Orange County Reports 110 Additional Coronavirus Cases, Jump In Hospitalizations As Businesses Reopen
SANTA ANA (CBSLA) — Orange County health officials reported 110 additional coronavirus cases Tuesday bringing the county's total to 5,578 as the number of people hospitalized jumped from 198 to 269.
The number of patients in intensive care also rose Tuesday from 69 to 106.
The county's death toll remained unchanged at 131. According to officials, most of the county's deaths stem from outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities.
Last week, Orange County officials announced 14 deaths, the highest daily death toll since the pandemic began. Out of the deaths, 10 were people living in skilled nursing facilities.
As of March 20, 626 people in skilled nursing home facilities had tested positive for COVID-19, and 276 staff workers had contracted the coronavirus, according to HCA Healthcare.
Over the weekend, some restaurants in Orange County were happy to welcome patrons for the first time in months after Gov. Newsom approved the county to move forward with phase two of the reopening plan.
Beachgoers were also able to head out to the shore, as long as they stayed active, wore masks, and kept their distance.
"I am extremely pleased we were able to successfully demonstrate that Orange County met the state's requirements and I am grateful to the state for the quick turnaround in the approval process ahead of the Memorial Day weekend,'' County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said.
Under phase two, the following businesses were permitted to reopen as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday:
-- Restaurants (in-person dining)
-- Retail
-- Manufacturing
-- Offices
-- Outdoor museums
-- Limited Personal Services
Despite the new changes that would allow restaurants to offer dining-in, many are choosing to continue with delivery and pick-up as they weigh their options.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
