The ban on flavored tobacco aligns with state and federal regulations so retailers that sell hookah or hookah related products would be exempt from the ban. but more than 650 San Jose tobacco retailers will have to make the shift.

South Bay public health officials have also seen the number grow to 15 confirmed cases of another strain known as the UK variant.

County Executive Jeff Smith said California’s new program, known as the Statewide Vaccination Network, left him with “significant concerns.”

The new variation was reported in Santa Clara and Alameda counties, health officials announced Wednesday.

Over the course of a month the variant has increased from 3.8 percent of the cases in California to 25.2 percent.

Covid-19 deaths as of now lag behind only cancer and heart disease, which are projected to be the top two killers in the South Bay this year.

Jeff Smith says a well-enforced state order would be more effective than announcements about body bags and overflow morgues.

Because Covid-19 can be found in stool, even from people without symptoms, researchers are testing wastewater to monitor the virus.

Public health officials today said the outbreak spread to at least 94 players, coaches and close contacts in three counties.

Santa Clara County on Sunday reported 358 new diagnoses—a single-day case count second only to the record 385 tallied on July 15.

Local professional sports teams, including the San Jose Earthquakes, have been playing to empty stadiums since the pandemic started.

Under the new reopening tier, which goes into effect at midnight, more establishments can expand indoor operations—with certain limitations.

Indoor events could resume at up to 25 percent capacity or up to 100 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people.

County Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody issued the revisions to the mandate, saying private providers need to step up to the plate.

Alan Viarengo is accused of repeatedly threatening Santa Clara County’s chief public health officer over her Covid-19 mandates.

Experts say the nation’s inability to create an efficient testing system is part of what’s fueling the recent surge in Covid-19 infections.