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.
COVID Today
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘A little strange’: Tokyo Olympics were a showcase of resilience amid an attempt at normalcy
With virtually all fans shut out from attending, the Tokyo Olympics had a sterile feel that often muted the outstanding accomplishments of the athletes. The competition sometimes felt like sports in a laboratory. Reverse somersaults, double layouts and three-point shots were greeted with silence or, worse, the echoed clapping of a half-dozen teammates.
Santa Cruz’s outdoor wedding boom: After the pandemic pause, demand for that special place, day is surging
After a period of uncertainty that put traditional large weddings on hold, couples and those who help them put together the perfect day are finding creative ways to make things safe and special. Lookout turned to the experts to see what was going on.
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.
How Simone Biles’ bravery on mental health can help California heal from COVID-19
A majority of Black Americans believe having a mental health condition is a sign of weakness. Biles and other athletes are changing the narrative. Erika D. Smith believes that just as Biles has inspired many in the sports world, she may inspire other Black people to be more proactive about addressing their mental health — and at a time when the need to do so has never been greater.
The pandemic’s real toll on seniors: Nursing homes got the focus but many more suffered, research shows
The latest research shows that although deaths in nursing homes received enormous attention, far more older adults who perished from COVID lived outside of institutions. People with dementia and other severe neurological conditions, chronic kidney disease and immune deficiencies were hit especially hard.

