https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/04/17/gov-newsom-california-sees-worst-24-hour-period-since-this-virus-attacked-people/ > Gov. Gavin Newsom said nearly 1,000 people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus have now died in California. > During his Friday press briefing, Newsom said Thursday was the deadliest day since the pandemic began as 95 people in California died, bringing the statewide coronavirus death toll to 985.