Danville got creative, but also got in trouble for what they did; a fraudulent "cease and desist" letter. Take a good look at the letter here, and make sure to let authorities know if you encounter something similar.
Now #SomethingGood! A small auto shop based in Fremont is donating thousands of protective masks to hospital workers across the country.
"I'm just a business guy. I never thought that surgeons with 10 years of schooling, basically a Ph.D., would be begging me for masks," the auto shop worker said. Read the heartfelt story here.
Friday, April 17
Bay Area rap legend E-40 has a message to everyone looking to celebrate 4/20: Stay. Inside.
More Bay Area counties are issuing orders for residents to cover their faces with some sort of mask. Here are the counties that have already or are expected to issue a "cover your face" order:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Marin
- Sonoma
- San Francisco
Thursday, April 16
If you use Facebook, check this out. The social media giant will soon let you know if you saw or interacted with dangerous coronavirus misinformation on the site. Details here.
Bravo! Specialized Bikes is one of the latest Silicon Valley companies chipping in to help front-line health care workers fight the coronavirus. Here's a look at what the company is doing.
Gov. Gavin Newsom held another briefing to talk about the latest coronavirus pandemic updates in California. Watch that below.
Restaurants feed people after fires and earthquakes. But in this latest disaster, the restaurants themselves are in trouble. Here's an in-depth look at how some are surviving — and a major effort to help them.
Summer sure sounds nice right about now, but don't expect this one to be like ones from the past. Read more here.
Shopping or taking care of business in Fremont? If so, listen up. Fremont officials have issued an executive order requiring people to use face coverings at certain essential places of business to protect workers and the public and to prevent the community spread of the coronavirus. Details here.
Wednesday, April 15
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved an emergency ordinance requiring the city to secure at least 8,250 hotel rooms for three affected groups amid the stay-at-home order, with 7,000 reserved for the city's homeless.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said undocumented immigrants hurt by the coronavirus pandemic will receive financial help.
“We feel a deep sense of gratitude for people that are in fear of deportations that are still addressing essential needs of tens of millions of Californians,” he said. You can read more on how this will work, here.
A day after Gov. Newsom announced a six-step road map to help guide how and when to re-open the state amid the pandemic, schools and business are wondering what their future will look like.
Teachers and students alike are talking about how that has affected their plans. Take a look at this and hear what they have to say about the situation.
Also, a home version of the SAT college entrance exam is in the works. The home version of the exam would be digital and rely on "remote proctoring." Click here to learn more about it.
Thousands of restaurants in the Bay Area are preparing to reinvent themselves after the shelter-at-home orders are lifted. Here's how the new normal may look for business orders in the future.
No matter the difficult and uncertain times, Bay Area residents across the region are showing kindness by doing #SomethingGood.
A family in Livermore created "The Sutton Girls Farmers Market" stan stocked up with fresh produce and canned items for free. Check it out:
In San Jose, Google's planned Downtown San Jose Project has been delayed due to the pandemic. The new estimated date is mid-2021. More on that here.
Is your CA driver's license about to expire? Well, don't worry. The DMV has announced a deadline extension for all driver's license renewals set to expire between March and May. Here are the details.
Sad news for Marin County locals - the 2020 Marin County Fair has been canceled.
Organizers said the Marin Center campus and fairgrounds has been reserved to serve as a "vital resource" in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair has been rescheduled to July 1-5, 2021.
In San Francisco, a new testing side made its first stop and immediately began testing people and providing results. Here's how it went down.
The San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics are two of the Major League Baseball teams participating in a study of the coronavirus that will test hundreds of people. More details, here.
We can't thank essential workers enough! Do you know someone you'd like to give a shout out to for their amazing work on the front lines during this pandemic? E-mail us a photo at isee@nbcbayarea.com to feature them on our segment #HailingOurHeroes.
Tuesday, April 14
In his daily COVID-19 news briefing, Gov. Gavin Newsom provided updates regarding California's response to the coronavirus pandemic. He also released a road map to modify the stay-at-home order, which you can find here.
