California residents are feeling fatigue from shelter in place orders. Combined with the holidays and cold weather, we are seeing an alarming surge in coronavirus cases. The White House coronavirus task force has notified states that "the COVID risk to all Americans is at a historic high."
Monterey County health officials reported that 326 people were confirmed positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, one of the largest single-day increases this year. Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula predicted increasing numbers to start coming in from residents infected during the Thanksgiving holiday.
On December 1 alone, the state had 21,000 positive cases and 113 deaths. Of California's 58 counties, 52 are now operating under the state's most restrictive coronavirus rules, comprising more than 99% of the population. If current trends continue, California may impose another stay at home order. This potential order would apply to counties in the widespread "purple tier" which includes Monterey County. Stay home. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Limit interactions and travel. Help us stop this surge. To prevent more stress on our hospital system, now is the time to take action. Protect yourself, your family and your neighbors.
