Monthly Archives: May 2021

Benicia CA, Coronavirus, Covid 19, COVID-19 Red Tier, COVID-19 tier assignments, Dixon CA, Fairfield CA, Rio Vista CA, Solano County CA, Suisun City CA, Vacaville CA, Vaccine, Vallejo CA

Solano County remains in red tier again – detailed data sheet

[BenIndy editor: This report does not mention Solano County, but it does provide a link to a fascinating, extensive and detailed spreadsheet:  “updated data from the California Department of Public Health”.  Clearly the State did NOT advance Solano out of the RED tier today.  – R.S.]

Amador County moves to yellow tier; Yolo County advances closer to least restrictive tier

This week Amador, Orange, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties moved to the yellow tier.

ABC10 News, by Chelsea Shannon, May 18, 2021

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As California moves closer to reopening on June 15, five counties have been allowed to loosen their coronavirus restrictions.

This week Amador, Orange, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties moved to the yellow tier, according to updated data from the California Department of Public Health. Tehama also moved to the orange tier in the same update.

As counties move to less restrictive tiers, businesses and activities within those areas can resume operations and allow more people to be inside the business or participate in the activity.

With the most recent data update, five counties saw case rates and positivity rates that put them in a position to move next week if their numbers remain low:

  • Placer County could move to the orange tier.
  • Yolo County to move to the yellow tier.
  • Plumas County to move to the yellow tier.
  • Inyo County to move to the yellow tier.
  • Merced County could move to the orange tier.

Yuba and Tuolumne county were in a position to move to a less restrictive tier last week, but their case rates rose to a point where they were ineligible to move this week.

Counties need to meet the next tiers metrics requirements for two consecutive weeks before moving tiers. There are only three more weeks of tier changes until June 15, when the state plans to retire the tier system. So, there still is enough time for more counties down one more tier before there are no more tiers.

Coronavirus, Covid 19, Solano County CA, Solano County Health Officer Bela Matyas, Vaccine

Solano County discloses previously unreported COVID deaths – 13 in two days

By Roger Straw, Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Solano reports 15 new cases today, and 6 new deaths!  Stay safe, and remember: People with mild COVID can have long-term health problems

Solano County COVID report on Tuesday, May 18.
[Source: see far below.  See also my ARCHIVE spreadsheet of daily Solano COVID updates.]
Solano County COVID-19 Dashboard – SUMMARY:

Solano County reported 15 new COVID cases today.  Reports are that our red-tier Solano County will not be joining all other Bay Area counties opening in less restrictive tiers anytime soon.  We saw 1,288 new cases in April, an average of 43 per day.  In the first 18 days of May, Solano reported 549 new cases, an average of 30 per day.  

The County reported 6 NEW DEATHS today, one young adult age 18-49 and 5 persons over 65 years of age.  According to the Fairfield Daily Republic, yesterday’s 7 newly reported deaths occurred in January and February, with more such reports to come this week.  No doubt this includes most if not all of today’s 6 new deaths.  Solano County Public Health Officer Dr. Bela Matyas has in the past performed “occasional updates” on previously unreported hospitalizations.  Now we can add deaths to that practice.  Our hearts go out to all of these, and their families and friends. 

We learned of no new hospitalizations today.  Our percent positivity rate remained steady today at 5.8%.

>> The virus is still active here.  Stay safe, get vaccinated, wear a mask and social distance!  We will get through this together.

Cases by City on Tuesday, May 18:

  • Benicia remained steady today, total of 984 cases since the outbreak began.
  • Dixon added 4 new cases today, total of 1,908 cases.
  • Fairfield added only 4 new cases today, total of 8,985 cases.
  • Rio Vista remained steady today, total of 370 cases.
  • Suisun City remained steady today, total of 2,264 cases.
  • Vacaville added only 2 new cases today, total of 8,617 cases.
  • Vallejo added only 5 new cases today, total of 9,795 cases.
  • Unincorporated areas remained steady today, total of 103 cases.

COMPARE: Screenshots from Solano County COVID Dashboard on Monday, May 17:

The data on this page is from today’s and the previous Solano County COVID-19 Dashboard.  The Dashboard is full of much more information and updated weekdays around 4 or 5pm.  On the County’s dashboard, you can hover a mouse or click on an item for more information.  Note the tabs at top for Summary, Demographics and Vaccines.  Click here to go to today’s Solano County Dashboard.

