Coronavirus: Orange County Reports 5 Additional Deaths, 153 New Cases As 'Low-Risk' Businesses Open With Curbside Service
SANTA ANA (CBSLA) — Orange County health officials reported five additional coronavirus-related deaths Friday, bringing the total to 71 as some businesses reopen with curbside service.
The county also reported an additional 153 coronavirus cases totaling 3,240.
The number of hospitalized patients increased from 186 on Thursday to 188 Friday, with the number of intensive care patients increasing from 69 to 74.
Of the county's total cases, two percent involve people under 18 years old; 10 percent are between 18-24; 18 percent are between 25-34; 15 percent are between 35-44; 18 percent are between 45-54; 16 percent are between 55-64; 10 percent are between 65-74; six percent are between 75-84; and four percent are 85 and older.
Of the patients who died, three percent were 25 to 34 years old, six percent were 35 to 44, eight percent were 45-54, 14 percent were 55-64, 17 percent were 65-74, 28 percent were 75-84, and 24 percent were 85 or older. Of the deaths, 32 percent were white, 35 percent were Latino, 21 percent were Asian, four percent were black, one percent were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, one percent were said to be of mixed ethnicity, and three percent were categorized as "other."
Some "low-risk'' businesses such as clothing and book stores, music shops, toy stores, sporting goods stores, and florists reopened Friday with curbside service.
The doors were open at Facets 58 in Huntington Beach for the first time since St. Patrick's Day.
"We're relieved and excited to be open and just get back to our customers," said the jewelry store owner, Kellie Contrucci.
The family-owned store is one of several in surf city that's now welcoming customers in to shop again. Signs in front of Jack's and HHS — two major surf shops near the pier — displayed signs with the governor's new guidelines: all customers must wear face coverings and remain six feet apart.
Shopper Benjamin Dow, who came to the beach from Fontana, said he was a little surprised that the stores were open.
"I didn't know anything was open," he said. "I came to the beach... I came here and saw a shop. Thought I'd buy a hat."
Antique stores are also on the list of storefronts that can open under Gov. Newsom's phase two plan.
"Well, it's a very happy day," said Susan Worthy, who owns M.E. Helme House on Main Street.
She said she isn't worried about crowds gathering at her store.
"My store is small," she said. "I don't have more than 10 people at a time."
Beaches in Orange County were also open for active recreational use a week after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the shutdown of all county beaches.
Under the plans, activities such as non-stationary activities like walking, running, swimming, surfing, paddling, boating, kayaking, etc. are allowed.
Beachgoers are not permitted to sunbath; build sandcastles; bring coolers, umbrellas, grills, etc. They are also unable to play volleyball, spike ball, and other group activities.
Beach hours are as follows:
- County Beaches in South Laguna Beach (Aliso, Table Rock, West, Camel Point and Treasure Island beaches): 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. weekdays only. Closed weekends. Thousand Steps Beach will remain closed.
- Capistrano and Poche Beaches: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- Salt Creek and Strands Beaches: 5 a.m.-12 a.m. daily.
- Baby Beach: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- Bayside Beach (at Newport Harbor Patrol) – 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
For more information on Orange County beaches, visit OcGov.com.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
