The number of coronavirus cases confirmed in Santa Monica in May slightly exceeded the number reported in April, according to public health records.
One hundred and fourteen cases were confirmed during the month of May, compared to 106 in April. Thirty-two new cases have been reported since last Thursday, which could reflect an uptick in transmission in early May as officials began allowing curbside pickup at stores and reopening some outdoor spaces. The number of new cases had been trending down in previous weeks.
As of Thursday, there were 205 confirmed cases in local nursing homes, 77 among staff and 128 among residents. Twenty-eight deaths have been reported since the pandemic began.
The Rehabilitation Center of Santa Monica, Beachwood Post-Acute & Rehab and Ocean Pointe Healthcare Center continue to report the most cases. Only one death has been reported among the other five Santa Monica nursing homes with outbreaks.
About 7,500 Santa Monica residents have been tested for coronavirus to date, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Officials closed Santa Monica College’s walk-up testing site and other sites in the county for the last few days as people took to the streets to protest police violence.
The Department of Public Health said in a statement that people engaging in protests should wear a face covering securely over their nose and mouth and keep six feet apart from others not in their household. People with symptoms or those who have been exposed to people who have tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days.
“Public Health joins the many voices expressing dismay, anger, and frustration at the murder of George Floyd by police, and supports the need for LA County residents to stand together against racism and violence,” the department’s statement said.
The current health officer order allows for in-person dining at restaurants and hair salons to reopen with physical distancing and infection control protocols.
Bars, pubs, breweries and wineries that do not offer sit-down, dine-in meals, as well as other higher-risk businesses, remain closed.
madeleine@smdp.com
