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THE CORONAVIRUS (officially known as COVID-19) is causing the cancellation or postponement of many events across the nation, and is sending the stock market reeling (Shutterstock).
Here is Saturday’s news related to the coronavirus, local, state, national and international. It will be update through the day.
Local & State
- The case count for COVID-19 for Orange County as of today (Saturday) stands at 78, up from 65 on Friday, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency. There have been no fatalities, and the breakdown by age groups is one (persons under 18 years old), 42 (18-49), 23 (50-64), 12 (65 and older).
- Garden Grove’s city council meeting set for Tuesday will be held as scheduled but members of the public are urged to not attend in person, but to watch on television or via live-streaming on their computer or hand-held device.
- Westminster’s city council recall election is switching to a mail-only balloting. All new votes cast must be by mail, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Friday. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters.
National & International
- A rapid diagnostic test for the coronavirus has been authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It should detect the virus in about 45 minutes. The tests should begin shipping next week, according to Cepheid, which manufactures the tests.
- “Stay at home” orders have been issued in New Jersey and Connecticut, bringing to five the number of states requiring that residents leave their homes only to get food, medicine or medical care. Those employed in “essential services” are exempted. The other three states are California, New York and Illinois. There are at least 23,572 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S, as of today and 295 people have died.