Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

San Diego County reports 5,946 coronavirus cases, 211 deaths

Fallbrook remains one of least-impacted communities, with 22 reported cases

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors was scheduled on May 19 to discuss measures related to reopening the region’s economy, including a $34 million economic stimulus package designed to aid local businesses

The Economic and Humanitarian Stimulus Package, proposed by Supervisors Nathan Fletcher and Diane Jacob, includes $17 million “for implementing economic stimulus programs for restaurants and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” $15 million for behavioral health services and $2 million for child welfare services.

Funding would come from the federal CARES Act.

Meanwhile, San Diego County health officials reported 110 new coronavirus cases and two additional deaths on Monday, May 18, raising the totals to 5,946 cases and 211 deaths.

There were a total of 22 reported coronavirus cases in Fallbrook, up from 18 last week, and six in Bonsall, up from two last week, as of press time Tuesday.

Fallbrook remains one of the areas with the lowest number of coronavirus infections per 100,000, with the 92028 ZIP code – which also covers Rainbow and De Luz – reporting 45.6 coronavirus cases per 100,000. That puts Fallbrook in fourth place for the ZIP code with the lowest number of coronavirus infections in San Diego, behind ZIP codes covering Ocean Beach, Scripps Ranch and Alpine. That does represent a drop from last week, when Fallbrook was in second place, but the increase in cases is not significant.

The county did not estimate a per capita infection rate for Bonsall, as its number of cases was too small.

Citing decreasing coronavirus hospitalization and ICU rates statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday, May 18, announced a relaxation of restrictions that could allow more businesses to reopen quicker in a majority of the state's counties. Newsom also said that if the current trends continue, the state may be able to significantly ease restrictions statewide in the next few weeks.

The looser restrictions announced by Newsom include requirements that counties have no more than a 5% increase in hospitalizations over a seven-day period, have no more than an 8% positive rate among people tested for coronavirus and have 15 trained patient-contact-tracing workers per 100,000 population.

The governor said he was encouraged by recent statewide statistics that have shown a 7.5% decrease in coronavirus hospitalizations over the past two weeks, an 8.7% decline in intensive-care unit patients in that same period and an “unprecedented number of masks'' and other personal protective equipment being distributed throughout the state.

On May 18, Viejas Casino and Resort in Alpine welcomed a capacity crowd and a line out the door as the first of four tribal casinos to open this week despite coronavirus stay-at-home rules keeping some other businesses shuttered.

Viejas and the other casinos are on tribal land, meaning they are not subject to the same state regulations that have limited other business operations in California. Sycuan Casino Resort plans to reopen May 20, Jamul Casino May 21 and Valley View Casino & Hotel May 22.

Harrah's Resort Southern California also announced plans to reopen its casino at noon Friday, May 22.

Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer, said Monday, May 18, the county health department disagreed with the casinos' timing but lacks jurisdiction to block the action.

The four casinos opening later this week had some limitations, such as bingo and poker remaining closed, restaurants operating for limited hours and gaming areas requiring appropriate spacing between players and staff. Patrons and staff also were to undergo temperature checks, wear masks at all times and practice physical distancing.

Videos taken by reporters and the public Monday, May 18, at Viejas Casino showed a line outside the gambling establishment – which reportedly reached capacity by 11 a.m. Most of those in line outside appeared to wear masks and respect social distancing requirements.

A walk-in testing site at the Tubman-Chavez Community Center at 415 Euclid Ave in Southeast San Diego will open its doors today and has capacity for 132 testing appointments a day.

Newsom also announced a $125 million state relief program to provide financial assistance to undocumented immigrants during the coronavirus pandemic. Fletcher said the Jewish Family Service of San Diego would oversee both San Diego and Imperial counties' Immigrant Disaster Relief Fund.

Applicants for the disaster relief fund locally may apply for a one- time sum of $500. A household will be limited to $1,000. Interested applicants should call 858-206-8291 to get more information.

City News Service contributed to this report

 

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