As of April 20, there have been 2,431,390 coronavirus cases and 166,308 deaths worldwide. In the U.S. alone, there have been 767,379 confirmed cases and 40,750 deaths.

   In the Santa Clarita Valley, at least 240 cases have been confirmed, with 33 individuals hospitalized. KHTS reports that there are currently at least 201 confirmed cases reported in the city of Santa Clarita, 10 in Castaic, 13 in Stevenson Ranch and 15 in the unincorporated areas of Canyon Country. The numbers for Valencia and Saugus have been “suppressed,” meaning there are between one and four cases for each community. 

  In L.A. County, COVID-19 cases have surpassed 12,341 cases and 600 deaths. The county has been setting up new drive-thru testing centers in an effort to test as many residents as possible. 

   Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital has administered 516 tests as of Sunday, and, while 411 returned negative, 107 have been confirmed positive. 

   According to the hospital, “The patients are being treated on a designated floor of the newly-built patient tower, with each patient receiving the correct level of care, without using beds in the Intensive Care Unit.” 

   Henry Mayo has also reported two COVID-19 deaths at the hospital, marking the third confirmed coronavirus death in the Santa Clarita Valley, after a Santa Clarita Transit bus driver passed away after testing positive. 

   The first Santa Clarita Valley coronavirus test drive-thru was opened on Wednesday at the College of the Canyons campus. Testing is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, with priority for those over the age of 65. It is important to remember that appointments are required since only residents with COVID-19 symptoms are eligible.

   Cats, continue to practice social distancing and make sure to stay home as much as possible.