One new death, a jump in coronavirus cases in Fresno County as state signals faster reopening
As California Gov. Gavin Newsom signaled an ease to shelter-in-place restrictions, Fresno County reported a new coronavirus-related death and a jump in coronavirus cases on Monday.
The county health department reported a jump of 71 new cases, including the new death. The total number of positive cases rose to 1,263.
That comes as efforts continue to reopen counties sooner than first expected.
In his Monday update on the pandemic response, Gov. Newsom said statewide infection data has remained stable, although no fundamental changes have been seen. The state has tested over 1 million people and more than 80,000 have been confirmed to be infected.
Newsom outlined what counties will need to show before speeding up their reopening, including having low and steady rates of hospitalization and positive cases. The requirements have shifted in recent weeks.
Some counties, like Fresno County, have been able to test more people and receive new equipment, officials announced Monday.
Newsom added that state health officials continue to monitor nursing facility deaths and coronavirus infections in Tulare and Kings counties, respectively.
Other counties
Madera County health officials reported seven new people have been infected with COVID-19, the new coronavirus illness. The Monday figure was the county’s largest single-day jump in cases in more than a week, bringing the total number to 78.
The Madera County residents, most under 60 years, were isolating at home following their diagnosis. Officials were still investigating how they became infected.
Tulare County on Monday morning reported six new cases and no new deaths as it nears Los Angeles County for the most COVID-19 deaths per 100,000. Tulare County had more than 1,400 positive cases.
Kings County neared 400 positive cases as of Monday.
This story was originally published May 18, 2020 at 4:43 PM.