Sadly, another popular event has been canceled. San Francisco's upcoming Pride Parade has officially been called off. The group took to Facebook to announce the decision, which was made in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here.
One of our photojournalists recently flew a drone over some popular Bay Area spots to see what they look like amid the coronavirus pandemic. Check out one of the drone videos below. For more drone footage, click here.
Check your bank account! Unemployment checks should be hitting mailboxes and debit cards this week. Gov. Newsom said California was among the first states to get those funds into the hands of people waiting for a lifeline. Click here to see what people can expect in terms of financial help.
A pair of UC Berkeley students have produced hand sanitizer to give to homeless shelters, jails, medical centers and other Bay Area places. The two students began working out of a student teaching lab in UC Berkeley's Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences. Here's more on how they did it.
In San Francisco, Muni bus drivers want more protections from the coronavirus after five operators tested positive and many others are in quarantine. Here's NBC Bay Area's Jean Elle's report on that.
The State Capitol turned blue overnight as a way to honor healthcare workers fighting the virus in the state. Here's Gov. Newsom's message to health care workers:
In San Jose, Mayor Sam Liccardo's initiative, Silicon Valley Strong, continues to raise more money for people in need during the crisis.
In Santa Rosa, the Fire Department launched a new emergency Pandemic Response Unit, which will respond to patients suspected of having COVID-19.
Oakland public schools teachers and principals are launching a campaign to gather donations for new coronavirus stimulus checks to help undocumented families who aren't eligible for government assistance.
Monday, April 13
Sonoma County Health Officer issues order requiring residents to wear facial coverings in public starting Friday, April 17. Full details here.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said the city will not tolerate any 420 celebrations in the city. Watch her announcement below.
State lawmakers, along with Congresswoman Jackie Speier, helped prepare hot meals and hand out groceries at Samaritan House in San Mateo. The organization is helping nearly twice as many people as it used to -- from 195 people a day to more than 400. Samaritan House is now short on volunteers. If interested in helping, click here.
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office announced a 13th employee has tested positive for COVID-19.
We want to thank all the health care workers who are on the front lines risking their lives during this coronavirus pandemic. We especially want to honor them during our newscasts, but we need your help. Check out the tweet below to see how you can assist.
And in an effort to provide masks, hand sanitizers, and other essentials to those in need during the pandemic, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey donated $1 million Monday.
You can watch Gov. Gavin Newsom's daily COVID-19 news briefing below. In it, he said he is working with governors from Oregon and Washington state on a "shared approach" for reopening the three states' economies and will outline that plan during Tuesday's briefing. You can also read about it here.
Here's what each state's governor had to say about the plan:
Something good! A Campbell woman has turned a lending library into a mini food pantry to help those in need. Check it out here or watch the video below.
A van from a church pantry in San Leandro was stolen on Thursday. Learn about how you can help.
A group of seamstresses in Half Moon Bay have teamed up to make masks for farm workers -- even though they work outside, they work in groups and still need protective equipment. Read the fully story here.
California continues to flatten the curve thanks to stay-at-home orders and communities across the Bay Area have received good reviews for acting more quickly than others. So, are people still following the rules? Our NBC Bay Area reporter Thom Jensen takes a look at the numbers.
By orders of California's Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, insurance companies will need to return premiums to customers and businesses affected by the pandemic. Read more about that here.
San Francisco authorities shut down an illegal nightclub in the city's Bayview district that was violating public health orders. Read more here.
We have an update on Hayward's COVID-19 testing site; they're moving from the Hayward Fire Station No. 7 to the California State University East Bay campus. More info on the move, here.
Our NBC Bay Area reporter Melissa Colorado found some unfortunate trash during her walk. Have you seen any #coronavirustrash during your neighborhood walks? You can send them to her if you want by tagging her on Twitter @melissacolorado
Sunday, April 12
Churches across the Bay Area are getting creative in delivering their Easter services during the COVID-19 shelter in place orders. Most are livestreaming, but some are doing a little extra -- and one church in San Jose even rented a drive-in movie theater! Check it out.
