So far, Santa Cruz County has barely avoided the state mandate to shut down if the ICU bed capacity drops below 15%. It’s not if but when will it happen. Downtown businesses are sitting on pins and needles as they await word on whether or not the Santa Cruz County Health Officer will issue a stay-at-home order.”Frankly, right now, we’re starting to see the effects of Thanksgiving in our hospitals,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, Santa Cruz County Deputy Health Officer.Since Thanksgiving, there’s been more than a 20% jump in COVID cases because of gatherings during the holiday–that’s more than likely responsible for an increase in ICU visits.Santa Cruz County is currently at 17.8% ICU bed capacity. There are 22 ICU beds available to Health Officials. Sixteen are at Dominican Hospital and six are at Watsonville Community Hospital.”We’re just in a state where we’re okay and we felt it wasn’t necessary to immediately go more restrictive than the state. We fell state measures appear to be appropriate at least for Santa Cruz County,” said Dr. Ghilarducci.This year has been especially tough on restaurants.Outdoor dining has helped but closing them just adds to the financial burden they’re already facing.And ordering restaurant supplies has been a nightmare.”Can we expect to get a delivery? Does our supplier have it? We’re starting to see price changes now because the industry is getting disrupted,” said Downtown Business Owner, Zach Davis.The Downtown Association has seen a 15% decline in business revenue. The community has helped by purchasing downtown dollars.They are as popular as holiday gifts and accepted by all businesses downtown-and community members are purchasing them in record numbers.”We sold $2,000 worth of downtown dollars in 2019, only $2,000 which would be a normal holiday season. We’re now seeing $30,000 in Downtown Dollars,” said Jorian Wilkins, Downtown Association Executive DirectorLocal businesses say another influx of federal dollars will go a long way in helping them as they continue to try and stay afloat.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. —
So far, Santa Cruz County has barely avoided the state mandate to shut down if the ICU bed capacity drops below 15%. It’s not if but when will it happen.
Downtown businesses are sitting on pins and needles as they await word on whether or not the Santa Cruz County Health Officer will issue a stay-at-home order.
“Frankly, right now, we’re starting to see the effects of Thanksgiving in our hospitals,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, Santa Cruz County Deputy Health Officer.
Since Thanksgiving, there’s been more than a 20% jump in COVID cases because of gatherings during the holiday–that’s more than likely responsible for an increase in ICU visits.
Santa Cruz County is currently at 17.8% ICU bed capacity. There are 22 ICU beds available to Health Officials. Sixteen are at Dominican Hospital and six are at Watsonville Community Hospital.
“We’re just in a state where we’re okay and we felt it wasn’t necessary to immediately go more restrictive than the state. We fell state measures appear to be appropriate at least for Santa Cruz County,” said Dr. Ghilarducci.
This year has been especially tough on restaurants.
Outdoor dining has helped but closing them just adds to the financial burden they’re already facing.
And ordering restaurant supplies has been a nightmare.
“Can we expect to get a delivery? Does our supplier have it? We’re starting to see price changes now because the industry is getting disrupted,” said Downtown Business Owner, Zach Davis.
The Downtown Association has seen a 15% decline in business revenue. The community has helped by purchasing downtown dollars.
They are as popular as holiday gifts and accepted by all businesses downtown-and community members are purchasing them in record numbers.
“We sold $2,000 worth of downtown dollars in 2019, only $2,000 which would be a normal holiday season. We’re now seeing $30,000 in Downtown Dollars,” said Jorian Wilkins, Downtown Association Executive Director
Local businesses say another influx of federal dollars will go a long way in helping them as they continue to try and stay afloat.