‘Ominous times’ ahead: 18 coronavirus cases in Fresno County. 200 tests currently available
Five new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were reported in Fresno County on Tuesday, bringing the county’s total up to 18.
“The clouds are gathering and we are in for some ominous times,” said Rais Vohra, interim health officer of the Fresno County Department of Public Health, during a 4 p.m. conference. “I don’t want to beat around the bush about that.”
Six cases were described as travel-related, two were contracted person-to-person, and 10 are under investigation, officials said.
David Pomaville, director of the Fresno County Department of Public Health, said the county had about 200 coronavirus test kits available on Tuesday, and that “as we use them, they are being replenished.” Pomaville said tests will be more available in the “upcoming weeks.”
Vohra said Fresno County has gone from containment to mitigation, and that more cases are expected. He said it’s unclear when coronavirus cases will peak in Fresno County, but that the county and central San Joaquin Valley appear to be “several days to perhaps a week behind” patterns seen in more populated metropolitan areas like the Bay Area.
He said social distancing and stay-at-home orders have helped other areas and will help Fresno County as its tries to “flatten the curve and delay that peak as much as we can.”
Vohra and Pomaville answered a few questions that were previously emailed from reporters, but didn’t take any questions at the end of the conference call, stating they were working to gather more information. Among the unanswered questions: The number of ventilators in Fresno County, the number of coronavirus tests administered so far, when the region could receive more tests and medical equipment, and whether there are enough supplies to meet the expected need.
Health officials said anyone who is concerned they have coronavirus should first consult with their doctor, to see if they meet criteria for a test. People considered at high-risk, in need of hospitalization, or who have a lot of interaction with the public because of their work, such as medical professionals, are being prioritized.
Coronavirus tests availability
Vohra admitted that testing remains a “source of frustration” and that he wished more kits were available. Vohra said the reason some people haven’t received coronavirus tests is because they tested positive for the flu, which means they don’t need a coronavirus test, but “more commonly, kits were not available,” or they were prioritized for those in greater need.
People who develop a fever or respiratory illness shouldn’t immediately rush to the hospital, Vohra said, if they are well enough to recuperate at home, which is recommended. This also helps preserve needed protective medical equipment in hospitals, he said. But if they do not get better after several days, they should see their medical provider, he continued.
Anyone interested in donating medical supplies that are in good condition and unopened are invited to drop them off at the front office of the Fresno County Department of Public Health. Officials said they will share more information about this in the coming days.
The department declined to share the cities where positive cases have been identified, citing privacy concerns. Fresno County also has not shared the age ranges of patients, as some other counties have done.
Vohra said a handful of those who have tested positive for coronavirus in Fresno County have started to recover.
Vohra said a negative coronavirus test does not mean that person is immune to the contagious virus. Practicing social distancing (keeping at least six feet away from others) is still very important.
On Monday evening, the department reported seven new coronavirus cases in Fresno County.
Tulare County reported its 18th coronavirus case Wednesday.
Madera County has five coronavirus cases, with one person recovered.
Fresno County Department of Public Health continued to report on its website Tuesday evening that “there is no identified community spread in Fresno County but the risk to the general public is real. … We urge everyone to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene at all times, and stay home as much as possible to prevent catching or passing on the infection.”
There are more than 2,100 cases of coronavirus in California and at least 40 deaths in the state, according to information from the California Department of Public Health, last updated on Monday. Northern Valley counties, including Sacramento, are among those reporting deaths.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 4:10 PM.
