Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for Contra Costa residents

Elaine Park

From broad international initiatives to local high school-run efforts, people around the world have joined the fight against COVID-19.

Daniel Shen, Daniela Wise-Rojas, Shereen Ahmed, and Ananda Mayuri Chakkenchath
February 25, 2020

In this situation, the information could change rapidly. Although this story is updated frequently, please refer to the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD), Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), or other similarly reputable sources for the latest updates.

Quick links:

August 15, 7:12 p.m. PDT  update

August 13, 9:22 a.m. PDT  update

August 10, 1:36 a.m. PDT update

August 6, 3:08 p.m. PDT update

  • Yesterday, August 5, Contra Costa Health Services released a mass isolation order, emphasizing that “all individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19 must…isolate themselves in their home or another residence,” and more.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, August 6, Contra Costa County now has 8,532 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 356 cases from 8,176 on August 4. 95 of them are currently hospitalized and 134 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 4,859,500 confirmed cases and at least 159,000 have died in the U.S., up 80,900 cases, and 1,698 deaths from August 4. In California, there are currently 533,844 confirmed cases and 9,878 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 59,652,675 cases and worldwide 18,923,922 cases, 710,916 deaths, and 11,436,080 recoveries have been confirmed.

August 4, 10:23 p.m. PDT update

August 3, 2:45 p.m. PDT update

July 31 11:52 p.m. PDT update

July 30 2:32 p.m. PDT update

July 29 9:43 p.m. PDT update

  • The data for Contra Costa county on July 29 was inaccurate, CCHS reported that the state reporting system had a glitch. July 30’s numbers reflect the correct data. 
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 4,435,200 confirmed cases and at least 151,189 have died in the U.S., up 213,300 cases, and 89 deaths from July 26. In California, there are currently 487,769 confirmed cases and 8,908 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 51,491,494 cases and worldwide 16,978,206 cases, 666,239 deaths, and 9,948,163 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 26 4:25 p.m. PDT update

July 25 9:03 p.m. PDT update

July 23 7:52 p.m. PDT update

  • On July 21, Contra Costa Health Services released “Openings at a Glance,” a revised list detailing what places/services are open. Read it here in English or Spanish.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, July 23, Contra Costa County now has 6,425 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 223 cases from 6,202 on July 22. 101 of them are currently hospitalized and 102 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 4,048,700 confirmed cases and at least 144,200 have died in the U.S., up 68,600 cases, and 1,100 deaths from July 22. In California, there are currently 433,018 confirmed cases and 8,189 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 48,794,970 cases and worldwide 15,445,043 cases, 632,173 deaths, and 8,763,516 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 22 10:08 p.m. PDT update

July 19 10:16 p.m. PDT update

July 16, 11:19 p.m. PDT update

  • At a special board meeting, the SRVUSD Board of Education revised their decision from Tuesday evening, following a statement from California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, voting unanimously on a remote learning model with a block schedule. See the meeting presentation here. See the meeting minutes here. View the meeting recording here.
  • The Contra Costa Health Department released “Contra Costa County Openings at a Glance” today. View it here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, July 16, Contra Costa County now has 5,140 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 83 cases from 5,140 on July 15. 84 of them are currently hospitalized and 93 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 3,587,900 confirmed cases and at least 138,200 have died in the U.S., up 75,300 cases, and 900 deaths from July 15. In California, there are currently 364,674 confirmed cases and 7,487 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 43,351,945 cases and worldwide 13,808,626 cases, 589,978 deaths, and 7,716,636 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 15, 10:43 p.m. PDT update

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, July 15, Contra Costa County now has 5,140 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 288 cases from 4,460 on July 13. 79 of them are currently hospitalized and 90 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 3,512,600 confirmed cases and at least 137,300 have died in the U.S., up 132,700 cases, and 1,898 deaths from July 14. In California, there are currently 355,459 confirmed cases and 7,368 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 42,521,027 cases and worldwide 13,556,202 cases, 584,129 deaths, and 7,559,252 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 14, 1:52 p.m. PDT update

*Data shown from July 13, due to miscalculation error

July 13, 10:34 p.m. PDT update

  • Due to the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, the California governor Governor Gavin Newsom announced the temporary closure of several types of indoor businesses. More information can be found on the press release here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, July 13, Contra Costa County now has 4,852 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 392 cases from 4,460 on July 10. 79 of them are currently hospitalized and 90 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 3,379,900 confirmed cases and at least 135,402 have died in the U.S., up 180,300 cases, and 1,502 deaths from July 10. In California, there are currently 336,273 confirmed cases and 7,086 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 41,004,275 cases and worldwide 13,103,290 cases, 573,215 deaths, and 7,276,369 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 10, 11:09 p.m. PDT update

July 9, 8:05 p.m. PDT update

July 8, 8:00 p.m. PDT update

  • On July 8, Contra Costa Health Services released a “Summary of COVID-19 Community Outreach Activities 2020,” found here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, July 8, Contra Costa County now has 4,241 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 149 cases from 4,092 on July 7. 57 of them are currently hospitalized and 86 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 3,070,900 confirmed cases and at least 132,200 have died in the U.S., up 58,800 cases, and 1,000 deaths from July 7. In California, there are currently 303,448 confirmed cases and 6,824 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 38,032,966 cases and worldwide 12,232,745 cases, 554,304 deaths, and 6,707,030 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 7, 10:24 p.m. PDT update

  • On July 7, Contra Costa County stated in a press release that every business owner and employee needs to wear a mask. More information on the press release can be found here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, July 7, Contra Costa County now has 4,092 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 214 cases from 3,878 on July 6. 49 of them are currently hospitalized and 86 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 3,012,100 confirmed cases and at least 131,200 have died in the U.S., up 54,900 cases, and 897 deaths from July 6. In California, there are currently 287,766 confirmed cases and 6,563 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 36,5878,106 cases and worldwide 11,799,433 cases, 543,558 deaths, and 6,424,448 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 6, 9:12 p.m. PDT update:

July 5, 11:55 p.m. PDT update:

July 3, 3:03 a.m. PDT update:

  • The Association of Bay Area Health Officials (ABAHO) stated in a press release on July 2 that Bay Area residents are encouraged to stay home on the Fourth of July. Read the full press release here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update yesterday, July 2, Contra Costa County now has 3,432 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 184 cases from 3,248 on July 1. 50 of them are currently hospitalized and 79 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,791,500 confirmed cases and at least 129,180 have died in the U.S., up 88,300 cases, and 1,080 deaths from July 2. In California, there are currently 251,333 confirmed cases and 6,268 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 34,213,497 cases and worldwide 10,982,099 cases, 523,613 deaths, and 5,816,375 recoveries have been confirmed.

July 2, 9:50 a.m. PDT update:

  • On June 29, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) “will delay the opening of businesses and activities previously planned for July 1 until the COVID-19 outbreak in Contra Costa is better contained,” following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recommendation on Sunday. Read the entire press release here. Read Contra Costa’s Road to Reopening infographic here in both English and Spanish and Contra Costa’s Openings at a Glance chart in both English and Spanish.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update yesterday, July 1, Contra Costa County now has 3,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 116 cases from 3,132 on July 1. 37 of them are currently hospitalized and 77 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,703,200 confirmed cases and at least 128,100 have died in the U.S., up 60,200 cases, and 1,399 deaths from June 30. In California, there are currently 239,764 confirmed cases and 6,168 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 32,827,359 cases and worldwide 10,742,416 cases, 517,162 deaths, and 5,515,076 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 30, 3:40 p.m. PDT update:

 

June 29, 10:15 p.m. PDT update:

June 27, 4:30 p.m. PDT update:

June 26, 1:36 p.m. PDT update:

  • Contra Costa Health Services put out a press release today, noting that “during the past seven days, the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals in the county has increased 42%,” along with “a shift in more young people testing positive.” CCHS is evaluating if the current opening timeline should shift or stay the same. Read the full release here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 26, Contra Costa County now has 2,676 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 153 cases from 2,523 on June 24. 39 of them are currently hospitalized and 73 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,463,700 confirmed cases and at least 124,700 have died in the U.S., up 69,800 cases, and 2,800 deaths from June 24. In California, there are currently 202,918 confirmed cases and 5,821 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 29,207,820 cases and worldwide 9,695,375 cases, 491,113 deaths, and 4,881,108 recoveries have been confirmed

June 24, 9:44 p.m. PDT update:

June 23, 7:55 p.m. PDT update:

  • Contra Costa released an issue about the African American Task force Junteenth Event on June 27, to learn more read here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 23, Contra Costa County now has 2,454 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 85 cases from 2,369 on June 22. 35 of them are currently hospitalized and 62 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,356,600 confirmed cases and at least 121,100 have died in the U.S., up 36,000 cases, and 800 deaths from June 22. In California, there are currently 190,800 confirmed cases and 5,645 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 28,065,065 cases and worldwide 9,239,794 cases, 476,945 deaths, and 4,613,969 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 22, 8:22 p.m. PDT update:

