Here is a list of the major developments in the coronavirus epidemic facing San Diego County, updated at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15.
• There have been 5,523 cases and 208 deaths among San Diego County residents as of Friday afternoon.
• Across California there have been 74,936 cases and 3,108 deaths as of Friday afternoon.
• Across the United States, there have been 1,439,434 cases and 87,204 deaths as of Friday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University.
• San Diego County public health officials reported 132 new cases of coronavirus and eight more deaths as testing set another record.
• The Air Force’s famous Thunderbirds honored frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over San Diego and Los Angeles.
• San Diego-based Sorrento Therapeutics announced that an antibody it is developing has shown an ability to block coronavirus infection of healthy cells in the laboratory.
• A Chula Vista church’s request to hold in-person services during the pandemic was denied by a San Diego federal judge, who rejected the church’s argument that the state’s reopening plan is dismissive of the religious rights of Californians.
• Five sailors aboard the San Diego-based USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for COVID-19 a second time and have since been removed from the ship.
• Reports of larceny, assault and domestic violence have decreased 20% overall in San Diego County in the past two months amid stay-at-home orders brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
• The San Diego-based hospital ship USNS Mercy began the trip back to its homeport following nearly two months in Los Angeles, where it served as a relief valve while Southland medical centers coped with the burgeoning coronavirus pandemic.
• Assemblyman Todd Gloria, D-San Diego, announced Friday he has created a coalition designed to create an economic recovery blueprint for San Diego after COVID-19.
• Cal State San Marcos faculty and staff lined up along a parade route to cheer on the Class of 2020 during “Graduates on Parade,” a special celebration honoring students whose commencement has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• After a two-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamul Casino will have a soft reopening on May 18, 2020 for club members and a full reopening on May 21, 2020. The casino said it is following CDC guidelines and will require face coverings and temperature screenings of all guests and employees.
• The organizing team behind San Diego’s Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival announced they have canceled the 2020 event, originally scheduled for November, in light of ongoing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Everyday California, a La Jolla-based ocean adventure and lifestyle brand, has introduced a neck gaiter that can be used for other activities post-pandemic, like fishing and snowboarding. It’s designed to be less irritating around the ears.
• Worried about being bored during the stay-at-home order this weekend? Here’s Times of San Diego’s popular guide to weekend activities — online and otherwise.
If your organization has relevant news to add to this daily list, please send to news@timesofsandiego.com.
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