San Benito County sees one year mark since first COVID-19 cases

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION)

Residents and city leaders in Hollister took the day to reflect on the impact in their lives since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While some residents and business owners say they are grateful to still be employed despite constant shutdowns and nationwide unemployment rates skyrocketing.

“This past year, I’m definitely learning to manage money a little better, prioritizing everything, not spending reckless," says resident Marcus Lopez.

Others say nothing is worse than the lives lost to the virus.

“All the deaths, even here, we’ve learned that many of our customers passed away from the virus and they were like family to us," says resident and business owner Erika Acopa.

The number of active cases in San Benito County went from about 700 in January to 210 as of February 2nd.

Hollister City Mayor Ignacio Velasquez says his goal is for the county to obtain more vaccines as the pandemic continues.

“I still fear we have not controlled this, I fear it’s going to take off on us again because the vaccinations aren’t going out fast enough and we’re going to lose control again," says Mayor Velasquez.