Health officials: Fresno County at risk of becoming a coronavirus ‘hot spot.’ Now 19 cases
One new coronavirus (COVID-19) case was reported in Fresno County on Wednesday, bringing the county’s total up to 19.
“The danger is, if we do have uncontrolled transmission, it will be very hard to stop this epidemic and we do run the risk of becoming a hot spot,” said Rais Vohra, interim health officer of the Fresno County Department of Public Health, during a 4 p.m. news conference.
That includes the possibility of deaths in Fresno County if the health care system gets overrun, he said – adding that it’s crucial that everyone practices social distancing and stays at home whenever possible.
It’s unknown how Fresno County’s newest coronavirus case was contracted. Health officials said they are investigating community transmission among the possibilities.
Of the county’s 19 cases, six were described as travel-related, two as person-to-person transmission, and 11 remain under investigation.
The news follows five additional Fresno County cases announced Tuesday, when Vohra shared this warning: “The clouds are gathering and we are in for some ominous times. I don’t want to beat around the bush about that.”
Coronavirus tests update
David Pomaville, director of the Fresno County Department of Public Health, said the county has about 200 coronavirus tests at its disposal, which take anywhere from 48 hours to seven days to get results for, depending on what lab they are sent to. The tests are being replenished as they are used, described by Pomaville as an “evergreen situation.” There is hope the maximum number of tests available at any time could increase to a number larger than 200 in the coming weeks.
Vohra said in addition to the county not having enough coronavirus tests, it currently takes too long to get results.
Pomaville said medical supplies and resources are low in Fresno County, like many other areas. He didn’t share what an ideal number of tests would be for Fresno County, or the number of ventilators currently available.
Approximately 300 people have been tested for coronavirus in Fresno County so far. Pomaville said his department has conducted about half of those tests, with others being administered by area hospitals.
Officials are planning in regards to expanding hospital bed space, with the Fresno Fairgrounds being one option. Pomaville said a hospital in Coalinga could be another “surge” location.
Officials said one patient has recovered and the rest are caring for themselves at home, with no hospitalizations. They are being asked to stay at home for 14 days or longer.
Pomaville said the county is monitoring about 670 people overall, and has cleared 320 people.
Also on Wednesday, Tulare County announced its 18th coronavirus; Merced County announced its second; and Madera County announced a seventh.
Help slow the spread
Vohra said those who think they may have coronavirus and are well enough to care for themselves at home are asked to do so.
Officials stressed that it’s important that the entire community continues to practice social distancing and follow stay-at-home orders to help slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus.
There are more than 2,500 cases of coronavirus in California and at least 53 deaths in the state, according to information from the California Department of Public Health, last updated Tuesday. Northern Valley counties, including Sacramento, are among those reporting deaths.
Vohra said on Tuesday that 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.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 4:09 PM.
