By Donna Westfall – March 23, 2020 NOTE TO READERS: Our publication has a blue button on the left side of the front page that connects directly to Del Norte County That takes you directly into COVID-19 updates. Businesses now closed: Most insurance agencies however they are taking care of business running them via email and phone. Also banks, restaurants (except for take out), schools and courts. Businesses that are still open: Del Norte Transfer Station (Dump) and the people at the gate are wearing gloves. Grocery stores, Home Depot, Post Office, Sutter Coast Hospital and Law Enforcement. The latest around our nation and the world: Initially, information out of China showed that seniors were the group that was hardest hit. However, New York reports that 53% of their cases are in the 18-49 age range. In Houston, Texas 20-54 year old make up 40% of the cases and 12% in Intensive Case are in the 20-44 age range. LA County is developing private-public partnerships for the manufacture of test kits by the thousands. So far there are no cases of the virus in Del Norte County. 35 tests have been administered. 26 of them came back negative. 9 are still pending. More news later.