COVID-19

Santa Clara County on Sept. 21 announced a new website—www.sccfreetest.org—that lets residents schedule a Covid-19 test up to a week ahead of time at certain sites. Appointments for the drive-thru testing at the county fairgrounds can be made five days in advance. County health officials...

Santa Clara County later this week will begin opening more “non-essential” businesses, including in-store retail, childcare and summer camps, outdoor dining and religious, cultural and civic activities.

Gilroy firefighters have been visiting the homes of residents over the past month, giving Covid-19 vaccinations to those who may not have the means to travel to a clinic. Earlier in March, Santa Clara County Public Health launched the Mobile In-home Vaccination Program, with Gilroy...

California lifted most of its Covid-19 restrictions and officially reopened Tuesday, marking the moment with state-subsidized vacation giveaways and $15 million in vaccine lottery prizes as it emerged from the pandemic politically divided but economically formidable. One of the last U.S. states to reopen, California...

Four out of Santa Clara's five mass vaccination sites are closing in the next few weeks, but it is not a bad thing, county health experts said.  With nearly 80 percent of the eligible county residents vaccinated, temporary emergency sites are no longer needed.  Remaining vaccine...

California public health officials updated the state's guidance for places of worship and cultural ceremonies Monday, removing capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.  Since unveiling the tiered Covid-19 reopening system late last August, the state has faced pushback from religious groups and advocates...

Safeway is now offering Covid-19 vaccinations without an appointment at the grocery store chain's pharmacies, the company announced Friday. Safeway has more than 90 pharmacies across the Bay Area. Across the country, pharmacies at Safeway and other grocery stores owned by Albertsons Companies have administered...

California will reopen on June 15 without any capacity limits or physical distancing requirements for businesses or events, the state's Health and Human Services secretary said Friday. Gov. Gavin Newsom last month announced the expected June 15 reopening date, which state officials on Friday confirmed...

Fully vaccinated workers will no longer be required to wear a mask regardless of whether their co-workers are unvaccinated following new guidance Thursday from the state's workplace safety agency. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to...

Santa Clara County moved into the less-restrictive “Red Tier” on Sept. 8 as part of California’s new Covid-19 reopening plan, state officials announced. Personal care services can now operate indoors with restrictions, and museums, zoos, aquariums and gyms can reopen with limited capacity. Capacity for...