Sources
Coronavirus, Covid 19, Solano County CA, Vaccine

Solano weekend toll: COVID kills 7 elders, County reports 37 new infections

By Roger Straw, Monday, May 17, 2021

Solano reports 37 new cases over the weekend, and 7 new deaths!  Stay safe, and remember: People with mild COVID can have long-term health problems

Solano County COVID report on Monday, May 17.
[Source: see far below.  See also my ARCHIVE spreadsheet of daily Solano COVID updates.]
Solano County COVID-19 Dashboard – SUMMARY:

On May 17, Solano County reported 37 new COVID cases.  The County also reported 7 NEW DEATHS, all persons over 65 years of age.  (It is not clear if these deaths represent an outbreak over the weekend or one of Solano County’s “occasional updates” representing previous deaths only now being reported.)  Our hearts go out to all of these, and their families and friends.  RECENTLY: We saw 1,288 new cases in April, an average of 43 per day.  In the first 17 days of May, Solano reported 534 new cases, an average of 31 per day.  Reports are that our red-tier Solano County will not be joining all other Bay Area counties in opening to less restrictive tiers anytime soon.

We learned of 1 new hospitalization today, someone over 65 years of age.  Solano’s Active cases fell dramatically today from 276 to 143, our lowest since June 17 of last year.  Our percent positivity rate also fell today from 6.9% to 5.8%, our first day under 6% since April 30, but still much higher than in recent months.

>> The virus is still on the move here.  Stay safe, get vaccinated, wear a mask and social distance!  We will get through this together.

Cases by City on Monday, May 17:

  • Benicia added 1 new case today, total of 984 cases since the outbreak began.
  • Dixon added 5 new cases today, total of 1,904 cases.
  • Fairfield added 15 new cases today, total of 8,981 cases.
  • Rio Vista remained steady today, total of 370 cases.
  • Suisun City added 2 new cases today, total of 2,264 cases.
  • Vacaville added 5 new cases today, total of 8,615 cases.
  • Vallejo added 9 new cases today, total of 9,790 cases.
  • Unincorporated areas remained steady today, total of 103 cases.

COMPARE: Screenshots from Solano County COVID Dashboard on Friday, May 14:

The data on this page is from today’s and the previous Solano County COVID-19 Dashboard.  The Dashboard is full of much more information and updated weekdays around 4 or 5pm.  On the County’s dashboard, you can hover a mouse or click on an item for more information.  Note the tabs at top for Summary, Demographics and Vaccines.  Click here to go to today’s Solano County Dashboard.

Sources
Benicia CA, Benicia City Manager Erik Upson, Coronavirus, Covid 19

Benicia cancels July 4 parade & fireworks, announces vaccine events

By Roger Straw, May 17, 2021

From City Manager Erik Upson’s weekly newsletter, May 17, 2021.
(subscribe)

“The decision, as you will read below, to cancel the 3rd of July parade and 4th of July fireworks show was extremely difficult for all involved. After discussion with Benicia Main Street (who host the events), thoughtful consideration of the current situation, as well as the uncertainty over what will transpire in June, we collaboratively made this difficult decision. In good conscience, we simply cannot bring 20-30,000 people into close contact as close as we are to the finish line. It is our sincere hope that neighborhoods and neighbors will use this opportunity to come together, host small neighborhood events that help bring us closer together and build upon what makes Benicia so special.”

Cancellation of 4th of July Events
In an abundance of caution, the City will forgo hosting the 3rd of July parade and the fireworks show on the evening of July 4th due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The traditional Torchlight Parade on July 3rd and the Picnic in the Park and Fireworks Display on July 4th are events cosponsored by the City of Benicia and Benicia Main Street.
Unfortunately, Solano County remains one of the few counties still in the more restrictive Red Tier. Governor Newsom has announced plans to relax regulations and remove the tier system on June 15th. However, mass gatherings are currently not allowed, and the State has provided no indication that mass gatherings will be permitted with the forthcoming changes. Mass gatherings are of concern because Benicia’s Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display each draw upwards of 20,000 spectators.
The City and Benicia Main Street have been waiting for guidance from the Governor’s Office to make a final determination but due to the need to have begun planning some time ago and the lack of specific details from the Governor’s Office, the City wants to give families time to prepare for other celebrations.
“Those communities that have announced plans to host 4th of July festivities are able to do so because they have venues, such as amphitheaters or other spaces, where attendance can be limited and controlled. In Benicia, we don’t have the facilities that would allow to limit the size of mass gatherings,” said Erik Upson, City Manager. “The safety of our community remains our top priority. We have the end of this pandemic in sight and can look forward to celebrating again as a community next year.”
Smaller neighborhood celebrations are encouraged. The City’s Parks and Community Services Department will soon announce exciting details of fun 4th of July activities to bring neighborhoods together.
COVID Vaccine Update
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15-year-old adolescents. Solano County Public Health has expanded vaccine eligibility to Solano County residents 12-15 years of age. Starting last Thursday, families can now schedule an appointment for their 12 to 15-year-old to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Parents must accompany their children to the vaccine clinic as consent is required.
For individuals age 16-17 years old, they can also receive receive the Pfizer vaccine and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to their appointment, or have a parent/guardian that can contact by phone during the appointment.
Public Health has several vaccine clinics scheduled. Click here for details. For scheduling assistance, call the vaccine line at 707.784.8655. Homebound or need transportation to get to a vaccine clinic? Call the vaccine line at 707.784.8655.