Select East Bay Regional Parks areas will be temporary closed during Easter weekend:
- Black Diamond Mines (all parking lots closed)
- Briones (Alhambra staging area closed)
- Coyote Hills (all parking lots closed)
- Garin (all parking lots closed)
- Kennedy Grove (all parking lots closed)
- Lake Chabot (main parking lot closed)
- Lake Temescal (all parking lots closed)
- MLK (Doolittle South and Arrowhead staging areas closed)
- Mission Peak (Stanford Avenue Staging Area closed)
- Miller Knox (all parking lots closed)
Other parks across the Bay Area will be closed Easter to prevent overcrowding, among them is the Golden Gate Bridge and parking lots.
As for Mount Diablo, the beacon atop it will be lit after sunset to honor first responders fighting the novel coronavirus during the pandemic. Here's more on that.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and San Francisco Mayor London Breed took to Twitter to wish residents a Happy Easter:
In El Cerrito, the annual Fourth of July/worldOne Festival at Cerrito Vista Park has been canceled for 2020.
According to city officials, the event cancellation was already on a list of recommendations due to cost cutting. The public health crisis that has unfolded means greater cuts must be made.
Contra Costa Community College said instruction and student services will continue to be done remotely through the end of the spring semester.
"We are trying to do our part to minimize the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by suspending face-to-face interactions with our students," the district's interim chancellor said.
Saturday, April 11
A group of 20 UCSF Medical volunteers were hailed as heroes as they flew out early Saturday to help with the COVID-19 crisis in New York City. Read the full story.
The Saint Catherine of Alexandria School in Morgan Hill put on an Easter car parade to say hello to their teachers Saturday in the church parking lot. Check out the video below.
This year's Easter weekend will be far more different than previous years. Regardless of fresh snow in the mountains and tempting beaches after a week of rain, Californians are asked to follow stay-at-home orders and leave Easter egg hunts aside. Here's more on what this weekend will look like.
Since we're talking about Easter, check out what the South Bay is doing to keep Easter service going for those who wish to keep their tradition despite the pandemic.
Southridge Church of San Jose will take over Capitol Drive-In to hold services at 9 a.m. , 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Here's more info on that.
Golden Gate Bridge District announced it will close the south end parking lots and the Caltran's Vista Point parking lot this weekend to prevent overcrowding.
Also, the beacon atop Mount Diablo will be lit after sunset on Easter Sunday as "a way to honor our heroes in this global pandemic struggle," the executive director of Save Mount Diablo said in a statement.
State and city authorities encourage all California residents to please stay home and enjoy the holiday indoors.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed took to Twitter to send the message:
The LA Times reported that a whistleblower compliant has led to an investigation into Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. The compliant made to the county alleges that four nurses tested positive for coronavirus and one died -- and management kept quiet. Read the full NBC Bay Area story here.
Two employees at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office have tested positive for COVID-19. Officials confirm the employees are not correctional officers or deputies. More details here.
In the East Bay, the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch will be turned into a care site for coronavirus patients. The site can handle up to 43 patients. Here's more.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced two new initiatives; one to support domestic violence survivors during shelter in place orders, and another one to help restaurants stay afloat during the pandemic.
In Santa Cruz County, where parks and beaches have been closed and surfing has been banned, a group of people got fined for violating shelter-in-place orders.
Santa Cruz Police described the it as "one expensive hang out:"
Friday, April 10
The number of COVID-19 cases in Bay Area nursing facilities continue to rise. Reporter Sonja Shin takes a look at the latest cases in the South Bay here.
San Francisco officials report COVID-19 outbreak at MSC South homeless shelter. There is at least 70 confirmed cases of coronavirus at the shelter. Details here.
At the city's Laguna Honda Hospital, there are 17 confirmed COVID-19 cases -- 13 staff members and four residents. Officials said 301 staff members and 208 residents have been tested following the outbreak at the hospital.
Some roads in Oakland are about to become more open. Mayor Libby Schaaf announced an initiative that will designate 74 miles of city streets for pedestrian, bicycle and local vehicle traffic only. Read more about this here.
