There were 122 confirmed coronavirus cases announced Thursday, the second highest one-day total of the pandemic in Napa County.
There have been higher Monday totals in recent weeks, but Monday reports cover two days of testing. The previous single-day record was Dec. 2 when the county reported 131 cases.
COVID cases have been steadily increasing since the start of November, with public health experts fearing the Thanksgiving socializing would spawn yet more cases.
No deaths were reported Thursday. There were two deaths on Monday and two on Wednesday, bringing the county’s total to 23 fatalities since the first COVID-19 cases were reported in March.
The county said 21 county residents were hospitalized as of Thursday with COVID-19. This was two more than on Wednesday and higher than any total in recent months.
On Thursday, the state of California reported that the 17.8% of Bay Area intensive care unit beds were unoccupied. On Wednesday, 20.9% of beds had been available.
If the Bay Area’s ICU availability drops below 15%, Napa County and the rest of the Bay Area will face increased restrictions on businesses and activities under a new stay-at-home order.
Among other things, the order limits restaurants to take out and delivery only and closes hair salons and winery tastings. It limits retail to 20% capacity. It prohibits gatherings, though it does allow public worship services outside.
Since March, the county has reported 3,935 positive COVID-19 cases. The county considers 2,022 of these cases to still be “active.”
By city, there have been 2,400 cases in the city of Napa, 636 in American Canyon, 253 in Calistoga, 161 in St. Helena and 64 in Yountville. In addition, Angwin has had 46 cases and Deer Park 19 cases. The remainder of cases are in other unincorporated parts of Napa County.
The county is encouraging people to be tested for the virus although there are often delays in getting an appointment.
Go to https://www.countyofnapa.org/2963/Testing-Locations to see a list of local testing sites that range from Napa Valley Expo to local health care providers to local pharmacies.
Editor’s note: Because of the health implications of the COVID-19 virus, this article is being made available free to subscribers and non-subscribers alike. If you’d like to join us in supporting the mission of local journalism, please visit napavalleyregister.com/members/join.
WATCH NOW: HORRAY, THE VACCINES ARE COMING — BUT WE’RE NOT THROUGH THIS YET
Photos: Napa County has got it covered — face masks and other face coverings
Napa County has got it covered
"We want to help our community stay healthy," said Terry L England of American Canyon. "We only go out wearing our (homemade) face masks, and only when we really need to."
Napa County has got it covered
Calistoga Mayor Chris Canning is sporting a home-made mask.
Carol Shour
Carol Shour of Napa wore this "vintage" surgical face mask while shopping at Lucky this week. She used to be a nurse and had saved the mask for many years.
Napa County has got it covered
Isaiah Muñiz of Napa is staying trendy with this Spider-Man mask on.
--Submitted by Anna Hernandez
Napa County has got it covered
Family time with Francisco Orihuela of Napa.
Napa County has got it covered
Elizabeth Smith, freelance contributing writer, visits PHAT Salads & Wraps for an interview and lunch pickup.
Face shields
A group of staffers from Queen of the Valley Medical Center created protective face shields made from everyday materials, for coworkers to wear during the COVID-19 pandemic. This coworker models the final product.
Napa County has got it covered
Sebastian is looking amazing in his Spiderman face cover. Thanks to Francisco Orihuela of Napa for sharing the photo.
Napa County has got it covered
Josué is enjoying time with family in Napa, says Francisco Orihuela.
Napa County has got it covered
"Who knew sewing was my superpower" asks Rose of Napa.
Dr. Manjappa at Queen of the Valley Medical Center
Dr. Manjappa at Queen of the Valley Medical Center wears a fabric mask.
Napa police department employees
Napa police department employees recently received free masks made by Molly Silcox and other volunteers.
Family members
Family members model masks made by Andrea D. Hoogendoorn, owner of Mad Mod Shop in Calistoga.
Andrea D. Hoogendoorn
Andrea D. Hoogendoorn, owner of Mad Mod Shop in Calistoga, has made a number of fabric masks to help health care workers and anyone else who needs such protection during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Hanh Ho Egan
Hanh Ho Egan, a local seamstress, has made face masks for those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Photos: Faces and Places, April 19
Amalia, Matt, and Muir Kulczycki head out for an Easter bike ride.
Catch up on Napa County's top news stories of 2020
In case you missed it, here is a look at the top stories of 2020.
It's been a turbulent year for the wine industry, which between intermittent wildfires, smoke events and pandemic lockdowns has attempted to remain open for business.
The Hennessey and Glass fires made 2020 a year to remember for all the wrong reasons.
It was the year when schools and universities went dark — and their denizens were left to teach and learn, online and indefinitely separated from their friends and peers.
COVID-19 has catapulted county government into the spotlight.
Coronavirus came on quietly, a silent killer that surrounded us like a slowly gathering cloud of smoke.
You can reach City Editor Kevin Courtney at kcourtney@napanews.com or at 707-256-2217.
Kevin Courtney
City Editor
Kevin has been city editor since September 2010. He joined the Register in 1973 as a reporter. He covered Napa City Hall and assorted other beats over the years. Kevin has been writing his Napa Journal column on Sundays since 1989.
