Coronavirus updates: New SLO County cases, woman gets surprise birthday party
San Luis Obispo County added four coronavirus cases on Wednesday. More than 300 local residents have now tested positive for COVID-19 since March, according to ReadySLO.org.
As locals find creative new ways to celebrate special occasions, local businesses are continuing to reopen after coronavirus-related closures.
Here are your local updates for Wednesday:
SLO County adds 4 new coronavirus cases
San Luis Obispo County confirmed four new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bring the total number of local residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March to 306.
All four of the newest coronavirus patients were from Atascadero.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 30 are active.
SLO County woman gets 90th birthday surprise party
When a Shell Beach resident’s 90th birthday plans were ruined by COVID-19, the community came together to throw her a very special surprise.
Donna Shook, a longtime San Luis Obispo County resident, turned 90 on June 7.
Her caretaker, Kim Kelly, said she originally planned a large party for Shook at the Madonna Inn but that gathering had to be canceled.
To make up for it, Kelly and a neighbor set up a microphone in Shook’s front yard so visitors could sing and share their memories of Shook.
Caltrans reopens rest areas following coronavirus closures
Three Central Coast rest stops will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday following a nearly three-month closure due to COVID-19, according to a Caltrans news release.
The stops are located along Highway 46 in Shandon in San Luis Obispo County, Highway 101 near Camp Roberts in southern Monterey County and Highway 101 in Gaviota in Santa Barbara County.
Local wineries open again for tasting
San Luis Obispo County wineries are adjusting to new ways of operating during the coronavirus pandemic.
While some local wineries have remained closed to wine tasting on site, others have reopened their tasting rooms under Stage 2 of the state’s reopening plan. They’re serving meals — catered, pre-packaged or prepared in kitchens on site — to pair with their wines.
Full-service tasting cannot begin until Stage 3 of the state’s reopening plan begins.
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 11:07 AM.