Bravo! During these trying times, Catholic Charities is handing out food boxes to people in need. Want the full story? Click here.
Santa Clara County held another daily COVID-19 discussion. Today's topic? What the county is doing to prevent child abuse and support families during the pandemic. Watch it below.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also continued his new daily routine of holding COVID-19 news briefings. Check it out below.
This is pretty cool! Landmarks in cities across the United States lit up in blue last night to honor and support essential workers risking their health during the coronavirus pandemic. Scroll through the photos below.
#LightItBlue: Landmarks Lit in Support of Essential Workers During Coronavirus Pandemic
The U.S. Postal Service wants everyone to stay safe, so they're reminding people that things they may normally visit the post office for -- like buying stamps -- can be done from home, even if if you don't have internet access. For more information on what postal services can be done from home click here.
Thursday, April 9
Select East Bay Regional Parks areas will be temporary closed during Easter weekend:
- Black Diamond Mines (all parking lots closed)
- Briones (Alhambra staging area closed)
- Coyote Hills (all parking lots closed)
- Garin (all parking lots closed)
- Kennedy Grove (all parking lots closed)
- Lake Chabot (main parking lot closed)
- Lake Temescal (all parking lots closed)
- MLK (Doolittle South and Arrowhead staging areas closed)
- Mission Peak (Stanford Avenue Staging Area closed)
- Miller Knox (all parking lots closed)
List of other closed parks in the South Bay here.
Berkeley health officials announce the city's first death of a resident due to COVID-19. The resident was in their 40s and had underlying health problems. More details here.
San Rafael mayor confirms to NBC Bay Area there has been at least one COVID-19 related death at the Drake Terrace assisted living facility. There have been several residents and associates at the facility who have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19, according to John Meyer, Drake Terrace executive director.
Gov. Gavin Newsom provided an update on the state's response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Check it out below.
Activists are demanding that the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office release more inmates from the Santa Rita Jail after 11 tested positive for COVID-19. Read about the group's demands here.
Santa Clara County continued with its new routine of holding a daily discussion on COVID-19. Today's discussion topic? How county-owned hospitals and clinics are preparing for and responding to the pandemic.
Nine Northern Californians who were on the Grand Princess cruise to Hawaii sued Princess Cruise Lines and its parent company, Carnival Corp., in federal court in San Francisco Wednesday for alleged negligence in exposing them to the coronavirus. Full story available here.
The city of Santa Clara is offering a lunch distribution program for all Santa Clara students. Breakfast and lunch meals will be provided at the following locations:
- Don Callejon School - 4176 Lick Mill Blvd.
- Cabrillo Middle School - 2550 Cabrillo Ave.
- Santa Clara Senior Center - 1303 Fremont St.
- Wilcox High School - 3250 Monroe St.
Wednesday, April 8
Six residents at a Hayward nursing home have died following a COVID-19 outbreak at a Hayward nursing home, Alameda County health officials say. In addition, 29 other residents and 24 staff members at Gateway Care and Rehab Center have tested positive for coronavirus. Details here.
Alameda County Sheriff's Office reports eight new inmates at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin have COVID-19, bringing the jail total to 11 inmates with coronavirus.
Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody issued a countywide order requiring businesses and people to report their inventories of personal protective equipment by April 15. Details here.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he secured 200 million masks a month for healthcare workers in California.
Does that mean you can now go to the store and buy some? The answer is no, as all N95 masks will be for healthcare workers only. For more detailed information on how those masks will be distributed, watch the video below:
The governor also said he is working with the Legislature on an economic stimulus package for immigrants. You can read more about that here.
Taking a trip to Tahoe certainly sounds nice right about now, but local officials are begging visitors to stay away. Why? Here's the answer.
NBC Bay Area's Damian Trujillo reported on a story about Bay Area healthcare workers who say they now have to watch what they wear when they are in public as scrubs are becoming a stigma. More on that here.
