Coronavirus updates: Help needed as Valley cases climb, 2 more deaths in Tulare County
The coronavirus continues to spread in the central San Joaquin Valley, with 272 confirmed cases among Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Merced and Kings counties as of Saturday.
Two more COVID-19 deaths were announced in Tulare County on Saturday afternoon.
Fresno County announced its first coronavirus death on Friday evening. Two other deaths were reported earlier that day, in Tulare and Madera counties. Eight people in total have died from the contagious virus in the Valley.
Here are coronavirus case totals across the region:
Across the U.S., there are more than 278,500 cases of coronavirus and more than 7,100 COVID-19 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
In California, the state public health department reported more than 10,700 cases and at least 237 deaths in the state, as of their latest tally Thursday.
Valley health care workers test positive
Some health care workers in the Valley are testing positive for coronavirus.
A nurse at a Stockton hospital died of coronavirus, and several staff at a skilled nursing home in Visalia tested positive.
In Tulare, two employees at the Tulare County Health and Human Services Lindsay District Office also have coronavirus.
More medical supplies, help, needed
As requests from hospitals skyrockets, the military is shifting some for coronavirus patients.
Medical supplies and doctors are in short supply in the Valley. Among the concerns: Testing, and that earlier this week, there were just 100 ventilators in Fresno County, not enough to meet the expected need.
Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled plans Saturday to address California’s coronavirus testing backlog.
The Trump administration said it has more medical supplies, but is trying to figure out which hospitals should get what, and when.
In California, the state announced it has secured 7,000 hotel rooms to house homeless individuals most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Financial aid is also on the way. Here’s information about when a stimulus check or unemployment benefits might arrive.
Fresno State: Nursing news, grade changes, sports update
Nursing students were concerned they wouldn’t be able to graduate on time because of training requirements asking them to be in direct contact with patients. They learned Friday evening those requirements were eased, allowing approximately 9,000 nursing students in California to complete their clinical training this semester.
Fresno State also announced new grading options for students. Bulldog athletes are getting creative with their workouts to stay in shape as sports are on hold, and Fresno State coaches were told to be prepared for cuts to their 2020-2021 budgets.
Parades from teachers, law enforcement
In an effort to keep social distance but stay connected, there have been some car parades around Fresno recently.
One on Friday was to honor and say goodbye to a Fresno Police Department volunteer who is in hospice care – David Duke, who was the Fresno McGruff the Crime Dog mascot.
Fresno area teachers have also been doing the same, driving around neighborhoods to say hello to their students.
Food news: Online orders + dairy drop
There are a number of ways to get fresh produce delivered to your home without having to visit the grocery store.
Valley dairies are taking a hit as coronavirus fallout has drastically disrupted the flow of milk products. California is the nation’s top producer of milk.
Is golf essential?
Are golf courses essential businesses amid stay-at-home orders?
Members of the San Joaquin Country Club think so, and have asked Fresno’s mayor to let them keep playing. They cited other Valley golf courses that have remained open among their reasons.
When will things reopen?
Fresno code enforcement has been staying busy, visiting at least 120 businesses due to complaints that non-essential operations are continuing, violating stay-at-home orders.
While most businesses and facilities remain closed, Fresno County Superior Court announced it will to reopen Wednesday on a limited basis after having been closed to the general public for two weeks.
The California Legislature delayed its return to the state Capitol, announcing it will now reconvene May 4. Before their recess, legislators passed a relief package to send $1.1 billion in support to hospitals, facilities, local governments and schools.
On the sports front, there are reports President Donald Trump will speak with commissioners from all major league sports on Saturday.
This story was originally published April 4, 2020 at 12:07 PM.
