The latest developments around the region related to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as of Monday evening include:
- The state of California does not have the financial wherewithal to afford the White House’s plan to extend expanded unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday. Newsom said in his daily coronavirus briefing Monday that the state would have to cover 25 percent of the costs associated with a $400 per week unemployment insurance payment, as outlined in a memorandum President Donald Trump announced over the weekend. That 25 percent would amount to the state spending between $700 million and $3 billion in taxpayer funds per week. The state would have to make sharp cuts to public services to foot that bill, Newsom said.
- Three branches of Mechanics Bank invited Contra Costa County residents Monday to exchange their spare change for paper bills at no cost amid a nationwide shortage of coins. The Danville, Mira Vista and Walnut Creek branches of the bank will waive coin exchange fees for a limited time. The coins will then support the bank’s local business clients who are affected by the coin shortage.
- New COVID-19 safety procedures will be in effect for the annual bulk cleanup campaign that starts Monday, Santa Clara officials said, noting that the safety measures may mean delays with pickup. Crews will be maintaining social distancing, and wearing masks and protective gear. Residents are reminded to separate appliances and electronic waste from their main waste pile.
- As of Monday at 6 p.m., officials have confirmed the following number of cases around the greater Bay Area region (“+” number added since last check Sun., Aug. 9, unless otherwise noted)::
- Alameda County: 13,218 cases (+19), 205 deaths (Totals include Berkeley Health Department data)
- Contra Costa County: 9,404 cases (+222), 139 deaths
- Marin County: 5,384 cases (+97), 81 deaths (+2) (Totals include San Quentin State Prison)
- Monterey County: 5,446 cases (+153), 35 deaths
- Napa County: 1,074 cases (+19), 11 deaths (+1)
- San Francisco County: 7,623 cases (+75), 67 deaths
- San Mateo County: 6,318 cases (+208), 120 deaths
- Santa Clara County: 12,694 cases (+740), 205 deaths
- Santa Cruz County: 1,243 cases (+5), 6 deaths
- Solano County: 4,274 cases (+245), 41 deaths (+1)
- Sonoma County: 3,670 cases (+114), 47 deaths
- Statewide: 561,911 cases (+7751), 10,359 deaths (+66)