Just so you know, Santa Clara County holds daily discussions on different topics regarding the novel coronavirus on their Facebook page. You can watch those at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday here.
Leaders across the state keep encouraging people to stay home in order to flatten the curve. Sometimes, they get help from other figures.
To help the older residents of the state during stay-at-home orders, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo shared a Friendship Line as part of his Silicon Valley Strong initiative.
Coronavirus testing sites continue to emerge across the Bay Area. Today, Berkeley and Sonoma announced their very own testing sites.
Santa Cruz County has decided to close parks and beaches for a week after people kept crowding these spaces regardless of stay-at-home orders. You can actually get fined for it. Here's what the county is doing.
Tuesday, April 7
There are two new cases of inmates with COVID-19 at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, bringing the total up to three, Alameda County Sheriff's Office says. Details here.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond provided an update on the current status of California’s public schools amid the coronavirus pandemic. Watch below.
Contra Costa County health officials are investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at the Carlton Senior Living Facility in downtown Pleasant Hill. Officials say four residents have tested positive, three of which are now hospitalized. In addition, nine staff members have tested positive. Click here to read more about similar outbreaks at senior facilities across California.
Coronavirus cases continue to rise across the Bay Area and the entire state. But a new analysis projects California will see an earlier and lower peak for deaths and needed hospital resources.
Gov. Newsom said California's stay at home orders are proving to be successful. Here's more info on that.
In addition, the Office of the Governor launched a Playbook for Stress Relief, as they made an emphasis on mental health during stay at home orders.
You can find that Playbook on the link below:
Check out the governor's daily COVID-19 news briefing below.
Despite some success, the coronavirus pandemic has brought with it financial crisis to many people in different counties. In the Bay Area, the city of San Jose is considering a unique response plans for tenants - free rent for up to three months.
Here's what our reporters found out regarding this proposal.
In the East Bay, a hospital worker has decided to sleep in her car to not risk her asthmatic 14-year-old daughter. Read more about this mother's story here.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo announced Facebook is investing $15M in Bay Area small businesses to support the initiative Silicon Valley Strong.
Santa Clara County Public Health officials held a Facebook Live discussing the outbreak and the actions the county is taking in response to it. You can watch that below:
San Jose Sharks' captain, Logan Couture tweeted a message for Bay Area residents encouraging them to follow stay at home orders:
The Oakland Arena tweeted a messaged directed to medical professionals on World Health Day. Take a look:
Monday, April 6
San Francisco Mayor London Breed joined city and public health officials to provide an update on the city's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Check out the briefing below.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, along with the vice mayor and council members, held a press conference to call for a rent pause for tenants impacted by the pandemic. You can watch the full press conference below.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf announced the opening of a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site for direct service providers, such as health care workers and grocery story workers. Watch her press conference below. Read more about the testing site here.
Santa Clara County held its daily COVID-19 briefing. Check it out below.
The novel coronavirus continues to impact counties throughout the Bay Area, and different measures are being taken.
In Santa Clara County, patients began arriving at the makeshift hospital at the Santa Clara County Convention Center.
The converted convention center has 250 beds, plus supplies and medicines delivered by the National Guard, to serve patients with less-acute COVI-19 symptoms. Here's how it works.
Contra Costa County health officials say 49 people - 27 residents and 22 staff - at an Orinda senior home have tested positive for COVID-19. Four residents have been hospitalized. One resident who tested positive has died.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California is loaning 500 ventilators to New York as they face an overwhelming impact of coronavirus cases and deaths.
Santa Clara University said it is relaxing its standardized test requirement and will adopt a two-year "test optional" admissions policy for first-year and transfer students enrolling in winter 2021 and fall 2021.
This decision comes after unprecedented challenges amid the coronavirus outbreak and the uncertainty of how things will work after.
“These are extraordinary times, and we are hopeful that this step will provide clarity, relief, and stability to those embarking on one of life’s most exciting adventures—their college careers,” said Santa Clara University President Kevin O’Brien, S.J.
In Walnut Creek, a Whole Foods employee tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement, the store said the individual is in quarantine and deep cleaning and disinfection is underway at the store.