  • The Contra Costa Health Services Department released a position statement today on thermometer temperature screening as an infection control measure for COVID-19, read more here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 22, Contra Costa County now has 2,369 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 129 cases from 2,240 on June 20. 34 of them are currently hospitalized and 62 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,320,600 confirmed cases and at least 120,300 have died in the U.S., up 55,700 cases, and 600 deaths from June 20. In California, there are currently 184,577 confirmed cases and 5,558 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 27,553,581 cases and worldwide 9,074,624 cases, 471,640 deaths, and 4,511,603 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 20, 9:30 p.m. PDT update:

  • The California Department of Public Health issued a a new guidance for the use of face coverings, emphasizing that people must wear face coverings in certain high-risk situations. Read more here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 20, Contra Costa County now has 2,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 129 cases from 2,111 on June 18. 25 of them are currently hospitalized and 56 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,264,900 confirmed cases and at least 119,700 have died in the U.S., up 63,600 cases, and 1,300 deaths from June 18. In California, there are currently 174,999 confirmed cases and 5,362 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 26,566,533 cases and worldwide 8,770,629 cases, 464,039 deaths, and 4,347,645 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 18, 11:57 p.m. PDT update:

 

June 17, 10:17 p.m. PDT update:

  • On June 17, 2020, the Contra Costa County posted “The Road to Reopening,” detailing what places and services are planned to open when. See the document here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 17, Contra Costa County now has 2,071 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 45 cases from 2,026 on June 16. 27 of them are currently hospitalized and 50 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,174,400 confirmed cases and at least 117,700 have died in the U.S., up 25,600 cases, and 800 deaths from June 16. In California, there are currently 163,306 confirmed cases and 5,286 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 24,937,877 cases and worldwide 8,349,950 cases, 448,959 deaths, and 4,037,955 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 16, 10:38 p.m. PDT update:

  • On June 16, 2020, the Contra Costa County implemented the next steps towards re-opening their neighborhood. You can find more information on the press release here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 16, Contra Costa County now has 2,026 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 43 cases from 1,983 on June 15. 26 of them are currently hospitalized and 49 of them are dead.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,148,800 confirmed cases and at least 116,900 have died in the U.S., up 24,900 cases, and 694 deaths from June 15. In California, there are currently 154,089  confirmed cases and 5,202 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 24,449,307 cases and worldwide 8,173,940 cases, 443,685 deaths, and 3,955,169 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 15, 9:13 p.m. PDT update:

June 14, 8:47 p.m. PDT update:

June 13, 10:10 p.m. PDT update:

June 12, 10:13 p.m. PDT update:

June 11, 10:33 p.m. PDT update:

  • Contra Costa Health Services issued a press release today, stating “Contra Costa receives state variance to continue reopening plan,” allowing Contra Costa to move ahead with “it’s roadmap for reopening at a pace that is appropriate for local conditions…” Read more here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 11, Contra Costa County now has 1,829 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 31 cases from 1,798 on June 10. After evaluating 951 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 44,070  for COVID-19. 21 of them are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 2,034,000 confirmed cases and at least 113,900 have died in the U.S., up 23,400 cases, and 900 deaths from June 10. In California, there are currently 143,673 confirmed cases and 4,941 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 21,933,301 cases and worldwide 7,514,481 cases, 421,458 deaths, and 3,540,696 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 10, 9:35 p.m. PDT update:

June 9, 10:20 p.m. PDT update:

June 8, 9:53 p.m. PDT update:

June 7, 11:39 p.m. PDT update:

June 6, 11:00 p.m. PDT update:

  • On June 6, Contra Costa Health Services released a roadmap on the ways they are going back to normal. You can learn more about it here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 6, Contra Costa County now has 1,663 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 106 cases from 1,577 on June 5. After evaluating 526 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 39,737 for COVID-19. 18 of them are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 1,933,700  confirmed cases and at least 110,000 have died in the U.S., up 22,300 cases, and 701 deaths from June 5. In California, there are currently 129,147 confirmed cases and 4,626 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 19,778,873 cases and worldwide  6,897,225 cases, 399,789 deaths, and 3,087,381 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 5, 9:20 p.m. PDT update:

  • Contra Costa Health Services announced on June 5, that “Contra Costa County to Reopen Outdoor Dining, Pools, Religious Services”
  • There are still restrictions on the number of people that are allowed to gather but the shelter-in-place order has become laxer. For more information, view the press release. 
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 5, Contra Costa County now has 1,577 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 30 cases from 1,547 on June 4. After evaluating 791 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 39,211 for COVID-19. 15 of them are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 1,911,400 confirmed cases and at least 109,299 have died in the U.S., up 28,500 cases, and 1199 deaths from June 4. In California, there are currently 126,496 confirmed cases and 4,550 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 19,231,444 cases and worldwide  6,734,591 cases, 394,887 deaths, and 2,746,332 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 4, 11:11 p.m. PDT update:

June 3, 11:53 p.m. PDT update:

  • Contra Costa Health Service announced on June 3, 2020, that “Contra Costa County residents can go back to work, shop at local retail stores, get childcare and hang out with small groups of loved ones starting June 3.” There are still restrictions on the number of people that are allowed to gather but the shelter-in-place order has become laxer. For more information, view the press release. 
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. update today, June 3, Contra Costa County now has 1,520 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 7 cases from 1,513 on June 2. After evaluating 455 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 37,456 for COVID-19. 13 of them are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 1,861,000 confirmed cases and at least 107,100 have died in the U.S., up 20,000 cases, and 1,000 deaths from June 2. In California, there are currently 120,395 confirmed cases and 4,421 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 18,214,950 cases and worldwide  6,513,301 cases, 386,073 deaths, and 2,807,420 recoveries have been confirmed.

June 2, 11:06 p.m. PDT update:

  • Contra Costa Health Services announced on May 30, 2020 that “if we continue to make progress in our fight to contain COVID-19, Contra Costa County will be relaxing more restrictions on businesses and social activities in the coming days and weeks. Details will be announced on June 2.” Some of the most significant changes will go into effect June 3 and June 15. View the press release here for details.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, June 2, Contra Costa County now has 1,506 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 38 cases from 1,468 on June 1. After evaluating 1,278 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 37,001 for COVID-19. 11 of them are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 1,841,000 confirmed cases and at least 106,100 have died in the U.S., up 21,000 cases, and 10,643 deaths from June 1. In California, there are currently 115,643 confirmed cases and 4,287 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested and worldwide 6,382.952 cases, 380,331 deaths, and 2,6731,838 recoveries have been confirmed.

 

June 1, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

  • Contra Costa Health Services announced on May 30, 2020 that “if we continue to make progress in our fight to contain COVID-19, Contra Costa County will be relaxing more restrictions on businesses and social activities in the coming days and weeks. Details will be announced on June 2.” Some of the most significant changes will go into effect June 3 and June 15. View the press release here for details.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, June 1, Contra Costa County now has 1,468 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 42 cases from 1,426 on May 30. After evaluating 1564 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 35,723 for COVID-19. 14 of them are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 now has a total of 1,820,000 confirmed cases and at least 105,000 have died in the U.S., up 42,000 cases, and 1,300 deaths from May 31. In California, there are currently 115,643 confirmed cases and 4,287 deaths.
  • According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 17,340,682 and worldwide 6,273,402 cases, 375,683 deaths, and 2,697,873 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 31, 12:17 a.m. PDT update:

May 30, 12:46 a.m. PDT update:

May 29, 1:33 a.m. PDT update:

May 28, 1:38 a.m. PDT update:

May 26, 10:23 p.m. PDT update:

May 25, 11:30 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,336 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 15 from yesterday’s count of 1,321. Another county resident has died, leaving the death toll at 37. After evaluating 900 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 30,567 for COVID-19. 14 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,670,000 confirmed cases and 98,190 deaths in the U.S., up 21,100 cases and 520 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 97,002 cases and 3,808 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 14,604,942, and worldwide, 5,497,532 cases, 346,269 deaths and 2,232,593 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 24, 10 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,321 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 62 from the count of 1,259 two days ago. After evaluating 1,793 new patients over the past two days, Contra Costa has now tested 29,667 for COVID-19. 11 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,648,900 confirmed cases and 97,670 deaths in the U.S., up 40,700 cases and 1,699 deaths from two days ago. Surpassing Massachusetts once again, California now bears the fourth most cases (93,452) and sixth most deaths (3,690) among U.S. states, though its per capita figures are significantly lower than others’. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 14,163,915, and worldwide, 5,407,701 cases, 345,060 deaths and 2,168,564 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 22, 10:44 p.m. PDT update:

May 21, 10:09 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press release today, SRVUSD announced that pick-up and return of items left on campus would begin next Tuesday, May 26, pending details from each school site. Later today, Dougherty Valley High School shared the process it would take in a letter to families and students.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,234 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 25 from yesterday’s count of 1,209. Three more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 36. After evaluating 1,150 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 26,854 for COVID-19. 14 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,584,800 confirmed cases and 94,722 deaths in the U.S., up 25,600 cases and 1,314 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 88,488 cases and 3,624 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 13,056,206, and worldwide, 5,102,573 cases, 332,924 deaths and 1,948,739 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 20, 11:11 p.m. PDT update:

  • A CCHS infographic released today depicted the opening status of various businesses and locations in Contra Costa County after the March 16, April 29 and May 18 public health order updates.
  • According to Mercury News, President of the University of California system Janet Napolitano said today that the universities will be open for instruction this fall, clarifying that “most, if not all of our campuses, will operate in some kind of hybrid mode.”
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,209 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 17 from yesterday’s count of 1,192. After evaluating 2,019 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 25,704 for COVID-19. 19 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,559,200 confirmed cases and 93,408 deaths in the U.S., up 22,800 cases and 1,472 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 86,125 cases and 3,514 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 12,233,987, and worldwide, 4,999,981 cases, 328,169 deaths and 1,899,285 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 19, 10:49 p.m. PDT update:

May 18, 8:34 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to a press release today, Contra Costa County will allow non-essential retail stores to reopen for curbside sales and pickup starting tomorrow. CCHS made this decision noting that “[t]he number of new cases of COVID-19 has been stable or decreasing, even with increased testing,” and that “[t]he number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is stable, and we have adequate hospital capacity. As of May 17, there were 19 COVID-positive patients in Contra Costa hospitals – down from a high of 44 in mid-April.”
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,155 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up nine from yesterday’s count of 1,146. After evaluating 180 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 22,897 for COVID-19. 16 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,515,300 confirmed cases and 90,257 deaths in the U.S., up 21,900 cases and 753 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 81,911 cases and 3,322 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 11,834,508, and worldwide, 4,801,943 cases, 318,481 deaths and 1,786,875 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 17, 9:31 p.m. PDT update:

May 16, 10:49 p.m. PDT update:

May 15, 10:29 p.m. PDT update:

May 14, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

May 13, 11:06 p.m. PDT update:

  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s conservative majority struck down Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’s extension of the state’s stay-at-home order in a 4-3 decision today, reported the Washington Post. The justices wrote that “in the case of a pandemic … the Governor cannot rely on emergency powers indefinitely,” which in this case Gov. Evers had used to extend the original end date from April 24 through May 26.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,080 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 14 from yesterday’s count of 1,066. After evaluating 531 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 19,707 for COVID-19. 16 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,397,400 confirmed cases and 84,102 deaths in the U.S., up 20,800 cases and 1,752 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 72,980 cases and 3,012 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 9,974,831, and worldwide, 4,347,018 cases, 297,197 deaths and 1,548,547 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 12, 10:37 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to a press release from the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, the state has now conducted over 1 million COVID-19 tests, administering an average of 35,000 per day since the start of May, 10,000 above the target set at the beginning of April. Testing is one of the six critical indicators that California had set for its Resilience Roadmap as it modifies its stay-at-home order.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,066 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 18 from yesterday’s count of 1,048. After evaluating 507 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 19,176 for COVID-19. 18 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,376,600 confirmed cases and 82,350 deaths in the U.S., up 22,300 cases and 1,666 deaths from yesterday, marking for the second day in a row the smallest daily increase in U.S. cases in over a month. California has confirmed 71,150 cases and 2,902 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 9,637,930, and worldwide, 4,262,051 cases, 291,961 deaths and 1,493,450 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 11, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

  • Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, along with three other top government doctors, is scheduled to testify at a high-profile hearing tomorrow before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. In an email to a New York Times reporter, he wrote, “The major message that I wish to convey to the Senate HLP tomorrow is the danger of trying to open the country prematurely … If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to ‘Open America Again,’ then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country. This will not only result in needless suffering and death, but would actually set us back on our quest to return to normal.”
  • Governors and legislative leaders from the Western States Pact of Nevada, Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington “requested today $1 trillion in direct and flexible relief to states and local governments” from Congress “in order to preserve core government services like public health, public safety and public education, and help people get back to work,” according to a press release from the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom of California.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County has 1,048 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with no increase from yesterday. After evaluating 468 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 18,669 for COVID-19. 20 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,354,300 confirmed cases and 80,684 deaths in the U.S., up 17,600 cases and 1,132 deaths from yesterday, the smallest daily increase in U.S. cases in over a month. California has confirmed 69,514 cases and 2,820 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 9,382,235, and worldwide, 4,178,156 cases, 286,353 deaths and 1,456,493 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 10, 11:45 p.m. PDT update:

May 9, 11:45 p.m. PDT update:

  • U.S. health officials Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC; Dr. Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases, announced today that they have entered self-quarantines for two weeks after coming into “low risk” contact with colleagues with COVID-19, reported the New York Times.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 1,036 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 22 from yesterday’s count of 1,014. Two more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 31. After evaluating 450 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 17,685 for COVID-19. 20 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,316,400 confirmed cases and 78,763 deaths in the U.S., up 25,100 cases and 1,465 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 66,824 cases and 2,732 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 8,709,630, and worldwide, 4,025,140 cases, 279,329 deaths and 1,376,002 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 9, 12:50 a.m. PDT update:

May 7, 10:54 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press release today, Contra Costa County announced it would offer COVID-19 testing to all county residents, regardless of whether they have symptoms. “The county is operating five drive-through testing sites while the state provides walk-up testing locations at three additional locations. Testing is available by appointment only,” CCHS stated.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 999 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 14 from yesterday’s count of 985. After evaluating 277 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 16,427 for COVID-19. 21 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,264,000 confirmed cases and 75,744 deaths in the U.S., up 28,800 cases and 2,195 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 62,481 cases and 2,561 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 8,105,513, and worldwide, 3,846,949 cases, 269,584 deaths and 1,285,946 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 7, 12:02 a.m. PDT update:

May 6, 12:02 a.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update yesterday, Contra Costa County now has 969 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 22 from yesterday’s count of 947. Another county resident has died, leaving the death toll at 29. After evaluating 558 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 15,530 for COVID-19. 20 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,210,600 confirmed cases and 71,077 deaths in the U.S., up 23,700 cases and 2,234 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 58,848 cases and 2,386 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 7,544,328, and worldwide, 3,664,143 cases, 257,303 deaths and 1,199,439 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 4, 11:57 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a conference today organized by the European Union, countries and individuals around the world collectively pledged $8 billion to fund labs developing a COVID-19 vaccine, reported the New York Times. The biggest contributors were the European Union and Norway, who each donated one billion euros, or $1.1 billion. Among those not pledging were Russia, China and the U.S., which has already spent $2.6 billion through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and $7 billion on the part of American companies.
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom of California announced today that the state would move toward Stage 2 of reopening this Friday, May 8, allowing lower-risk businesses such as “bookstores, clothing stores, florists, and sporting goods stores” to resume business “with modifications.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 947 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up two from yesterday’s count of 945. After evaluating 536 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 14,972 for COVID-19. 20 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,186,900 confirmed cases and 68,843 deaths in the U.S., up 22,600 cases and 1,071 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 56,333 cases and 2,297 of these deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 7,285,178, and worldwide, 3,584,174 cases, 251,580 deaths and 1,168,030 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 3, 10:57 p.m. PDT update:

May 3, 12:07 a.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update yesterday, Contra Costa County now has 934 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 27 from yesterday’s count of 907. After evaluating 424 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 13,980 for COVID-19. 24 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,138,700 confirmed cases and 66,445 deaths in the U.S., up 29,200 cases and 1,574 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 53,753 cases and 2,213 deaths, while New York has reported 318,134 cases and 24,035 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 6,816,347. Worldwide, 3,428,490 cases, 243,837 deaths and 1,095,873 recoveries have been confirmed.

