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Salinas
February 21, 2026

Concerns rise as Monterey County reports 24 Covid-19 deaths in past week

Covid-19, novel coronavirus 2019
MONTEREY COUNTY — Covid-19 case rates, positivity rates and hospitalization rates continue to be low in Monterey County, as announced by County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno during the April 21 press briefing. Despite an alarming 24 virus-related deaths in the past week, Moreno said...

A year like no other: Monterey County health officials reflect on coronavirus anniversary

Covid-19, novel coronavirus 2019
MONTEREY COUNTY — Representatives from Monterey County’s hospitals reflected on the one-year anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic and the many impacts felt locally during last week’s press briefing. ā€œThis past year has been very challenging for Monterey County residents,ā€ said Dr. Edward Moreno, the county’s...

King City and Greenfield high schools to reopen in hybrid format this week

SALINAS VALLEY — High schools in King City and Greenfield will reopen this week with a phased return of teachers and students to classrooms beginning April 15. South Monterey County Joint Union High School District Superintendent Brian Walker issued a video update on April 2...

Why California is still in a state of emergency

California has one of the lowest coronavirus case rates in the nation. And after being one of the nation’s most stringently locked-down states for more than a year, the state next week will lift nearly all of its pandemic rules in what officials have...

Monterey County schools plan for return to in-person learning

MONTEREY COUNTY — Elementary schools in Monterey County may begin planning to reopen after the Feb. 16 announcement that the county’s adjusted case rate has fallen to 24 infected per 100,000 residents. The school grades affected would be pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Schools wishing to...

Monterey County remains in Orange Tier

Covid-19, novel coronavirus 2019
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County will remain in the moderately restrictive Orange Tier in the state’s reopening blueprint system as determined Tuesday, following County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno’s announcement last week that the region could possibly shift soon. During a press briefing May 5,...

Thousands of farmworkers are prioritized for the coronavirus vaccine

COACHELLA, Calif. — The sun-baked desert valley tucked behind the San Jacinto Mountains is best known for an annual music festival that draws 100,000 fans a day and a series of lush, oasis resort towns where well-heeled snowbirds go to golf, sunbathe and party....

Vaccination efforts continue as Monterey County moves to Orange Tier

MONTEREY COUNTY — Vaccination numbers continue to climb in Monterey County, with County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno announcing that more than 35% of county residents age 16 and over have received at least one vaccine dose. During a March 31 press briefing, Moreno noted...

Covid-19 cases rising again in Monterey County

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County is seeing another increase in Covid-19 cases, announced County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno during last week’s media briefing. According to Moreno, specimens sent for gene sequencing have determined a statewide average of 40 to 50% of Covid-19 cases are...

Northwest Laboratory to open new Covid-19 testing site in Salinas

Covid-19, novel coronavirus 2019
SALINAS — Northwest Laboratory will open and operate a new drive-thru Covid-19 testing site in Salinas starting March 3. ā€œOur organization has worked closely with the communities across the U.S. since this pandemic began, providing laboratory analysis for multiple community testing programs,ā€ said Jennifer Bull,...

Local News

Police crime

Gonzales man arrested on suspicion of murder after 911 call

GONZALES — A 66-year-old Gonzales man was arrested on suspicion of murder Friday night after calling 911 to report that his wife was bleeding,...