Sunday, April 5
The Miami death of Wilson Maa, a South San Francisco man who tested positive for COVID-19 aboard the Coral Princess cruise ship, has raised questions about how his situation was handled. Details here.
The San Jose Fire Department has reported that a total of 15 of their employees have tested positive for coronavirus, including two that have recovered.
With the shelter in place order in California, the freeways have been unusually empty, but the CHP is warning drivers that this is not a license to speed. On Saturday night the CHP was dealing with six significant accidents in Solano County alone. Details here.
The San Jose Federal Medical Station at the Santa Clara Convention Center is preparing to admit its first coronavirus patients. Full story here.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is finalizing a plan Sunday night to eliminate service on many of its bus lines in and around San Francisco, and to add service to a few lines that serve hospitals and "essential businesses" during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, a Muni spokeswoman said. Read the full story here.
Marin, Alameda and Contra Costa counties have announced new coronavirus numbers.
Law enforcement agencies are moving away from an educational approach to social distancing rules and are beginning to enforce them, as well as the stay at home order. Misdemeanor citations have begun being issued, especially in beach towns.
The city of Benicia closed a number of parking lots due to people gathering there and not keeping social distance.
The parking lots closed include Matthew Turner Shipyard and Alvarez Ninth Street Park, as well as a parking lot on First Street. You can read more about that here.
At San Francisco's Laguna Honda Hospital, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow with a total of 14 people infected.
The total includes 11 staff members and three residents.
Also in San Francisco, city officials announced the Palace of Fine Arts will be used as a temporary shelter in response to the pandemic and it will house 162 people at capacity.
You can read the full statement on Supervisor Catherine Stefani's website here.
Here's a look at the latest Bay Area COVID-19 count, by county:
- Santa Clara County: 1207 cases, 39deaths
- San Francisco: 568 cases, 8 deaths
- San Mateo County: 555 cases, 13 deaths
- Alameda County: 539 cases (including Berkeley, which is counting separately from the county), 12 deaths
- Contra Costa County: 353 cases, 5 deaths
- Marin County: 137 cases, 6 deaths
- Sonoma County: 107 cases, 1 death
- Santa Cruz County: 62 cases, 1 death
- Solano County: 73 cases
- Napa County: 20 cases, 2 deaths
- Mendocino County: 4 cases
Saturday, April 4
Sonoma County reported two new cases for a total of 107.
Five Bay Area counties announced new coronavirus cases for a total of 252 new cases and one new death in the region. Details here.
An inmate at Santa Rita Jail tested positive for COVID-19. This is the jail's first confirmed case.
San Francisco reported its eight coronavirus-related death as well as 32 new confirmed cases for a total of 529. Open app for updated list.
Santa Cruz County deputies will be enforcing the county's new shelter-in-place order and urged residents against congregating at local beaches and parks. Violation of the order is a misdemeanor. Full story here.
San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa held a press conference urging Congress to enact moratorium on residential and commercial mortgage payments during this shelter-at-home order.
"We're in the phase of not just a great recession, but of a great depression," he said.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, asking gay and bisexual men to recruit eligible donors amid a nationwide shortage of donations as a result of the novel coronavirus. Details here.
Something Good: In San Francisco people are posting hearts made of post-its in their windows as a kind of emotional SOS, a simple way to connect in these trying times. Check it out.
Friday, April 3
Sonoma County reported five new cases, bringing the total to 105.
Livermore Police officials have announced that all staff who may have had contact with a police officer who tested positive for coronavirs Thursday have received test results and all are negative for the virus.
Contra Costa County health officials on Friday confirmed an outbreak of COVID-19 at a facility that houses seniors. At least 27 people have tested positive. No deaths have been reported as of Friday morning. A press conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. Watch it here.
NBC Bay Area traffic anchor Mike Inouye provides a tutorial on how a bandana can be used to cover our faces. Check it out below!
Alameda County and Contra Costa County health officials issued a blanket orders for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 to quarantine.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed joined city and public health officials to provide updates on the city’s responses to COVID-19. Watch the briefing below.