May 1, 9:40 p.m. PDT update:

  • After a remdesivir study of more than 1,000 hospitalized patients sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that recipients recovered in 11 days, versus 15 days for placebo patients, the antiviral drug was issued emergency approval by the Food and Drug Administration “as a treatment for patients severely ill with COVID-19,” according to the New York Times.
  • In a video today, CCHS provided guidance on updates to the shelter-in-place order that was extended through May two days ago. Watch the full video below:
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 907 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 16 from yesterday’s count of 891. One more county resident has died, leaving the death toll at 28. After evaluating 399 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 13,556 for COVID-19. 24 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,109,500 confirmed cases and 64,871 deaths in the U.S., up 33,900 cases and 1,764 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 52,316 cases and 2,147 deaths, while New York has reported 313,575 cases and 23,841 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 6,551,810. Worldwide, 3,344,099 cases, 238,663 deaths and 1,053,342 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 30, 10:17 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 891 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 29 from yesterday’s count of 862. Two more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 27. After evaluating 373 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 13,157 for COVID-19. 27 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,075,600 confirmed cases and 63,107 deaths in the U.S., up 30,500 cases and 2,162 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 50,470 cases and 2,057 deaths, while New York has reported 309,696 cases and 23,616 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 6,231,182. Worldwide, 3,257,520 cases, 233,405 deaths and 1,014,809 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 29, 10:33 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press release today, CCHS announced the extension of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties’, as well as the City of Berkeley’s, shelter-in-place orders through May 31. Only minor rules were eased as all non-essential businesses remain closed.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 862 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 20 from yesterday’s count of 842. After evaluating 378 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 12,784 for COVID-19. 24 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,045,100 confirmed cases and 60,945 deaths in the U.S., up 32,033 cases and 7,919 deaths from yesterday. The massive spike in deaths arises from a new approach “including cases and deaths that have been identified by public health officials as probable coronavirus patients.” California has confirmed 48,904 cases and 1,961 deaths, while New York has reported 305,024 cases and 23,317 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 6,026,170. Worldwide, 3,194,523 cases, 227,659 deaths and 973,371 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 28, 9:22 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 842 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 22 from yesterday’s count of 820. After evaluating 512 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 12,406 for COVID-19. 27 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 1,013,067 confirmed cases and 53,026 deaths in the U.S., up 25,813 cases and 2,239 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 47,093 cases and 1,881 deaths, while New York has reported 295,137 cases and 17,638 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 5,795,728 and hospitalized 106,265. Worldwide, 3,116,680 cases, 217,168 deaths and 928,712 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 27, 9:19 p.m. PDT update:

  • With President Donald Trump’s indication that “many states can reopen by May 1,” according to CNN, several U.S. states will head toward partial business reopening in the upcoming week. Find CNN’s latest updates on the status of each state’s reopening here. At the local level, a joint statement from seven Bay Area health officers, including that of Contra Costa County, read that “revised shelter-in-place orders that largely keep the current restrictions in place and extend them through May” would be issued later this week.
  • Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado and Gov. Steve Sisolak of Nevada joined California, Oregon and Washington today in their Western States Pact, which had been created on April 13 to guarantee coordination in the states’ systems and decisions in response to COVID-19.
  • Having announced that graduations and promotions would be held online last Thursday, SRVUSD declared today that in addition to these virtual celebrations, it was “committed” to holding an in-person senior graduation “at a future time.” “We have heard from our high school seniors how important it is to them to have an in-person graduation ceremony,” District Superintendent Rick Schmitt wrote. “We agree that this is a well-earned rite of passage and so, in addition to the virtual ceremonies already planned for the last day of school, we are committed to having an in-person event for our graduating seniors at a future time.”
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 820 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up three from yesterday’s count of 817. After evaluating 307 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 11,894 for COVID-19. 25 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 987,254 confirmed cases and 50,787 deaths in the U.S., up 22,040 cases and 1,322 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 45,157 cases and 1,798 deaths, while New York has reported 292,027 cases and 17,303 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 5,593,495 and hospitalized 128,673. Worldwide, 3,041,517 cases, 211,167 deaths and 893,967 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 27, 12:54 a.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update yesterday, Contra Costa County now has 817 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 12 from yesterday’s count of 805. Two more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 25. After evaluating 589 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 11,587 for COVID-19. 29 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 965,214 confirmed cases and 49,465 deaths in the U.S., up 27,081 cases and 1,162 deaths from yesterday. Illinois now bears more cases than California, which is back to fifth-highest in cases (43,691) and seventh-highest in deaths (1,716) among U.S. states. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 5,441,079 and hospitalized 126,647. Worldwide, 2,973,264 cases, 206,569 deaths and 868,806 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 25, 9:27 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 805 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 19 from yesterday’s count of 786. After evaluating 386 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 10,998 for COVID-19. 31 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 938,133 confirmed cases and 48,303 deaths in the U.S., up 36,061 cases and 2,060 deaths from yesterday, marking the largest daily increase in cases ever in the U.S. California has confirmed 42,373 cases and 1,684 deaths, while New York has reported 282,174 cases and 16,599 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 5,184,635 and hospitalized 126,194. Worldwide, 2,897,645 cases, 202,880 deaths and 817,034 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 24, 9:55 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 786 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 16 from yesterday’s count of 770. After evaluating 280 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 10,612 for COVID-19. 32 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 902,072 confirmed cases and 46,243 deaths in the U.S., up 34,967 cases and 1,780 deaths from yesterday, marking the largest daily increase in cases in nearly two weeks. California has confirmed 41,156 cases and 1,628 deaths, while New York has reported 271,621 cases and 16,162 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 4,692,797 and hospitalized 124,223. Worldwide, 2,790,986 cases, 195,920 deaths and 781,382 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 23, 11:47 p.m. PDT update:

  • Gov. Gavin Newsom of California issued an executive order today to extend educational agencies’ deadlines for submitting Local Control and Accountability Plans, which are multi-year budget planning documents that must be developed with community involvement. Additionally, educational agencies must soon write and publish a report to their communities on their COVID-19 response, describing how they have been executing distance learning and providing school meals.
  • The SRVUSD answered multiple questions regarding “grading, the Remote Learning Continuity Plan, graduation and promotion ceremonies, Special Education and the future of [its] summer programs” in a live Q&A stream on its YouTube channel today. Notably, the District announced that secondary students would be receiving “virtual graduations and promotions” at the same date and time as originally scheduled by their respective schools. Additionally, high school principals are to soon send out details about cap and gown pickup, which will begin next week. Watch the full video below:
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 770 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up seven from yesterday’s count of 763. After evaluating 268 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 10,332 for COVID-19. 33 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 867,105 confirmed cases and 44,463 deaths in the U.S., up 32,983 cases and 1,974 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 39,534 cases and 1,553 deaths, while New York has reported 263,460 cases and 15,740 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 4,684,300 and hospitalized 123,981. Worldwide, 2,709,483 cases, 190,890 deaths and 742,855 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 22, 9:21 p.m. PDT update:

  • CCHS opened four by-appointment drive-through testing sites today to county residents with “symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath and fatigue.” A press release wrote, “Any Contra Costa resident with these symptoms can call 1-844-421-0804 for a confidential screening by a health professional. Telephone screenings will be available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.”
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 763 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 14 from yesterday’s count of 749. Another county resident has died, leaving the death toll at 23. After evaluating 156 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 10,064 for COVID-19. 37 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 834,122 confirmed cases and 42,489 deaths in the U.S., up 28,350 cases and 2,173 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 37,534 cases and 1,424 deaths, while New York has reported 257,246 cases and 15,302 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 4,466,559 and hospitalized 121,498. Worldwide, 2,628,527 cases, 183,424 deaths and 784,986 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 21, 11:15 p.m. PDT update:

  • The Senate passed another relief package today, this time providing a further $484 billion to fund hospitals and small businesses, who had initially received a $349 billion that had quickly run out as more than 22 million Americans filed for unemployment. Additionally, President Donald Trump stated he would block issuing new green cards to immigrants for 60 days in order to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading from other countries to the U.S.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 749 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 42 from yesterday’s count of 707. After evaluating 336 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 9,908 for COVID-19. 34 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 805,772 confirmed cases and 40,316 deaths in the U.S., up 25,313 cases and 2,523 deaths from yesterday and marking two weeks since the national case count curve has begun stabilizing. Surpassing Pennsylvania in cases again after having been overtaken five days ago, California has confirmed 35,845 cases and 1,316 deaths, while New York has reported 251,720 cases and 14,828 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 4,163,464 and hospitalized 120,665. Worldwide, 2,565,059 cases, 177,496 deaths and 686,608 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 20, 11:47 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 707 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 14 from yesterday’s count of 693. Two more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 22. After evaluating 363 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 9,572 for COVID-19. 35 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 780,459 confirmed cases and 37,793 deaths in the U.S., up 27,499 cases and 1,697 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 33,862 cases and 1,223 deaths, while New York has reported 247,543 cases and 14,347 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 4,026,572 and hospitalized 117,962. Worldwide, 2,478,634 cases, 170,389 deaths and 651,736 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 19, 10:07 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 693 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up eight from yesterday’s count of 685. Another county resident has died, leaving the death toll at 20. After evaluating 265 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 9,209 for COVID-19. 34 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 752,960 confirmed cases and 36,096 deaths in the U.S., up 26,160 cases and 1,507 deaths from yesterday. Surpassing Michigan in cases after having been overtaken on April 3, California has confirmed 31,531 cases and 1,176 deaths, while New York has reported 242,817 cases and 13,869 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 3,882,002 and hospitalized 115,990. Worldwide, 2,404,249 cases, 165,234 deaths and 624,725 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 18, 9:42 p.m. PDT update:

  • Dozens of artists performed on the “One World: Together At Home Special to Celebrate COVID-19 Workers” online concert today, which was organized and broadcast by antipoverty organization Global Citizen and has raised more than $35 million, according to the New York Times. Watch the full digital special below:
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 685 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 37 from yesterday’s count of 648. For the first time in five days, no new deaths have been recorded in the county. After evaluating a sizable 662 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 8,944 for COVID-19. 37 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 726,800 confirmed cases and 34,589 deaths in the U.S., up 26,947 cases and 1,751 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 30,178 cases and 1,065 deaths, while New York has reported 236,743 cases and 13,362 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 3,698,534 and hospitalized 114,073. Worldwide, 2,329,539 cases, 160,717 deaths and 595,229 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 17, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a health order today, CCHS required all workers and visitors of essential businesses, healthcare facilities and public transportation to wear face coverings “of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes” in those settings. CCHS also stated that “[w]hen outside, everyone must carry masks or face coverings and use them whenever they come near six feet of others outside their own households.” Read the full public order here.
  • SRVUSD announced today that it would “broadcast an online Question and Answer Session” at 6-7 p.m. next Thursday, April 23, on its YouTube channel. “Our recent transition to online learning has generated a flurry of questions from the community about everything from grades to graduation and everything in between,” the District wrote. Questions for the broadcast may be submitted on this Google Form before 4 p.m. next Tuesday, April 21.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 648 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 17 from yesterday’s count of 631. Three more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 19. After evaluating 289 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 8,282 for COVID-19. 38 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 699,853 confirmed cases and 32,838 deaths in the U.S., up 32,009 cases and 2,179 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 29,398 cases and 1,050 deaths, while New York has reported 229,642 cases and 12,822 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 3,574,392 and hospitalized 112,260. Worldwide, 2,249,662 cases, 154,254 deaths and 570,296 recoveries have been confirmed.

April 16, 11:52 p.m. PDT update:

  • China revised today its Wuhan COVID-19 death toll by almost exactly 50% upward from 2,579 to 3,869, now including “those who died at home in the early days of the outbreak, as well as deaths that were not properly reported by hospitals or registered on death certificates,” reported to the New York Times.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 631 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 16 from yesterday’s count of 615. Two more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 16. After evaluating 289 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 8,282 for COVID-19. 37 are currently hospitalized, a notable decrease of seven from yesterday’s tally of 44.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 667,844 confirmed cases and 30,659 deaths in the U.S., up 31,068 cases and 2,076 deaths from yesterday. Pennsylvania now bears more cases than California, which has dropped from highest at the start of the U.S. epidemic to sixth-highest in cases (28,067) and seventh-highest in deaths (968) among U.S. states. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 3,420,394 and hospitalized 109,526. Worldwide, there have been 2,159,267 cases, 145,563 deaths and 548,122 recoveries.

April 15, 11:26 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 615 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 15 from yesterday’s count of 600. Two more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 14. After evaluating 245 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 7,993 for COVID-19. 44 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 636,776 confirmed cases and 28,583 deaths in the U.S., up 29,976 cases and 2,661 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 27,107 cases and 885 deaths, while New York has reported 213,779 cases and 11,586 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 3,261,611 — nearly 1% of the population — and hospitalized 104,068. Worldwide, there have been 2,064,668 cases, 137,078 deaths and 512,252 recoveries.

April 14, 11:05 p.m. PDT update:

  • Gov. Gavin Newsom of California outlined today six indicators that California would consider before modifying the stay-at-home order toward the eventual end of the pandemic:
    • “The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
    • The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
    • The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
    • The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
    • The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
    • The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.”
  • According to a 4:45 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 600 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up a massive 48 from yesterday’s count of 552. Another county resident has died, leaving the death toll at 12. After evaluating 263 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 7,748 for COVID-19. 44 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 606,800 confirmed cases and 25,922 deaths in the U.S., up 26,065 cases and 2,341 deaths from yesterday. While today marks a record fourth day that new reported cases have decreased, daily death counts continue to increase. Among states, California has confirmed 25,703 cases and 778 deaths, while New York has reported 202,208 cases and 10,834 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 3,120,381 and hospitalized 101,615. Worldwide, there have been 1,982,552 cases, 126,753 deaths and 493,658 recoveries.

April 13, 9:32 p.m. PDT update:

  • Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington announced today their Western States Pact, describing “a shared vision for reopening their economies and controlling COVID-19 into the future.” Read more about its main points here.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 552 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 13 from yesterday’s count of 539. After evaluating 449 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 7,485 for COVID-19. 41 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 580,735 confirmed cases and 23,581 deaths in the U.S., up 25,364 cases and 1,525 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 24,328 of these cases and 725 deaths, while New York has reported 195,031 cases and 10,056 deaths. According to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering, the U.S. has tested 2,935,006 and hospitalized 92,802. Worldwide, there have been 1,920,985 cases, 119,687 deaths and 449,949 recoveries.

April 12, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

April 11, 11:17 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 530 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 19 from yesterday’s count of 511. Two more county residents have died, leaving the death toll at 11. After evaluating 218 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 6,938 for COVID-19. 37 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 528,301 confirmed cases and 20,554 deaths in the U.S., up 33,052 cases and 1,962 deaths from yesterday. Massachusetts also now bears more cases than California, which is fifth-highest in cases (22,338) and sixth-highest in deaths (629) among U.S. states. New York continues to dominate with 180,458 cases and 8,627 deaths as of today. Worldwide, there have been 1,777,666 cases, 108,867 deaths and 404,372 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 10, 11:30 p.m. PDT update:

  • 3,456 have now signed a Change.org petition started by Dougherty Valley High School senior Rameen Khan to “POSTPONE the IN-PERSON Graduation Ceremony for the SRVUSD Class of 2020 Seniors,” addressed to the SRVUSD Board of Education.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 511 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 27 from yesterday’s count of 484. Another county resident has died, leaving the death toll at nine. After evaluating 413 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 6,720 for COVID-19. 35 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 495,249 confirmed cases and 18,592 deaths in the U.S., up 31,741 cases and 1,905 deaths from yesterday. The U.S. surpassed Spain today in number of fatalities and now leads the world in COVID-19 death count. California has confirmed 21,150 of these cases and 582 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 170,512 cases and 7,844 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 1,698,626 cases, 102,774 deaths and 376,734 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 9, 9:43 p.m. PDT update:

  • The state of New York, North America’s COVID-19 hotspot of the past couple weeks, saw 200 new hospitalizations yesterday, its lowest since the start of its statewide lockdown. Simultaneously, however, it also announced a record daily high of 799 new deaths.
  • According to a press release today from the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, “Californians have filed more [unemployment] claims in the last four weeks than in all of 2019.” In response, Mr. Newsom announced a new federal benefit payment of $600 starting this Sunday that will be added to California workers’ weekly benefit.
  • In a press release today, SRVUSD updated community members on the next phase of its Remote Learning Continuity Plan, stating, “Remote learning during the fourth quarter will focus on new learning, which will prepare students to advance to their next grade level or course. It will also help to maintain the connections between staff and students, and meet the social-emotional needs of our students.” The District highlighted that curricula would be uniquely “designed by each teacher” and that students could work “independently on a flexible schedule in order to meet the[ir] varying needs.” New material will be provided by teachers starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, and all teachers “will hold virtual office hours during which students can get individualized help, support and intervention.” Again, SRVUSD will be using Pass/No Mark grading for middle and high school students.
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 484 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 22 from yesterday’s count of 462. Another county resident has died, leaving the death toll at eight. After evaluating 284 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 6,307 for COVID-19. 31 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 463,508 confirmed cases and 16,687 deaths in the U.S., up 34,448 cases and 1,878 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 20,088 of these cases and 544 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 159,937 cases and 7,067 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 1,601,984 cases, 95,731 deaths and 355,066 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 8, 9:13 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 462 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 20 from yesterday’s count of 442. After evaluating 192 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 6,023 for COVID-19. 30 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 429,060 confirmed cases and 14,809 deaths in the U.S., up 31,306 cases and 1,853 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 19,054 of these cases and 504 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 149,401 cases and 6,268 deaths. Many states, however, have finally started to see slower “case growth rates.” Worldwide, there have been 1,484,811 cases, 88,538 deaths and 329,876 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 7, 11:24 p.m. PDT update:

