Monterey County Braces for Cold and COVID-19 as Cases Spike Statewide

For many counties in California, Gavin Newsom’s Nov. 16 press conference marked a move into the “purple tier” of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. But Monterey County will see no changes, because the county has been operating in the purple tier—the furthest away from reopening—since the system was introduced.

With cases doubling in the state within the last 10 days, Newsom had no choice but to act. He mentioned the possibility of a curfew to further curtail the virus, though no plans have been made. Most importantly, he decreed that everyone leaving their home should have a mask on their person. Monterey County already has a $100 fine in place for those caught in public without proper face covering.

The county has seen 13,410 cases and 762 hospitalizations as of Nov. 19, and it has experienced more than four times as many deaths due to COVID-19 as neighboring Santa Cruz County, reporting 111 in total. Monterey County also has nearly twice as high of a positivity rate as its smaller neighbor, San Benito County: around 10 percent, compared to 6 percent in San Benito. With roughly 3,400 active cases, it is not likely Monterey will be moved closer to reopening in the immediate future.

Without reopening, and with colder weather on the way, Monterey’s usually booming tourist industry looks to take another financial hit. And outdoor dining is taking a hit due to the time change and outdoor heaters are selling out across the state, as restaurants and outdoor businesses look to battle the coming cold.

Along with indoor dining, there will be no reopening of gyms, bars, or movie theaters, putting a further strain on businesses that rely on locals.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the CDC has released guidelines for celebrating. The first recommendation? “Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.”