Coronavirus updates: Fresno ends evictions; Tulare County jumps to seven cases
As of early Thursday, more than 9 million Californians — close to 25 percent of the state’s population — have been told to stay home except for essential reasons such as grocery shopping during the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses deemed nonessential have been temporarily shuttered.
That includes Fresno, which has a shelter-in-place order through the end of March.
The move is designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as health officials continue to confirm cases.
On Thursday, the city announced a measure that will give residents a six-month deferral from evictions and foreclosures if their income has taken a hit due the response to the coronavirus. The council unanimously approved the emergency measure, which will also keep water services flowing to every resident, regardless of whether they are behind on fees.
Cases continue to rise in Fresno, Tulare, Madera counties
Madera County on Thursday announced a second confirmed case of COVID-19. The case is community transmission with unknown origin and is being investigated, according to the county’s Department of Public Health.
Tulare County now has seven confirmed patients, including one health officials described as “person-to person, spread through direct contact.” That person was over 65 years old and belongs to a “vulnerable population,” the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency said.
Additional information regarding some of the new cases are pending completion of an investigation. Our community should understand that we are at a higher level of risk and they should take precautions wherever you go.
The last two cases were announced on Thursday. One patient is between the ages of 18-24. It is unknown how the virus was contracted. The other is a travel case. The patients is between the ages of 25-40.
Both cases were tested at Kaweah Delta.
Fresno County announced a third coronavirus case Wednesday. The case was travel-related and the patient is doing well and isolating at home, the county said.
Fresno jail addressing pandemic
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said the county jail is taking steps to address the risks of the coronavirus. That will not include changes to jail protocol regarding early inmate releases, she said. Some county jails, including the Sacramento and Sonoma county facilities, are making early releases of some inmates.
Fresno County deputies are being asked to minimize the number of people booked into the jail by issuing citations for non-violent and low-level crimes. Other Fresno County law enforcement agencies are being asked to follow similar policies.
Workers reporting to ag jobs
Farming and food processing – which makes up Fresno County’s $7.9 billion agriculture industry – have been deemed essential to the U.S. food supply chain during the coronavirus pandemic.
So far, the San Joaquin Valley’s agriculture industry has seen little disruption and workers continue to show up at the area’s dairy farms, citrus groves and meat processing plants, though that could change.
“We’re in a transition time right before things get heavy in the spring and early summer,” said Ryan Jacobsen, president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau.
Officials warn of coronavirus scams
The Sanger Police Department issued a warning of potential scams related to coronovirus.
“If anyone knocks on your door, or calls you claiming to sell vaccines, tests, or offers funds or relief related to the Coronavirus, they do not represent the Government, and are most likely trying to defraud you,” the department wrote on its Facebook page.
The Porterville Fire Department issued a similar warning on social media, saying there were reports of people dressed as “police officers” and “firefighters” going door to door offering COVID-19 tests for money.
Fresno-area funerals should be postponed
The Diocese of Fresno, which serves an estimated 1.2 million Catholics across eight counties in the central San Joaquin Valley, is calling for funeral vigil and mass services be postponed.
“A graveside service with the option of a Memorial Mass at a later date is strongly recommended and attended only by the immediate family,” church officials said in a statement. “If a Funeral Vigil and Mass does take place, the same restriction regarding attendees applies. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, grandparents, and siblings of the deceased only.
Changes at the DMV
At the state level, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has suspended walk-in visits and canceled all behind-the-wheel driving tests for the next 30 days. Those without an appointment will be turned away, but given the opportunity to scheduled a visit.
The DMV also suspended the extended hours it had recently added for customers seeking Real ID licenses. Going forward, DMV offices will be open for appointments only Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates: Fresno ends evictions; Tulare County jumps to seven cases."