Pasadena Reports 2 More Coronavirus Deaths

The city reported two local Coronavirus deaths on Monday, and eight additional deaths, bringing the city’s grim death toll to 71, or just over 10 percent of the city’s 702 cases.

The additional two fatalities came from the city’s long term health care facilities.

The numbers came on the same day that Gov. Gavin Newsom announced sporting events without spectators may resume as early as June, and people could be attending small church meetings and visiting hair salons in a few weeks.

Counties will be given the opportunity to apply for approval to transition into Stage 3 of the four stage reopening process, and then Newsom will issue a statewide order offering the opportunity to all counties.

Pasadena, which has its own health department, most likely will not have to wait for LA County to transition to the next stage.

The state is currently transitioning to Stage 2, when businesses with a lower risk of spreading COVID-19 will reopen. Gyms and hair salons can open in Stage 3, and large gatherings like sporting events and concerts will return in Stage 4.

Newsom said 53 of the state’s 58 counties are eligible to move into Stage 2.

The governor has given several sectors statewide permission to open, including curbside-pickup retail and office spaces where teleworking isn’t possible, and most counties have introduced these modifications to their orders.

Pasadena’s health department issued an order last week opening all retail businesses that provide curbside service, practice social distancing and follow specific guidelines.

Counties no longer need to hit the near impossible marker requiring them to go two weeks without a new coronavirus death and instead must meet new goals for testing, infections and hospitalizations, including less than 25 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the last 14 days.