Coronavirus updates: 14 new cases in SLO County, third CMC inmate tests positive
San Luis Obispo County had 149 cases of coronavirus as of Thursday, with the majority of local patients in recovery.
Thousands of local residents filed unemployment claims in March and April after losing work due to the COVID-19 outbreak. And low-income and rural students are struggling to learn without internet access after the virus closed school campuses.
Meanwhile, an employee at California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo tested positive for COVID-19.
Here are your local updates for Friday.
Another CMC inmate tests positive
Late Friday afternoon, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in its daily update reported that another inmate at California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of infected inmates to three.
All three cases were reported at the state prison in the past two weeks. The first inmate to test positive for the illness caused by the new coronavirus was confirmed April 11. The second was reported Wednesday. An employee, the first at CMC, also tested positive yesterday.
CDCR reports that as of Friday, a total of 20 inmates have been tested for COVID-19 at the all-male minimum- to medium-security state prison, which has an inmate population of roughly 3,800 and about 1,800 employees.
SLO County sees its largest one-day jump in coronavirus cases with 14 positive tests
San Luis Obispo County Public Health officials on Friday announced 14 new local coronavirus cases, bringing the local total to 163.
Most residents who’ve tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, have completely recovered.
Cases remain concentrated in the North County, where 47 Paso Robles residents have tested positive for the virus.
Lopez Lake Marina reopens restaurant, boat rentals
The Lopez Lake Marina on Friday opened its store, boat rentals and bar and restaurant, according to a post on the business’s Facebook page.
The South County restaurant is offering a full takeout menu, including to-go Jell-O shots. Boats, water toys and waverunners are available for rent
Only the first 320 cars and 50 boats will be allowed in the park each day. Visitors must practice social distancing and should wear protective masks in the store and restaurant.
Port San Luis Harbor District reopens boat launch
The Port San Luis Harbor District on Friday opened its boat launch “on a trial basis,” according to a post on the agency’s Facebook page.
No boats will be permitted in the port parking lot until 5 a.m., and the launch will open at 6 a.m.
Thirty boats are allowed, and visitors much follow coronavirus social distancing rules, the Harbor District said. Once visitors exit their vehicles, masks will be required.
The fish cleaning station is currently closed.
Unemployment claims skyrocket in SLO County
San Luis Obispo County’s workforce has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, which has left many employees without work due to shelter-at-home orders designed to curb the spread of the illness.
More than 19,700 workers filed new unemployment claims between March 14 and April 11, according to data from San Luis Obispo County’s Workforce Development Board.
SLO County students struggle to learn without internet
Some San Luis Obispo County students are struggling to connect to the internet, which is essential for completing school work following coronavirus campus closures.
Low-income students and those living in remote areas have the most trouble finding affordable, reliable internet.
CMC employee tests positive for COVID-19
An employee at California Men’s Colony has tested positive for COVID-19, officials reported on Thursday.
Two inmates at the San Luis Obispo state prison facility have also tested positive for the virus.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 11:47 AM.
