San Mateo is last Bay Area county not on state's watch list, but could change this week

SAN MATEO, Calif. (KGO) -- Houses of worship, gyms and nail & hair salons have been holding on by a hair in San Mateo County amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. In a matter of days, these sectors will most likely close again, according to a county official.

"We are lucky, but I don't think we'll be able to stay that long," said Ling Pan, owner of Revolution Hair Studio.

Revolution Hair Studio has been open for three weeks now. They've been doing everything in their power to help the county contain the COVID-19 spread and stay open.

"Disinfecting in between clients and we had to even make our time spot schedule for clients longer so we could have enough time," said Pan.

But that could change very soon. San Mateo County is projected to make the COVID-19 state watch list in the upcoming days.

"Our numbers are trending in the wrong direction make no mistake about it. We suspect that it'll be Tuesday of this week," said San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa.

Health officials are tracking an increase of cases. As of Sunday night, countywide, there are a total of 4,465 COVID-19 cases and 114 deaths in San Mateo.

According to County Supervisor Canepa, this county was excelling. Based on the states criteria, their number of tests, hospitalizations, available ICU beds/ventilators were on mark, but what got them was a sudden increase of new cases last week.

"The threshold for all 58 counties in the state of California, 100. Anything over 100 for 100,000 cases that puts you on the watch list. Our number in that category is 121. Two days ago was 124. So we are trending downward," said Canepa.

Once on the state watch list, certain business sectors like houses of worship, gyms and nail/hair salons will be forced to close. For now, many are enjoying their short back to normal phase, until many businesses will have to close again.

"I had no idea. But I'm glad. I've been here for three weeks and now is back to running the streets," said Daly City Resident, Ronald Cabrera and added, "I'm going to milk it as much as I can."

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
• From salons to dinner parties:Experts rate the risk of 12 activities
• California reopening: Here's what's open, closed in the Bay Area
• Watch list: Counties where COVID-19 is getting worse
• When will the San Francisco Bay Area reopen? Track progress on 6 key metrics to reopening here
• Life after COVID-19: Here's what restaurants, gyms will look like
• Here's everything allowed to open in CA (and what we're still waiting on)
• What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
• What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
• What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
• Here's how shelter in place, stay athome orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
• Experts compare face shield vs. face mask effectiveness
• List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
• COVID-19Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
• Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
• WATCH: ABC7 Listens 'From Anger To Action: A Bay Area Conversation'
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US