Answering Fresno-area reader questions about coronavirus: When will there be more tests?
As coronavirus continues to upend life in the central San Joaquin Valley, The Fresno Bee is here to answer your pandemic-related questions. While we’ve tried to address many of them in our regular coverage, in such a complex and evolving story some topics can slip through the cracks.
When the answers require information that isn’t readily available, we will solicit input from public officials and health experts.
Questions can be emailed to news@fresnobee.com or left at 559-441-6330. Instructions on how to submit news tips and documents can be found at fresnobee.com/news/investigative-tips.
Does the health department have plans to open up testing sites to get a better handle on true community spread? Sandra D. of Fresno
The short answer is, “Yes.” Since the onset of the pandemic, Fresno County public health officials have bemoaned the low numbers of available tests and say they are working to increase testing capacity for the very reasons you describe.
“We’re not performing as many tests as we’d like to, just as a medical community,” said Rais Vohra, Fresno County’s interim public health officer.
Vohra said several local hospitals and urgent care centers are offering their own tests, many of which are sent to private labs that are required to report all positives to the county health department.
Health officials also plan to unveil a sample testing study, perhaps as soon as next week, to determine how far the virus has spread in different communities.
“We want to be able to answer that question on behalf of people,” Vohra said.
How long does the coronavirus survive on metal and other surfaces? Anonymous
The Lancet, a British peer-reviewed science journal, recently published a study that tested how long the virus that causes COVID-19 can remain stable on different kinds of surfaces within a controlled setting.
Researchers found the virus was still detectable on stainless steel, as well as plastic, for six days. It was still detectable on glass and paper money for three days and treated wood and cloth for two.
Are “drive-by parties” an unnecessary risk? Has Fresno County closed its golf courses yet? Kevin H. of Fresno
Public health officials in Fresno and Madera counties have requested people stop all drive-by parties and celebrations, including those done by area schools.
“It became very evident they could lead to situations where the virus could be passed on,” Vohra said.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department has not enforced the closure of golf courses despite recommendations from county health officials. Those that remain open have closed clubhouses, pro shops and implemented social-distancing measures.
Has the city forbidden tennis and taken down the nets? Anthony H. of Fresno
Tennis courts (as well as basketball courts and all playground equipment) are temporarily closed at all city parks. Crews did not take down or remove the nets. They loosened the cables and let them droop.
Tennis courts on school district property that are normally open for public use remain so, according to city spokesman Mark Standriff.
