Amid calls for widespread closures, some entertainment options in Fresno area remain
Fallout from the coronavirus continues to be felt throughout the Fresno area and the state following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call for limitations on social gatherings.
While bars are closing and restaurants turn to take-out options, some entertainment venues remain open and functioning.
Here is a list of some of what’s happening in the Fresno area.
Movie theaters limit seating
The area’s movie theaters remain open, though they are taking precautions to protect movie goers.
Maya Cinemas at Campus Pointe has enhanced cleaning around the theater with nightly deep cleanings, according to a statement on the theater’s website. All high-traffic areas are being disinfected and surfaces that guests will contact (from armrests to tables, door handles, counters and railing) are being sanitized on a regular basis. Door handles and box office counters are being disinfected every 30 minutes during business hours.
Employees are using latex gloves and washing their hands a minimum of every hour, according to the statement.
Additionally, the theater is limiting ticket sales to a maximum of 250 for any show.
Initially Regal Cinemas, which operates several theaters in the Fresno and Visalia area, said it was reducing its auditorium capacity by 50 percent and is complying with state mandates on social-gathering limits.
Later Monday, Regal announced it was closing all its theaters beginning Tuesday.
Santa Rosa Cinemas, which owns Sierra Vista Cinemas, is working with the National Association of Theatre Owners for guidance and information in addressing coronavirus concerts, according to its website. Along with enhanced cleaning practices, including the use of stronger disinfectants on high-touch surfaces, the number of seats available for each screening has also been limited.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The World Health Organization has officially declared the spread the novel coronavirus as a pandemic, and the virus is spreading in the United States, particularly on the West Coast.
Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease including social distancing.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children. But, this outbreak is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel virus that has spawned a new disease called COVID-19. This infection can cause a particularly harsh respiratory condition and can lead to death in older individuals and those with underlying health problems.
The CDC believes the COVID-19 virus spreads among humans by person-to-person contact, including via cough and sneezing. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people. Social distancing of 6ft is recommended for everyone.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Corona means crown, and the virus has little spikes that help it attach to your respiratory system. Symptoms are similar to the flu and include congestion, coughing, shortness of breath and a runny nose. But, it can worsen causing pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome and death.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
How does it spread?
We’re still learning about this infection. Things are changing constantly. The spread seems to be from bigger droplets, coughing, sneezing on your hands and then touching your eyes, your nose or mouth. The influenza virus can last on surfaces for 24 hours. For this virus, we are still learning how long it can last but it may be as long as 48 to 72 hours.
And what you can do to help stop the spread:
Practice social distancing, and definitely stay home if you’re ill. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
Taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For more on how it spreads, watch this video.
Note: No public health agency has recommended that the general public wear masks to stave off infection. Here are more public health recommendations:
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you really can’t get to soap and water, then use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Can’t wash your hands right away? Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as these are areas where the pathogens can invade your body.
- Practice cough hygiene with covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, either using a disposable tissue or into your clothed elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash right away.
- If you are sick, stay at home. If you develop respiratory symptoms contact your doctor for advise and to determine if you need to go for care or viral testing. Call ahead before seeing medical care at a doctor’s office, clinic or emergency department, as they’ll need to separate you to help protect others.
- ChrisAnna Mink, Modesto Bee, and McClatchy staff
Table Mountain closes, other casinos open
Table Mountain Casino in Friant announced a temporary closure beginning 6 p.m. Monday. The casino is slated to reopen at the end of March.
Tachi Palace Casino Resort in Lemoore remains open, thought it has implemented extra measures for sanitizing and disinfecting. Some events at the casino have been postponed, including a community breakfast scheduled for March 27.
Chukchasino Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold appears to be be open and operating. Though a message to the casino was not immediately returned, in a statement to its guests, the casino said it has a system in place for frequent cleaning and disinfection of all areas with hourly sanitation of restrooms, dining venues and kitchens, counters and bar tops. Gaming tables, slot machines, doors, handrails and elevators ae also being cleaned frequently.
The casino has also increased access to handwashing facilities and hand-sanitizing stations and increased signage for guests and team members on proper handwashing technique and respiratory cough and sneeze etiquette.
Breweries ,wineries shuttering tasting rooms
Under order from Gov. Newsom, the state mandated the closure of tasting rooms at breweries and wineries on Sunday.
Breweries that offer food service on site will be allowed up stay open with reduced capacity, according to a statement from the California Craft Brewers Association. Breweries are not required to stop production or cease off-site sales. Breweries are still allowed to continue to manufacture beer, self-distribute beer, conduct off-site sales (to-go orders from the brewery) and deliver beer direct-to-consumers, the statement said.
Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company’s beer garden is open for to-go sales only. On-site drinking will not be allowed, but the brewery will continue to host food trucks. They will sell to-go food items.
“Craft beer is our livelihood, but community is what keeps us going. Through this difficult time, we want to emphasize how important it is to support local when you’re able to,” the company said it a social media post announcing the changes.
“Our goal is to be a hub for these small businesses and support them staying in business until everything settles.”
Across the street Zack’s Brewing Company has closed its tap room, though it has plans to add delivery and pick-up options.
Full Circle Brewing Company plans to continue operating its tap rooms, while limiting the number of patrons, according to a social media post Monday. It also announced to-go beer delivery and pick-up from its downtown location.
As of Monday, Cru Winery in Madera is temporarily closed to walk-in tastings and all upcoming events are on hold. The tasting room will be open for wine purchases and wine club pick-ups. The winery will still accept appointments for small group private tastings, according to its email newsletter.
Messages to ApCal and Engelmann Cellars were not immediately returned. As of Friday, all events at ApCal were slated to continue as scheduled, according to a social media post.
Madera’s Birdstone Winery will be open by appointment only noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and will not be open for wine tasting at this time. Those wishing to purchase wine or pick up a WineClub release can call 559-970-2060 for a pick up time or arrange for your order to be delivered.
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 2:48 PM.