San Diego County health officials on Tuesday reported that two more people in the county have died from the coronavirus.

The latest deaths bring the total in San Diego County to nine since the start of the pandemic. Health officials said the total number of positive cases of the virus rose 734 Tuesday, 131 more since the day before which made it the single highest increase in one day.

County Supervisors chair Greg Cox told reporters at the Tuesday afternoon briefing that despite a handful of grocery store and restaurant employees testing positive for the coronavirus, the food supply chain is safe. Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said the CDC has found no evidence that you can get the virus from food. But health officials do so it's a good idea to wipe down any plastic or paper containers and wash your hands before you eaT.

SEE THE LATEST DAILY COUNTY CORONAVIRUS REPORT.

Cruise Ship Passenger, Crew Members Test Positive

A cruise ship passenger and three crew members who arrived in San Diego on Monday have since tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

County spokesperson José Álvarez confirmed a passenger on the Celebrity Eclipse has tested positive for COVID-19. Tuesday afternoon, county health officials revealed that 3 crew members, who had been self-isolating, also tested positive. County health officials said they were notified before the ship came in that one passenger had a heart ailment and "possible" pneumonia. The passenger was taken to a hospital Monday and later tested positive for COVID-19.

Dr. Eric McDonald, the county's medical director of epidemiology, said 17 San Diegans were on the Celebrity Eclipse. Those individuals will complete their quarantine locally. The other passengers will travel home for their quarantines. Dr.McDonald said Monday the passengers were all in good health.

San Diego Mayor Announces Plan to Protect Shoppers and Employees

Mayor Kevin Faulconer was joined Tuesday by City Council President Georgette Gómez, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 135, and Stay Home San Diego – a new organization that delivers food to seniors so they can safely stay indoors – to outline steps grocers, employees and customers can take to keep grocery shopping safe and sanitary.

“Grocery stores and their employees are working harder than ever to meet the demand created by COVID-19,” Mayor Faulconer said. “These workers are on the front lines supporting our city. We’re asking San Diegans to return the gesture by using practices that keep grocery stores safe for customers and employees alike.”

Mayor Faulconer encouraged San Diegans to take the following steps:

• Shoppers and grocery employees should follow physical distancing rules

• Use credit cards or smart phones instead of cash when possible to minimize personal contact

• Stick to as few shoppers as possible – don’t bring the whole family to the store.

• Don’t overfill your cart – only shop for what you need.

Mayor Faulconer has extended until April 30, an executive order that lifted time limitations for grocery deliveries in order to help ensure the supply chain moves efficiently.

(Photo credit San Diego County Newscenter)

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