COVID-19

CALIFORNIA — A variant first discovered in California in December is more contagious than earlier forms of the coronavirus, two new studies have shown, fueling concerns that emerging mutants like this one could hamper the sharp decline in cases overall in the state and...

MONTEREY COUNTY — After several weeks of discussion, Monterey County Board of Supervisors has approved a countywide indoor face covering ordinance that could begin in late October if certain criteria are met. Last week the Board delayed final approval of its mask mandate until Tuesday...

MONTEREY COUNTY — City parks throughout Monterey County have begun to reopen due to the lessening of health restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Gonzales Recreation Department announced the reopening of its parks by March 12. The announcement followed a March 1 reopening of the...

CALIFORNIA — Arts advocates and elected officials in California called Thursday for additional government spending to avert what one organization leader called a “pending cultural depression” brought on by the pandemic. “There is no economic recovery in our area unless a working creative engine is...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County continues to invest in bringing Covid-19 testing supplies to the community for local distribution. Covid-19 home antigen test kits are available to local organizations and community groups that can distribute them to their members and clients. In addition, organizations can request...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County residents were able to get vaccinated with six sessions of a mass Covid-19 vaccination effort last weekend at Greenfield Memorial Hall and Soledad Community Center. A total of 3,000 vaccine doses were distributed at the events, which were separate from...

MONTEREY COUNTY — California residents have been advised to stay indoors, and only leave their home for essential items or services, since the statewide stay-at-home order went into effect March 19 to help combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Essential businesses, however, can stay open...

GREENFIELD — Assistance is now available for Greenfield residents who are eligible to get a Covid-19 vaccine but unable to access or complete the online process to register. The city has recently started a Vaccination Assistance Program. “Right now everything is online, and for a lot...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County will no longer require fully vaccinated residents to wear a face covering when inside a county building, the county announced Wednesday. Starting Thursday, residents will be asked to verbally attest that they are fully vaccinated when entering a county building...

SACRAMENTO — For the first time in more than a century, California recorded a net loss in population last year, a demographic reversal caused by the deadly toll of the coronavirus and declining immigration and birthrates. The small but startling 0.46% drop — a decline...