What counts as ‘essential business’ in Monterey County amid COVID-19 stay-at-home order
MONTEREY COUNTY — California residents have been advised to stay indoors, and only leave their home for essential items or services, since the statewide stay-at-home order went into effect March 19 to help combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Essential businesses, however, can stay open...
State eases restrictions, allows some reopenings
CALIFORNIA — Facing swelling political pressure and numerous lawsuits by businesses forced to shut down, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Monday lifted a strict stay-at-home order and handed to local authorities greater control over whether restaurants, hair salons and other commerce could reopen.
The...
Monterey County mask order still on the table
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Board of Supervisors has moved forward with a countywide indoor face covering ordinance, which could take effect in late October.
Last week the board introduced language for the mask mandate and met on Tuesday for approval. However, due to amendments...
Plans continue for some activities at Salinas Valley Fairgrounds
KING CITY — Salinas Valley Fairgrounds remains in a modified state of operation as Covid-19 pandemic health guidelines continue to restrict the types of activities that can be carried out in public settings.
The upcoming in-person Livestock Grading Show and Online Auction are being planned...
Monterey County’s emergency rental assistance program provides nearly $34M in support
MONTEREY COUNTY — Since launching in March 2021, the Rent and Utility Assistance Program through the County of Monterey in partnership with United Way Monterey County has provided nearly $34 million to help keep residents in their homes during the pandemic.
The program used state...
U.S. prisons start to resume allowing visits to inmates, with added virus precautions
State prison systems across the United States have begun allowing visitors for the first time since the pandemic started, presenting challenges for facilities that want to balance much-needed contact between inmates and their families with the need to limit the spread of COVID-19 in...
Monterey County Health Department launches updated Covid-19 data dashboard
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Bureau has launched an updated Covid-19 data dashboard to further improve accessibility to data for residents and stakeholders.
The dashboard displays data on Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, fatalities and outbreaks, as well as community testing and vaccination...
Monterey County begins Covid-19 vaccine rollout
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County last week received its initial supplies of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination, a total of 2,925 doses, and expects this week to receive its 4,700 doses of the Moderna vaccine.
Mee Memorial Healthcare System has been allocated 500 doses of the...
Monterey County prepares for first round of Covid-19 vaccines
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County officials expect the first allocations of Covid-19 vaccines to be in limited supply, and will target health care professionals in the first round of vaccinations.
Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno spoke about the county’s planning process during a...
Monterey County’s indoor mask order takes effect
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s indoor face covering ordinance has been triggered, with countywide mask requirements taking effect as soon as this Friday.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published data Monday morning showing that Monterey County was in the “substantial” community transmission rate...

















