Contra Costa County health officials are closely monitoring an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
In the last six days, 18 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in the county, including six within the past 24 hours, bringing the county total to 62, according to county data. In the 12-day period from June 2 through June 14, there were seven reported deaths from the virus in the county.
Of the 62 deaths from COVID-19 in the county, 41 involved individuals over the age of 81. No one under age 30 has died from COVID-19 in the county, the data showed.
On Friday, the county hit a one-day record for new cases with 93, which was 25 cases greater than the second-highest single day total on June 9. On Saturday, there were 45 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,294 in the county, which has a population of about 1.15 million. About 500 of those cases come from Richmond.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 also rose to their highest since June 1, when there were 13 patients, to 30 patients on Saturday, according to county data.
Friday was the first day the county reached its goal for number of COVID-19 tests administered with 2,457, which is over 700 more tests than the second-highest single day total since June 4.
Meanwhile, the county is steadily reopening. Just this past week, the health order was amended to allow hair salons and barbershops to reopen, among other easements in restrictions. According to the county’s current reopening schedule (see graphic below), dine-in eating and bars are expected to be allowed to resume, with restrictions, starting July 1, followed by movie theaters and card rooms on July 15.
Public health officials expected to see increases in cases and hospitalizations and are closely monitoring the situation. They warn that they may adjust the reopening timeline depending on the rate of increase.
CCHS reminded the public they can protect themselves and others by following the shelter-in-place order, wearing a face covering while out in public or near others, washing hands thoroughly and frequently and staying home when not feeling well.
Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to read the new health order and its appendices, and for local information about Contra Costa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