Bay Area residents, do you still have questions about the new face covering recommendation announced Thursday? The Santa Clara County Public Health Department talked about just that during a Facebook Live. Check it out below.
The Bay Area's COVID-19 death toll and case count continue to climb. Here's a look at the latest numbers:
- Santa Clara County: 1,019 cases, 36 deaths
- San Francisco: 497 cases, 7 deaths
- San Mateo County: 486 cases, 13 deaths
- Alameda County: 443 cases (including Berkeley, which is counting separately from the county), 12 deaths
- Contra Costa County: 276 cases, 3 deaths
- Marin County: 118 cases, 6 deaths
- Sonoma County: 95 cases, 1 death
- Solano County: 61 cases, 1 death
- Santa Cruz County: 57 cases, 1 death
- Napa County: 18 cases, 2 deaths
- Mendocino County: 4 cases
Costco is enacting new rules to go into effect today to encourage social distancing. These include limiting store hours to give staff time to sanitize and restock and not allowing more than two people in per card. Check out the fully story here.
The Monterey County Library system's two 3D printers are being used to produce protective N95 masks while all of the system's branches are closed. Details here.
Google has launched a new website that uses anonymous location data collected from users of Google products and services to show the level of social distancing taking place in various locations. Read the full story.
Thursday, April 2
Marin County reported 10 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 118. Sonoma County reported four new cases for a total of 95.
Solano County reports its first death of a resident due to COVID-19. Officials say the resident was 85 years old, recently traveled out of the country, and had multiple severe underlying health conditions.
San Francisco confirmed its first case of COVID-19 at a homeless shelter. Multiple supervisors in response called on the city to take action. More details here.
A USPS employee at the Hillview Post Office in San Jose tested positive for coronavirus. USPS said it has reached out to Santa Clara County health officials and following guidance provided.
State Sen. Steve Glazer held a telephone town hall to talk about the grocery and pharmacy supply chain as well as home delivery and store curbside pickup. Check it out below.
East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell held a Facebook Live Q&A with Dr. Yvonne “Bonnie” Maldonado. The two discussed the current state of the coronavirus pandemic. Watch the Facebook Live (split into two videos) below.
In Gov. Gavin Newsom's daily COVID-19 news briefing, he announced assistance for small businesses and workers who have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Watch his briefing below.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo on Thursday unveiled a searchable map of food distribution sites for seniors, youth, food banks and open-for-pick-up restaurants and expressed the need for volunteers at the various sites during the coronavirus crisis.
The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents that ample food resources are available during the COVID-19 coronavirus shelter-at-home order. Details available here.
As more and more cases of the coronavirus are reported in kids and babies, parents are worrying. Want to learn more about how COVID-19 presents in children and babies? Check out this story.
Wednesday, April 1
Ellis Marsalis Jr., jazz pianist, teacher and patriarch of a New Orleans musical clan, has died at the age of 85 after battling pneumonia brought on by the coronavirus, one of his sons said late Wednesday. Read the full story here.
Marin County Officials announced one new case and one new death while Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office reported 11 employees with COVID-19, including a patrol deputy and 8 deputies in custody bureau.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed joined health and city officials to provide updates on the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Watch the press conference below.
Breed also announced how residents can help a lending hand to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information, visit SF.gov/COVID19volunteer or call 415-355-6700.
Here's a look at the latest Bay Area COVID-19 count, by county:
- Santa Clara County: 956 cases, 32 deaths
- San Francisco: 434 cases, 7 deaths
- San Mateo County: 388 cases, 10 deaths
- Alameda County: 359 cases (including Berkeley, which is counting separately from the county), 8 deaths
- Contra Costa County: 249 cases, 3 deaths
- Marin County: 107 cases, 5 deaths
- Sonoma County: 85 cases, 1 death
- Santa Cruz County: 54 cases, 1 death
- Solano County: 49 cases
- Napa County: 18 cases, 1 death
- Mendocino County: 4 cases
