(This article is being updated with the most current statistics. Last update May 13, 8:30 p.m. PST.)

Galen Kusic , Editor

At least 84,000 people with COVID-19 have died in the United States with over 1.3 million reported cases as of May 13. While the epicenter of the pandemic is in New York with over 345,000 cases and over 27,000 deaths, Calif. numbers have grown at a slower rate thus far, with over 71,000 positive cases and over 2,900 deaths.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued shelter-at-home orders earlier than most states, and health experts indicate this may be the reason for the slow of the spread. However, health officials expect Calif. cases to surge sometime in mid-May, which makes social distancing, hand washing and wearing a face cloth in public vital to “flattening the curve.”

“Calif. has been working closely with hospitals to aggressively expand our state’s ability to treat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients,” said Newsom. “As a result, Calif. is adding tens of thousands more hospital beds, sourcing and distributing lifesaving medical supplies and ventilators, and significantly expanding our health care workforce.”

In Solano County as more testing has become available, numbers tripled over a two week period to 112 on April 12, but have risen steeper since, with 397 total confirmed cases and 12 deaths as of May 13. The county reports 42 active cases with 61 total hospitalizations since the outbreak started with 5,934 residents tested. That number jumped from 4,009 tested over a week ago.

“Solano Public Health extends our deepest condolences to the patient’s loved ones in the wake of this tragedy,” said County Health Officer Bela Matyas, M.D., M.P.H. “We strongly recommend that all Solano County residents, workers, students, and visitors take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the novel coronavirus. Solano Public Health will continue to work with local, state, federal and community partners to prevent future cases and educate those in Solano County about how to avoid contracting COVID-19.”

The county’s breakdown of numbers by city: Vallejo has the most cases with 238, with over 100 cases from Windsor Vallejo Care Center. Two deaths have been linked to the assisted living facility. The rest of the county breaks down like this: Fairfield 67, Vacaville 38, Suisun City 20 and Benicia with 18. All other Solano cities have cases, but the number is listed at “under 10” to protect patients’ anonymity.

Over 70 percent of Solano COVID-19 cases are individuals 19-64 years of age with two deaths and 24 percent are age 65 and older with 10 deaths. Nine new cases were confirmed on May 13 with 15 current hospitalizations.

COVID-19 drive-through testing is now being offered to Solano County essential workers at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo. The test is only for symptomatic first responders, health care workers, essential workers and residents over 65. Individuals must show symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including fever, cough, chills or body aches and must work or live in Solano County.

Individuals are asked to bring a valid identification card at the time of testing. Testing is by appointment only and can be made by calling the drive-through testing phone line at (707) 784-8665 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Tests consist of a self-administered nasal swab and will be processed at the Napa-Yolo-Solano-Marin Public Health Lab. Results will be available within one to three days.

Solano County has extended the shelter at home health order to April 30. Individuals are directed to stay at home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care and to engage in essential activities and work.

“We extended the shelter at home health order and directive to re-emphasize the importance that everyone continues to follow self-isolation and social distancing best practices,” said Matyas. “When everyone does their part, we help slow the spread of COVID-19 disease in Solano County, giving our health care providers the time, tools and capacity necessary to provide care to those who need it most in our community.”

Neighboring county numbers (provided by the state) are as follows:

Sacramento: 1,166 cases, 52 deaths

Contra Costa: 1,067 cases, 32 deaths

Yolo: 176 cases, 20 deaths

Napa: 80 cases, 3 deaths

As of May 13, the state reports 71,141 positive cases (an increase of 2.5 percent) with 2,934 deaths (an increase of 3.1 percent). These percentages have remained steady over the past week.

The state has aggressively planned for a surge in hospitalizations in the coming weeks and aims to add 50,000 beds to its existing hospital capacity of nearly 75,000 beds. At least 60 percent of those additional beds, or 30,000, will come from within existing hospitals, and the state will secure the remaining beds, up to 20,000.

The former Sleep Train Arena, now known as Natomas Arena, in Sacramento is one of several alternate care sites with a capacity for 400 beds that will provide care for less sick patients, thus allowing hospitals to focus their resources on those with the most acute needs.

On April 7, Newsom signed an executive order that provides additional support for older adults and vulnerable young children.

The order will allow for a 60-day waiver for In-Home-Supportive Services (IHHS) program caseworkers to continue their work and be able to care for older adults, as well as individuals with disabilities.