COVID-19 live updates: Santa Clara Co. approves extra vaccine dose for immunocompromised

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A surge in coronavirus cases has been reported in the Bay Area and across California as well as the country due in part to the emergence of the highly-contagious delta variant.

The latest number of confirmed cases in the U.S. can be found at the CDC's 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the U.S. page. (The CDC updates the webpage on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.)

Join anchor Kristen Sze for ABC7's daily, interactive newscast about the coronavirus outbreak in the Bay Area and around the world. You can check here to stream the show Monday-Friday at 3 p.m.

• MAPS: Check out the latest maps of COVID-19 cases, deaths in the US, world


• CORONAVIRUS IN CA: Get resources and information about COVID-19


• LATEST LOCAL CASES: Updated number of COVID-19 cases, deaths in San Francisco Bay Area

Here are the latest developments on the respiratory illness in the U.S.:

12 p.m.
Santa Clara County approves extra vaccine dose for immunocompromised

Transplant recipients, cancer patients and people with immunodeficiencies can receive a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine in Santa Clara County as of Saturday. People with diabetes, heart disease or the elderly are not authorized by the FDA to receive a third dose unless they have additional conditions that weakens their immune system "to the same extent as someone who had a solid organ transplant," says a press release by the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. Those unsure of if they fall under the eligible category should consult with a medical professional, said the county. Appointments can be scheduled at sccfreevax.org.

9 a.m.
Bay Area counties suspend jail visits

In-person visits at Santa Rita Jail have been suspended. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office says it's due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Professional non-contact appointments are still available. San Francisco County Jail has also suspended in-person visits. A jail spokesperson tells ABC7 the visits will resume as soon as it's safe to do so, but there's no word on how soon that could be.

12:30 p.m.
Contra Costa Co. announces vaccine, weekly test requirement for first responders
Contra Costa Co. health officials announced a new health order requiring first responders to verify they are fully vaccinated or test weekly for the virus.

The order goes into effect Sept. 17 and applies to law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who work in or may respond to emergency calls at high-risk facilities such as hospitals, jails, nursing and congregate care facilities. It also applies to non-emergency ambulance workers who provide medical transport for such facilities.

10:30 a.m.
CA superintendent discusses vaccines for kids
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond hosted a discussion on the importance of vaccines for kids as schools across the state prepare to open for in-person learning.

7:20 a.m.
Contra Costa Health Services has a new program paying residents $100 each time they convince someone to get fully vaccinated in an effort to boost vaccination rates. The "Helping Hands Referral Program" is open to anyone age 14 or older. The person must not have been previously vaccinated for COVID-19. They must also make an appointment using a unique website you provide to them. You will be paid $100 total as a check or gift card after each person you help gets fully vaccinated. You have to register on the county's health services website.

2 p.m.
SF vaccine mandate will not apply to Oracle Park, Giants says
The San Francisco Giants said the latest announcement from Mayor London Breed on the proof of vaccination requirement to enter many establishments will not apply to Oracle Park because it's an outdoor stadium.

Chase Center, home to the Golden State Warriors, said on Twitter today it will comply with the city's guidelines - which requires attendees 12 and older to show proof of vaccination at a venue with more than 1,000 people. The next event at Chase Center is Sept. 15.

1 p.m.
Facebook delays employees' return to office until 2022
Facebook employees will not be required to return to the office until January 2022, the company announced Thursday. A company spokesperson told ABC7 that COVID-19 case data and the Delta variant are driving its approach to employees' return to the office. Employees will have "ample" notice before needing to return to the office.

5:35 a.m.
Move-in day for students at Cal State East Bay
Today is move-in day for students at Cal State East Bay in Hayward. This is the first time students will be live on campus since March of 2020. Classes start next week.