  • Wuhan, China, the origin of the COVID-19 outbreak, ended its lockdown today, finally allowing residents to leave their homes without special permission. Despite reopening, Wuhan’s and China’s economies will face a difficult recovery for weeks, months and years ahead.
  • In a joint decision today with school superintendents, including Rick Schmitt of SRVUSD, the public health officers of Contra Costa County and five other Bay Area counties announced that in-class instruction would be suspended through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. An SRVUSD press release clarified, “In addition, all special events, field trips and school related activities including Graduation, Senior Balls, 8th Grade Promotions and other end-of-year activities have been cancelled … Over the coming weeks, we will share information about plans to honor our students and their end-of-year commemorations and activities.”
  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 442 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 25 from yesterday’s count of 417. After evaluating 233 new patients today, Contra Costa has now tested 5,831 for COVID-19. 29 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 397,754 confirmed cases and 12,956 deaths in the U.S., up 32,229 cases and 2,031 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 17,540 of these cases and 447 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 140,081 cases and 5,563 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 1,431,375 cases, 82,145 deaths and 301,417 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 6, 8:54 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 417 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 31 from yesterday’s count of 386. Another county resident has also died, leaving the death toll at seven. 358 new patients have been tested for COVID-19 — the total is now 5,598 — and 30 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 365,525 confirmed cases and 10,925 deaths in the U.S., up 28,749 cases and 1,270 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 15,999 of these cases and 379 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 130,689 cases and 4,758 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 1,347,803 cases, 74,807 deaths and 277,402 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 5, 11:31 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to an 11:30 a.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 386 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 33 from yesterday’s count of 353. Another county resident has also died, leaving the death toll at six. 5,240 patients have been tested for COVID-19, and 31 are currently hospitalized.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 336,776 confirmed cases and 9,655 deaths in the U.S., up 25,140 cases and 1,156 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 15,076 of these cases and 349 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 122,911 cases and 4,161 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 1,275,542 cases, 69,498 deaths and 262,985 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 4, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

April 3, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

  • The CDC recommended today that all Americans now wear non-medical “cloth face coverings in public settings … especially in areas of significant community-based transmission,” despite continued debate over their effectiveness.
  • In a press release today, SRVUSD informed community members that after spring break, student learning would shift from “review and reinforcement of previously taught material to the teaching of new material.” Moreover, middle and high school students will receive Pass/No Mark scores, rather than traditional letter grades, for their fourth quarter and second semester. “Moving to Pass/No Mark reporting will benefit our middle and high school students without negative consequences for students with collegiate aspirations because the Pass and No Mark scores do not affect students’ grade point averages (GPAs),” the District wrote.
  • CCHS issued a mass “isolation and quarantine” order today for all county residents with COVID-19 and their close contacts. “The county’s public health staff no longer have the capacity to individually notify and track everyone with COVID-19 and their close contacts who may have been exposed to the virus,” a CCHS press release reads. The official text of the mass isolation order can be found here.
  • In a press release today, CCHS confirmed an outbreak in an Orinda senior facility, stating, “At least 27 people who live or work at a skilled nursing facility in Orinda have tested positive for COVID-19.” Among the infected, 24 are residents and three are staff members.
  • According to a 2 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 307 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 31 from yesterday’s count of 276. Two more county residents have also died, leaving the death toll at five. 4,493 patients in the county have been tested for COVID-19, and 32 are currently hospitalized. Watch CCHS’s press conference from today below:
  • According to the New York Times, the U.S. has now confirmed 276,382 cases of, and 7,122 deaths from, COVID-19, up 32,653 cases and 958 deaths from yesterday. Michigan also now bears more cases than California, which is fourth-highest in cases (10,730) and sixth-highest in deaths (282) among U.S. states. Simultaneously, New York’s overwhelming outbreak continues to grow, with 102,870 cases and 2,935 deaths as of today. Worldwide, there have been 1,118,921 cases, 58,937 deaths and 226,769 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

April 2, 11:07 p.m. PDT update:

April 1, 9:55 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press release today, the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom of California “announced a major agreement between teachers, classified employees, school boards, superintendents, and principals to work together to provide distance learning to California’s students as a result of school closures due to mitigation efforts against the COVID-19 outbreak.” The initiative will provide students with school resources that primarily include “distance learning, special education, and meals through the end of the school year.”
  • According to a 1:37 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 250 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 28 from yesterday’s count of 222.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 211,368 confirmed cases and 4,838 deaths in the U.S., up 24,192 cases and 791 deaths from yesterday. California has confirmed 9,816 of these cases and 212 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 83,899 cases and 1,941 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 937,170 cases, 47,235 deaths and 193,770 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 31, 9:58 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press conference today, top White House officials Dr. Anthony S. Fauci and Dr. Deborah L. Birx stated that despite social distancing measures, COVID-19 is projected to kill between 100,000 and 240,000 U.S. residents over following months. According to the New York Times, “more than 2.2 million people could have died in the United States” without strict guidelines like the ones currently in place. Watch the full White House media briefing below:
  • In a joint press release today, Contra Costa County, along with the five counties of Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara, as well as the city of Berkeley, extended its stay-at-home order through May 3. “Extending the stay-at-home order should reduce the number of sick patients seeking care at one time, giving us time to acquire more medical supplies for providers who will be providing care to people sick with COVID-19,” Contra Costa County health officer Dr. Chris Farnitano said. “The extension will allow doctors and nurses to better treat those who do get sick, and save countless lives.”
  • In a letter to school districts across California, State Superintendent of Public Instruction of California Tony Thurmond stated that students would likely not return to school campuses for the rest of the school year. “The need for safety through social distancing warrants that we continue to keep our school campuses closed to students during this pandemic,” Mr. Thurmond wrote.
  • According to a 2:12 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 222 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 35 from yesterday’s count of 187.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 187,176 confirmed cases and 4,047 deaths in the U.S. California has confirmed 8,350 of these cases and 176 deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 75,832 cases and 1,714 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 859,796 cases, 42,341 deaths and 178,301 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 30, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

March 29, 10:45 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a White House media briefing today, President Donald Trump extended the federal government’s social distancing measures “to avoid nonessential travel, going to work, eating at bars and restaurants, or gathering in groups of more than 10 for at least another month and perhaps until June,” reported the New York Times.
  • According to a 1 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 175 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up seven from yesterday’s count of 168.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 141,995 confirmed cases and 2,486 deaths in the U.S. California has confirmed 6,266 of these cases and 130 of these deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 59,568 cases and 965 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 723,328 cases, 34,005 deaths and 151,991 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 28, 11:47 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to three SRVUSD press releases from today and yesterday, one individual at each of Coyote Creek Elementary, Hidden Hills Elementary and Windemere Ranch Middle tested positive for COVID-19. The three individuals were last on campus on March 4, March 12 and March 13, respectively. “We understand that news such as this can be unsettling and that our parents and families may want more detail. While these feelings are understood, we are compelled to respect individual rights to confidentiality,” the District wrote.
  • According to a 1 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 168 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 17 from yesterday’s count of 151. For the second consecutive day, a county resident has died from the virus, raising the death toll to three.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 123,617 confirmed cases and 2,133 deaths in the U.S. California has confirmed 5,565 of these cases and 121 of these deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 53,363 cases and 782 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 665,164 cases, 30,852 deaths and 140,225 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 27, 11:58 p.m. PDT update:

  • The $2 trillion economic stimulus plan that the Senate passed on March 25 became law today after approval by voice vote in the House of Representatives and signature by President Donald Trump. The package includes $1,200 in direct payments to millions of Americans, billions in jobless aid and benefits, $100 billion for hospitals and $877 billion in loans to small businesses and larger companies. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California commented, “The stimulus bill passed today … means an additional $600 a week in Unemployment Insurance for the many Californians who have already lost jobs and the many more who will during this crisis, provides emergency loans and grants to help small businesses and non-profits keep people employed, and it provides direct aid to state and local governments so that we can respond to this emergency and aid communities and families during this time.”
  • According to a 5:08 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 151 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 20 from yesterday’s count of 131. Another county resident has also died from the virus, raising the death toll to two.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 102,636 confirmed cases and 1,646 deaths in the U.S. California has confirmed 4,914 of these cases and 102 of these deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 44,635 cases and 535 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 598,070 cases, 27,761 deaths and 131,772 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 26, 11:32 p.m. PDT update:

  • According to a 1 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 131 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 23 from yesterday’s count of 108.
  • According to the New York Times, the U.S. has now totaled 85,284 COVID-19 cases, surpassing China’s plateaued count of 81,782. Though the latter’s 3,291 deaths still supersede the former’s 1,270 (Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering), the U.S.’s death toll continues to rise rapidly. California has confirmed 3,963 cases and 81 deaths, while New York has reported a staggering 38,987 cases and 432 deaths. Worldwide, COVID-19 has totaled 532,788 cases, 24,077 deaths and 122,672 recoveries.

