Coronavirus cases climb in Fresno, amid debate over whether to reopen more businesses
Fresno County Health officials said the number of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus climbed Wednesday, bringing the total to 538 — an increase of 17 cases.
Seven people in Fresno County have died from COVID-19, the respiratory illness related to the coronavirus. More than 200 people in Fresno County have recovered.
Despite pleas from some in the business community and others, health officials have been hesitant to say the pandemic is under enough control to support non-essential businesses re-opening.
Some members of the Fresno City Council have sharply disagreed about whether to let more business open amid the pandemic.
Councilmember Nelson Esparza said Wednesday non-essential businesses should remain closed until at least the end of May, a stark contrast to two other elected officials.
Earlier this week, Councilmember Mike Karbassi said the city should allow a slow wave of openings for small businesses that can follow safety guidelines starting May 7. He argues big box stores are open so small shops should be too.
Meanwhile, Councilmember Garry Bredefeld on Tuesday said businesses should be allowed to open immediately if the owners are comfortable and can follow safety guidelines correctly.
Elsewhere in the Valley
Tulare County has consistently tallied the highest number of cases in the Central San Joaquin Valley.
Tulare County Health and Human Services added 48 more positive cases in its daily online update Wednesday. The county-wide total now stands at more than 600 people who have tested positive since the start of the pandemic.
The county also confirmed another death related to the coronavirus, bringing the total to 36 people who have died from complications related to the coronavirus.
Merced County added three new cases Wednesday morning and now has a total of 119 confirmed cases since the outbreak started. The county has reported three deaths and 74 recoveries.
Kings County reported 79 positive cases on Wednesday, which is eight more than the previous day. One person has died and 15 have recovered.
Madera County had 45 positive cases as of Wednesday though no new cases were added since Tuesday. Two people have died and 28 have recovered.
This story was originally published April 29, 2020 at 3:56 PM.
