COVID-19

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County health officials have been working with agricultural companies and have reiterated safety plans with the onset of the new growing season, with the goal of keeping ag workers safe and the food supply network stable. “With the start of the...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Since launching in March 2021, the Rent and Utility Assistance Program through the County of Monterey in partnership with United Way Monterey County has provided nearly $34 million to help keep residents in their homes during the pandemic. The program used state...

The U.S. job market remains challenging, with the government reporting Thursday that initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose last week. A total of 741,000 workers filed first-time claims for state jobless benefits last week, an increase of 18,000, the Labor Department said. It was...

MONTEREY COUNTY — As demand for rapid testing skyrockets, Monterey County Board of Supervisors has unanimously agreed to spend up to $1 million to purchase additional Covid-19 tests for the community. In a 5-0 vote last Tuesday, the Board committed to bringing more rapid tests...

CALIFORNIA — Coronavirus cases have continued to recede. President Joe Biden said that there will be enough vaccine available for all U.S. adults by the end of May, sooner than previously expected, because of a deal with Johnson & Johnson to boost supply. More...

MONTEREY COUNTY — All Monterey County employees and the public are now required to wear a mask in county facilities regardless of their vaccination status, effective Monday. According to Communications Coordinator Maia Carroll, many county departments continue to offer online services and information for those...

SALINAS VALLEY — Schools throughout Monterey County began coordination with local hospitals, clinics and pharmacies to prepare for March 3, when educators and child care workers became eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Among them was Gonzales Unified School District, which partnered with Walgreens for...

MONTEREY COUNTY — For those feeling stressed, anxious and lonely in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, Interim’s Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) continues to provide outreach opportunities. Interim’s short-term program offers support to individuals struggling with mental illness, and their families who have been affected...

Vaccinated Californians will be able to go mask-free in indoor stores, bars, restaurants, movie theaters and many other places as part of the state’s grand reopening next Tuesday, officials announced on Wednesday. The new rules are aligned with federal guidance, meaning that face coverings will...

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...