More contagious virus variant is now dominant in U.S., CDC chief says
WASHINGTON — A highly infectious variant of the coronavirus that was first identified in Britain has become the most common source of new infections in the United States, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday. The worrisome development comes...
CDC eases outdoors mask-wearing guidelines for the vaccinated
WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took a major step Tuesday toward coaxing Americans into a post-pandemic world, relaxing the rules on mask wearing outdoors as coronavirus cases recede and people increasingly chafe against restrictions.
The mask guidance is modest and carefully...
Why Omicron was first found in San Francisco
As soon as the first U.S. case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus was reported in San Francisco, California officials began sounding the same message: Don’t panic.
“We are not surprised by this. This was predictable. This was predicted,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in...
The end of California’s lockdowns
Today, we’re starting with some big news: There will be no green tier after all. In fact, very soon, we’re set to say goodbye to the purple, red, orange and yellow tiers that have for months dictated so much about our lives.
California plans to...
Monterey County’s Covid-19 isolation site at San Lorenzo Park sees surge in patients
SALINAS VALLEY — More patients are being relocated to an Alternate Housing Site at San Lorenzo Park in recent weeks due to an overall increase in Covid-19 cases countywide.
The King City site is called Operation Oasis by Monterey County staff, and has 10 trailers...
Soledad resident and Covid-19 survivor turns 100
SOLEDAD — As the City of Soledad prepares for its centennial event, 2021 also marks the year one of its residents, Jennie Aquino, becomes a centenarian.
Aquino, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 27, was born in Mexico and came to the United States...
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...
California broadens access to Covid-19 booster shots
California is opening up eligibility for booster coronavirus vaccine shots to include anyone 18 or older, making it at least the second state to expand official eligibility beyond older adults and people in high-risk circumstances. Colorado took a similar step this week.
California’s vaccination sites...
What to know about new masking guidelines in California
The delta variant is really throwing a wrench into our vaccinated summer.
The super contagious strain of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly, leading, once again, to a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, prompting leaders to reverse course on guidance that if you’re inoculated, you...
California amusement parks allowed to reopen in red tier starting next month
CALIFORNIA — Outdoor amusement parks in California counties in the red tier of the state’s Covid-19 reopening plan will be allowed to welcome back customers next month, the California Department of Public Health announced Friday afternoon.
Live outdoor sporting events and performances will, too, be...
Local News
CDCR officials investigating Salinas Valley State Prison inmate’s Jan. 29 death as...
SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Jan. 29 death of an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide.
At about...
