The COVID-19 pandemic this week continued its intensification throughout San Bernardino County, as the total number of confirmed cases since the tracking of the virus began in March hit 23,238, with 315 deaths attributed to the disease. Known cases increased by 4,963 since July 10, the highest single week jump in the disease yet, surpassing the previous county record of 4,599 set last week, between July 3 and July 10. There is concern that those already dire numbers are even worse, as a shortage of testing supplies that commenced last week resulted in the cancellation of tests that were to take place on July 8, July 9 and July 10. As there is a several day lag between the time of testing and the reporting of results, it is possible that the increase in the infection numbers reported this week would have been far higher if the tests that were cancelled late last week had been carried out.
A further indication of how serious the situation has become is reflected in San Bernardino County’s inclusion in an order issued today by Governor Gavin Newsom curtailing plans by virtually all of San Bernardino County’s school districts to conduct classroom instruction on a rotating basis involving all or most students with the onset of the 2020-21 school year.
Newsom ordered schools in San Bernardino County and 29 other counties in the state to switch to remote learning, meaning instruction will take place on-line, with the schools closed and students remaining at home.