The latest developments around the region related to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as of Wednesday afternoon include:
- The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission announced this week reduced rates for certain eligible residential customers for their sewer, power and water bills amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Rates will be reduced by 35 percent for sewer bills, 30 percent for Hetch Hetchy public power utility bills, and 15 percent for water bills for those who have a SFPUC residential account under their name and have experienced income loss as a result of the pandemic.
- The annual Artichoke Festival in Monterey that had been set to take place in August has been canceled as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, organizers announced Wednesday. The event, which had been held every year since 1959 and was scheduled for Aug. 8-9 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, instead will return on June 5 and 6 in 2021.
- Sonoma County’s health officer issued an amended order that went into effect Wednesday to ease restrictions on the use of county parks and coastal areas during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
- The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday announced a fourth inmate has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Just like the last three cases, the latest case involves an inmate who tested positive at an intake and release facility during a routine COVID-19 rapid test prior to booking. Of the four inmates who have tested positive, two have already been released, sheriff’s officials said.
- As of Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., officials have confirmed the following number of cases in the greater Bay Area region (“+” number added since last check Tue., May 12):
- Alameda County: 2,178 cases (+45), 76 deaths (+2)
- Contra Costa County: 1,080 cases (+14), 33 deaths (+1)
- Marin County: 271 cases (+6), 14 deaths
- Monterey County: 299 cases (+11), 6 deaths
- Napa County: 81 cases, 3 deaths
- San Francisco County: 1,994 cases (+17), 35 deaths
- San Mateo County: 1,515 cases (+18), 65 deaths
- Santa Clara County: 2,381 cases, (+40) 132 deaths (+3)
- Santa Cruz County: 146 cases, 2 deaths
- Solano County: 388 cases, 11 deaths
- Sonoma County: 333 cases (+11), 4 deaths
- Statewide: 71,141 cases (+1,759), 2,934 deaths (+87)