SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) — Santa Clara County on Tuesday recorded its highest tally in single-day new coronavirus cases.
The county reported 512 new cases of coronavirus. Its number of COVID-19 hospitalizations was also at a new high at 197 patients.
“The ability for our hospitals to care for the most critical patients is a critical concern when dealing with COVID-19,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, COVID-19 Testing Officer for the County of Santa Clara. “The more we protect ourselves and our families from COVID-19, the less likely we will be filling up hospital beds.”
County officials say it’s imperative that residents avoid large gatherings this holiday to control the spread.
Santa Clara County joins a majority of California in the purple tier, which is the most restrictive on businesses.
With that, grocery stores must limit capacity to 50% and clothing and retails stores (including malls) must limit capacity to 25%. The fire department is helping enforce the capacity limits, the county said.
The Santa Clara County Fire Department, which has a traditional role in enforcing capacity issues for fire codes, will provide much needed support to the Business Compliance Unit’s efforts.
“Businesses have a legal, ethical, and moral obligation to protect their employees and the public,” said Michael Balliet, Director of Community and Business Engagement for the County of Santa Clara.
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