Coronavirus cases slow but deaths continue to rise in Tulare County

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Tulare County is growing at a slower pace than in past weeks, based on daily updates from health officials.

But the number of deaths continues to rise.

On Wednesday, the Tulare County Health and Human Services agency confirmed three new coronavirus-related deaths. Each person was age 65 or older.

A total of seven deaths have been reported this week alone – and 25 people have now died of related illness in the county since the pandemic began.

Tulare County has the highest mortality rate in the central San Joaquin Valley region; more than three times higher than that of Fresno County and above the state average of 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

The number of new positive cases in the county does seem to be slowing its pace. Last week the county was seeing double-digit increases daily. On Wednesday, the county confirmed five additional cases. So far, 441 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the county. More than 500 more are in self-quarantine and being monitored by health officials.

Around the region

Fresno County continues to see double-digit increases daily. On Wednesday, 13 new cases were confirmed, for a total of 384 for the county. So far, 132 Fresno County residents have recovered from the coronavirus. Seven people have died.

Kings County had 32 positive cases as of Wednesday afternoon. One person has died and five have recovered.

Merced County had 93 confirmed cases, according to an update Wednesday morning. Three people have died and 56 have recovered.

Madera County had 36 cases as of late Wednesday afternoon. Two people have died and 25 have recovered.

As of Wednesday, Mariposa County has yet to report a confirmed coronavirus case among the 97 tests that have been taken..

This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 12:56 PM.