March 25, 10:15 p.m. PDT update:

  • Early this morning, the Senate approved a $2 trillion economic stabilization package that would provide direct $1,200 payments to millions of U.S. citizens, expand jobless aid and benefits, send $100 billion to hospitals and free $877 billion in loans to small businesses and larger companies. “Its cost is hundreds of billions of dollars more than Congress provides for the entire United States federal budget for a single year,” the New York Times reported.
  • In a press release today, the Contra Costa County Office of Education announced its decision to extend school closures through May 1, made in conjunction with Alameda, Marin, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties’ Offices of Education, as well as the San Francisco Unified School District. In a follow-up, SRVUSD clarified, “Beginning the week of April 13th, we will be changing the focus of our Remote Learning Plan from review to the teaching of new material while progressing on standards not previously covered.”
  • According to a 12:47 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 108 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 37 from yesterday’s count of 71. Today marked, by far, the largest jump in number of cases, with the greatest previous one-day increase having been 10.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 68,508 confirmed cases and 990 deaths in the U.S. California has confirmed 3,183 of these cases and 67 of these deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 33,066 cases and 325 deaths. Worldwide, there have been 471,783 cases, 21,306 deaths and 114,858 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 24, 10:07 p.m. PDT update:

March 23, 10:25 p.m. PDT update:

  • In an update today, SRVUSD reminded students that their voluntary Remote Learning Plan would begin by the latest tomorrow at 9 a.m., with teachers setting out their own curriculum for each of their classes. “All coursework through April 3 will focus on review and/or reinforcement of previous material in order to acclimate students to a remote learning environment,” the District wrote.
  • According to a 12:23 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has 71 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 10 again from yesterday’s count of 61. CCHS also asked community members today to donate personal protective equipment supplies, providing guidelines in the media briefing below:

March 22, 10:08 p.m. PDT update:

  • President Donald Trump mobilized National Guard units today in New York, Washington and California to help health care providers fight COVID-19. “Through FEMA, the federal government will be funding 100 percent of the cost of deploying National Guard units to carry out approved missions to stop the virus, while those governors remain in command,” Mr. Trump said. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mr. Trump also directed “four large medical stations with 1,000 beds for New York, eight large federal medical stations with 2,000 beds for California, and three large federal medical stations and four small federal medical stations with 1,000 beds for the State of Washington,” according to the New York Times. Watch the full White House press conference here:
  • Senate Democrats blocked today the $1.8 trillion stimulus plan that the Trump administration had formulated over the past three days, deeming protections for workers too weak and Federal Reserve leverage over business bailouts too lax. The New York Times reported that the package would have given “the Federal Reserve access to $425 billion … for loans to broad groups of flailing companies” and sent “$1,200 direct payments to millions of Americans and additional jobless benefits and aid to states,” but that Democrats “said the measure provided insufficient unemployment aid — offering only three months while they have insisted on at least four — and lacked adequate funding for state and local governments, emergency food assistance and relief from student loans.”
  • According to a 12:15 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has a 61 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 10 from yesterday’s count of 51. The jump in the number of cases likely reflected CCHS’s “aggressive” efforts to ramp up testing in county hospitals, as it had stated in its March 20 media briefing.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 32,722 confirmed cases and 416 deaths in the U.S. California has confirmed 1,639 of these cases and 32 of these deaths, while New York has reported an overwhelming 15,168 total cases and 114 deaths, accounting for 5% of the world’s COVID-19 cases. Worldwide, there have been 339,035 cases, 14,705 deaths and 98,799 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 21, 11:46 p.m. PDT update:

March 20, 10:57 p.m. PDT update:

  • Governors of multiple states, including New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Illinois, as well as localities such as New Orleans, announced shelter-in-place limitations similar to the one Gov. Gavin Newsom of California implemented yesterday. These regulations, which will be effective shortly, will apply to over 20% of the U.S. population, reported the New York Times.
  • CCHS reported Contra Costa County’s first COVID-19 death today, writing in a public statement, “The person was a county resident in their 70s who had a condition that placed them at risk of serious illness and had recently traveled outside the country.”
  • According to a 1:07 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has a total of 46 COVID-19 cases, up four from yesterday’s count of 42. In a press conference, CCHS stated, “The situation is very serious in Contra Costa. We expect more cases as our testing expands … We believe that aggressive testing can help, and we are ramping up our testing efforts on a daily basis. More confirmed cases does not mean we are losing ground, it means we are sharpening our focus and gathering data that will help us through this emergency.” Watch the full briefing below:

March 19, 11:59 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press release today, SRVUSD announced that its Remote Learning Plan that would begin Tuesday, March 24. The District described, “SRVUSD’s Remote Learning Plan is voluntary for students and is intended to support students by engaging in independent and flexible learning in an online setting. All coursework through April 3 will focus on review and/or reinforcement of previous material in order to acclimate students to a remote learning environment.” Read more in SRVUSD’s full press release.
  • Expanding the shelter-in-place regulation that multiple Bay Area counties had implemented on March 16, today Gov. Gavin Newsom of California indefinitely ordered all residents of the state to “stay at home” save essential operations. California currently has the third-highest number of cases (1,044) and deaths (19) among all U.S. states, behind only New York (4,152 cases and 29 deaths) and Washington (1,228 cases and 75 deaths).
  • According to a 12:37 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has a total of 42 COVID-19 cases, up one from yesterday’s count of 41.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 12,392 confirmed cases and 195 deaths in the U.S., with 1,044 cases and 19 deaths in California. Worldwide, there have been 244,523 cases, 10,030 deaths and 86,031 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 18, 10:44 p.m. PDT update:

March 17, 9:11 p.m. PDT update:

  • Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
    Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed on Tuesday emergency legislation providing up to $1.1 billion “to increase hospital capacity, clean schools and protect those most vulnerable to the diseas[e].”
    In a press release today, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California announced signature of emergency legislation providing $500 million to help the state fight COVID-19, with authorization of possible increases up to $1 billion. Gov. Newsom said that the legislation, which was passed unanimously in one day by the California Legislature, “will provide more hospital beds and medical equipment to help hospitals deal with the coming surge and it will help protect those who are most at risk.”
  • In a press conference today, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the White House supported sending two weeks’ wages to most Americans earning less than $1 million. The proposal, which would cost an estimated $250 billion, was part of a broader $850 billion stimulus plan that might also provide the airline industry $50 billion in economic relief.
  • In a press release today, SRVUSD provided an update on its coordination of a new student learning plan. “We acknowledge that many of you have questions … We have not yet released a plan because our situation is changing daily, and in some cases hourly,” SRVUSD wrote. “[W]e have been waiting for guidelines from the California Department of Education on the requirements for going forward, which were released at 6:30 p.m. tonight … We want to make sure that we are in compliance with them.”
  • According to a 1 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has a total of 39 COVID-19 cases, up five from yesterday’s count of 34.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 5,726 confirmed cases and 107 deaths across every U.S. state, Washington, D.C. and three U.S. territories. Worldwide, there have been 198,004 cases, 7,948 deaths and 81,947 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 16, 11:47 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press conference today, President Donald Trump released new guidelines to help contain COVID-19, “including closing schools and avoiding groups of more than 10 people, discretionary travel, bars, restaurants and food courts,” reported the New York Times.
  • In a sweeping public order today, CCHS mandated that all Contra Costa County residents follow a shelter-in-place regulation starting tomorrow, March 17, at 12:01 a.m., effective through April 7. Only government services and private businesses that provide “essential needs,” including “health care … food, shelter, and social services,” are allowed to remain open in this time period (a full list of operating businesses and services can be found in Section 10 of the order). Also enacting shelter-in-place orders are six other Bay Area counties — Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz — as well as the City of Berkeley. Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis clarified, “While the goal is to limit groups congregating together in a way that could further spread the virus, it is not complete social shutdown. You can still complete your most essential outings or even engage in outdoor activity, so long as you avoid close contact.”
  • According to a 12:30 p.m. CCHS update today, Contra Costa County now has a total of 34 COVID-19 cases, up five from yesterday’s count of 29.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 4,482 confirmed cases and 86 deaths across 49 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Worldwide, there have been 182,407 cases, 7,154 deaths and 79,433 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 15, 10:10 p.m. PDT update:

  • In an update today, the CDC recommended that mass gatherings of 50 or more be postponed for at least the next eight weeks. “Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual,” the CDC wrote.
  • The Federal Reserve cut its interest rates by a full percentage point to a range of 0% to 0.25%. It also said it would “inject huge sums into the economy by snapping up at least $500 billion of Treasury securities and at least $200 billion of mortgage-backed debt ‘over coming months,'” according to the New York Times.
  • According to a 12:30 p.m. CCHS update today, the number of Contra Costa County COVID-19 cases has not increased since yesterday, when the total at 12:30 p.m. was 29. Meanwhile, starting tomorrow, all Contra Costa County libraries will be closed indefinitely.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 3,486 confirmed cases and 66 deaths across 49 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Worldwide, there have been 169,387 cases, 6,513 deaths and 77,257 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering. Notably, today marks the first day in which cases outside mainland China (88,367) have exceeded those within (81,020).

