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Santa Cruz County Health Articles



Image caption: California Governor Gavin Newsom gave a press conference Nov. 16 to update the state on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seeing Purple in COVID-19 Fight

On Nov. 16, Santa Cruz County moved further away from reopening in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Image caption: Governor Gavin Newsom issued new reclosing orders for many businesses on July 13.
Coronavirus on the Rise—Again

In June, California was a success story. Less than a month later, the state was in crisis.

Image caption: Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel closed beaches throughout the county, as well as the Boardwalk, on April 8 in advance of the Easter weekend. They reopened on April 16.
Santa Cruz County vs. COVID-19

Infection rates have been low in Santa Cruz County. Here's why.

Featured

A smoky blanket of particulate matter hovers over San Francisco’s skyline.
Getting Acquainted With AQI
Learn what's getting into Californians’ lungs and why it matters.
States have expansive powers to protect the health of the general public.
The State’s Broad Power to Protect Public Health, Explained
Since long before the COVID-19 pandemic, states have possessed broad authority to protect public health.
California will soon be getting a new hotline number as an alternative to 911 for mental health crises.
988, the New Mental Health Emergency Number, Explained
Here's the story behind that new service, and the original 911 number.
Mosquitos kill about 725,000 people every year, worldwide.
Taking a Bite Out of the Mosquito Population
How local government tries to control the world’s deadliest wild animal—the mosquito.
Access to abortion in California is limited in many areas, though state laws protect a woman’s right to choose.
Abortion Rights in California, Explained
But even in California, access to abortion services in many areas remains limited.
The California mental health crisis is tied to both homelessness and rising crime.
UPDATE: California’s Mental Health Crisis: How We Got Here
The making of Gov. Newsom's plan to help get mentally ill Californians into treatment.
Though life expectancy has declined in recent years, Californians still live longer than most Americans.
Want to Live a Long, Healthy Life? Move to California
Californians live longer than people in all but three states, but not all counties are equal.
From nitrates to arsenic to “forever chemicals,” California’s water supply faces a serious pollution threat.
Dirty Water: California Faces a Water Contamination Crisis
In a state that declares water a “human right,” more than 2 percent of its residents have no drinkable water.