A testing backlog, combined with the fact the Delta variant can move quickly through infected people, means that results may have little use. As a result, county health officials urge residents to isolate at the first sign of illness, wear a mask and get vaccinated.
COVID Today
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Why Gail Newel reversed course on a mask mandate, and how the ‘infectious variant’ factors in
After weeks of saying a mask mandate would not be effective, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel reversed course and issued the reinstated order to go into effect at midnight tonight. Why the change — and what could this mean about Delta’s future in Santa Cruz?
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Masks officially back in style in Santa Cruz: Newest indoor order will take effect on Friday
County Health Officer Gail Newel announced a mask mandate beginning Friday, Aug. 20 at 11:59 p.m. That puts Santa Cruz County in line with most other neighboring counties of the Bay Area.
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Santa Cruz County COVID watch: The latest from Newel about Delta, at-home testing, booster shots and more
Though COVID cases have slowed countywide, they are slightly up statewide, almost all coming from the highly contagious Delta variant, said public health officer Gail Newel. Since Santa Cruz stats have historically lagged three weeks behind the state data, local health officials are urging continuing caution and vigilance.
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Child COVID-19 hospitalization rates hit record in U.S. — but not in California and here’s why
A boom in COVID-19 hospitalizations for children has been driven by states like Florida, Texas and Georgia, but the numbers in California have been less dire.
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Here’s how Gail Newel deals with indoor masking: That and other takeaways from her chat with Zach Friend
Says Santa Cruz Public Health Officer Gail Newel: “I really think that a mask mandate is not going to increase mask-wearing in our county. I am open to hearing otherwise.” That was one topic of discussion when she sat down with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend on Friday.
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What we learned from county health officers Thursday about Delta variant, vaccine rate, etc.
Compared to the novel coronavirus, the Delta variant has presented differently in those affected. County health officer Gail Newel cited sniffles, sore throat, and irritated eyes as signs of the variant, with sneezing being the most common symptom for fully vaccinated people with breakthrough cases.
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Gail Newel breaks down the problems with a mask mandate, beginning with enforcement
While many concerned citizens in Santa Cruz County have been voicing their feeling that the mask mandate being enforced around most of the Bay Area should also be back in effect here, public health officer Gail Newel offered reasons why it isn’t happening.
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Santa Cruz County sees first confirmed COVID-19-related deaths since June
Two persons, both unvaccinated and in their 70s, died last week from COVID-19 symptoms. They were the first confirmed coronavirus-related deaths in Santa Cruz County since June 1.
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Wary of ‘breakthrough’ infections, some vaccinated people eye another shot. Is it needed?
Health officials say they’re largely unnecessary and the primary focus should be getting the unvaccinated to roll up their sleeves.