March 14, 11:21 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a public order today, CCHS prohibited mass gatherings of 100 people or more in Contra Costa County, effective through March 31. “Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment in the County jail, or both,” the statement read. According to CCHS, there are now 29 total cases of COVID-19 in Contra Costa County. Watch the full press conference below:

March 13, 10:12 p.m. PDT update:

  • In a press release today, SRVUSD declared that starting next Monday, March 16, all schools would close through at least Friday, April 10. “Over the next few days, district administration will evaluate future plans and potential flexible learning opportunities,” the statement read.
  • In a Facebook Live update today, CCHS stated that “COVID-19 is now transmitting in our community” and confirmed a total of 25 Contra Costa County coronavirus cases. “Our strong urging is to cancel and postpone gatherings of more than 50 people,” CCHS said. Watch the full video below:
  • The House of Representatives passed an economic relief package today with “two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave, enhanced unemployment benefits, free virus testing including for those who lack insurance, additional food aid and federal funds for Medicaid,” according to the New York Times. The Senate is set to cancel its hiatus next week so that it can vote on the measure.
  • President Donald Trump declared a national emergency today, opening $50 billion in federal aid to funding state and local governments, as well as deploying support teams, in fighting the outbreak.
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom of California banned gatherings of 250 or more people through at least the end of March on Wednesday, advising also that smaller events only continue if organizers reinforce social distancing of at least six feet per person.
  • According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has now totaled 2,170 confirmed cases and 48 deaths across 49 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Worldwide, there have been 145,369 cases, 5,429 deaths and 71,694 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 11, 9:45 p.m. PDT update:

March 10, 9:40 p.m. PDT update:

  • CCHS updated their novel coronavirus page today, adding one new confirmed case to the local count: “There are a total of ten Contra Costa County residents who have tested positive for novel coronavirus. Of those, four were known to have had contact with people who previously tested positive. Six had no recent history of travel outside the U.S. or known contact with a confirmed case.”
  • In a media briefing today, CCHS declared a state of emergency in Contra Costa County, stating that they believe “COVID-19 is circulating in our community” and recommending that large gatherings of 50 or more people in the following two weeks be canceled. Watch the full press conference below:

March 9, 11:30 p.m. PDT update:

March 8, 11:30 p.m. PDT update:

  • Five new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Contra Costa County by CCHS, bringing the county total to nine. Four of these five new cases had no international travel history nor known contact with a confirmed case, and they are being treated at Contra Costa hospitals. The fifth patient had close contact with a person who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 and, under CCHS’s guidance, is self-isolating at home.
  • In a press release today, SRVUSD listed more than a dozen steps they are taking to help protect students and staff from COVID-19. “We remain in close contact with the county, state and federal agencies governing protocols around this public health issue and we remain in compliance with all recommendations,” SRVUSD stated.
  • Over 5,500 people have signed a petition to cancel school in SRVUSD to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 has now totaled 545 confirmed cases and 22 deaths in the U.S., according to the New York Times. Worldwide, there have been 110,041 cases, 3,825 deaths and 62,000 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 6, 10:55 p.m. PST update:

  • The East Coast sees its first COVID-19 deaths as Florida officials report two in their state tonight.
  • Two Grand Princess cruise passengers and one patient who had close contact with a coronavirus patient are confirmed to have COVID-19, bringing the Contra Costa County total to four. Watch the full update from today’s Contra Costa Health Services press conference:

March 4, 11:50 p.m. PST update:

  • A Grand Princess cruise ship passenger dies of COVID-19 in Placer County, CA, as the first U.S. coronavirus death outside the state of Washington. The ship, which has 21 confirmed cases on board, “will not come on shore until we appropriately assess the passengers,” Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said, adding that the state will declare of a state of emergency to mobilize its response to the outbreak.
  • COVID-19 has now totaled 95,425 confirmed cases, 3,286 deaths and 53,396 recoveries worldwide, with 159 cases, 11 deaths and eight recoveries across 15 states in the U.S., according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 3, 11 p.m. PST update:

  • After weeks of limited and inaccurate coronavirus diagnostic tests, the CDC is to lift all restrictions and release new guidelines on testing possible carriers.
  • Two deaths in the Seattle area from last week were found today to have been linked to COVID-19, further suggesting that the coronavirus may have been spreading for weeks unnoticed in the region. The COVID-19 death toll in the Seattle area, as well as the U.S. overall, is now nine.
  • The Contra Costa County confirmed its first case of community-transmitted COVID-19. The patient is in critical condition, possibly due to underlying health conditions, and is being treated at a local hospital.
  • With 119 new cases and 38 deaths today, China’s lowest figures since Jan. 20, deaths outside the country exceeded those within for the first time since the beginning of the outbreak.
  • COVID-19 has now totaled 93,160 confirmed cases, 3,198 deaths and 50,690 recoveries worldwide, with 127 cases, nine deaths and eight recoveries across 15 states in the U.S., according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

March 2, 10:30 p.m. PST update:

  • In a March 2, 2020, 12:59 p.m. communications email, SRVUSD stated that it “is preparing for the potential impact that this virus may have on our school communities, and are planning for steps which will limit and slow the spread of disease in our schools. Additionally, we are in discussions about the long-term plans that may need to be in place if the situation escalates further in the coming days and weeks. We will be communicating with you very soon as these plans materialize.”
  • Three more residents of the Life Care Center nursing home near Seattle die from COVID-19, raising the death toll in the area, as well as the U.S. overall, to six.
  • COVID-19 has now totaled 90,936 confirmed cases, 3,117 deaths and 48,017 recoveries worldwide, with 105 cases, six deaths and seven recoveries in the U.S., according to the Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering.

Feb. 29, 3 p.m. PST update:

Feb. 26, 4 p.m. PST update:

  • In a Feb. 26, 2020, 3:39 p.m. communications email, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) stated that “[a]s of February 25, 2020, there is still no evidence that COVID-19 is circulating in Contra Costa County or any of its schools,” and that “[t]he health risk to the general public in California remains low.”

Feb. 25, 9 p.m. PST original article:

In an update to its previous assessment of county residents to be at low risk, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) has begun tracking the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak locally, stating that it has “has sent information about coronavirus to local medical providers, emergency medical services providers, and schools.” Three confirmed cases from outside Contra Costa have been treated or are being treated at hospitals within the county.

Since its original identification on Jan. 8, COVID-19 has spread from Wuhan, China, to 38 countries, yielding 81,002 confirmed cases and 2,762 deaths as of Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. PST (Johns Hopkins University Centers for Systems Science and Engineering). While these cases have been overwhelmingly concentrated in mainland China, there has also been growth beyond East Asia. Specifically in the United States, 57 cases have been confirmed, including six in Northern California (one in Humboldt County, one in Sacramento County, two in Santa Clara and two in San Benito).

Travel between the U.S. and China was limited by a Jan. 31 proclamation from President Donald Trump that suspended entry of foreign nationals who have visited China within the past 14 days. Effective since Feb. 2, it also required that before entering the States, U.S. citizens, residents and immediate family who have recently visited China undergo measures to detect COVID-19. These include extensive screening at port of entry, health monitoring and possible quarantine for up to 14 days after entry.

Other efforts to limit the outbreak include those of the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, which respectively declared the outbreak an international and national public health emergency on Jan. 30 and 31. These decisions have aided the healthcare community by unlocking critical funds and pathways for research and collaboration.

“They’re doing a good job of isolating them, and they’re being very careful about the incubation period,” AP Biology teacher Ms. Pam Sheppel commented. “We have a very good public health system in terms of how to handle communicable diseases.”

Various research efforts have helped uncover much critical information about the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of illness primarily include fever, cough and shortness of breath. These symptoms are currently believed to appear between 2 and 14 days after initial exposure. Health organizations around the world have also confirmed person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, while multiple institutions are scrutinizing its genome to find out how it spreads and might be treated.

Local initiatives to help limit its spread have also been undertaken, with Dougherty Valley High School student clubs Amnesty International, MedShare and Red Cross all contributing to the effort.

“We had a donation drive that ran on from the end of last semester, and it just so happened that it was during the time of the coronavirus outbreak,” senior and MedShare secretary Kelsey Ley described. “We collected 81 pounds of supplies — masks, sterile gloves, underpads, gauze pads, hand sanitizer, alcohol prep pads, sterile plastic bags — and a lot of the stuff went to China.”

While partaking in such endeavors, many students and their families have been personally affected by COVID-19. Because of San Ramon’s significant East Asian population, the outbreak’s psychological impact has been particularly pronounced in the local area.

“We have been a little bit concerned over relatives in China, because I know that some of my relatives have come back from China recently, and they’ve had to quarantine themselves,” Ley shared. “It’s been [a] firsthand experience with that and our connections to those people.”

Ultimately, the World Health Organization recommends that everyone wash their hands frequently, practice respiratory hygiene, maintain social distancing and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth. These basic measures can help protect Contra Costa residents and their loved ones from getting sick.

“While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat,” the CDC writes.