Coronavirus updates: Church will defy capacity limits; Will Fresno continue budget to 2021?

The number of deaths related to the coronavirus rose by nearly double digits in the central San Joaquin Valley on Tuesday.

Fresno and Tulare counties reported four deaths each over the Memorial Day weekend and Kings County confirmed its third death.

One-hundred-eighteen people have now died to illnesses related to the coronavirus across the six counties as of midday Wednesday. Of those, 64 occurred in May alone. There were 50 coronavirus-related deaths reported in April across the region.

The number of people being treated in area hospitals was 139 as of Monday, according to the California Department of Public Health, including 44 patients in intensive-care units. Another 49 patients being treated in hospitals have symptoms consistent with coronavirus disease, but had not been confirmed as infected with the virus.

More than 37,000 people have been tested in the central San Joaquin Valley. That’s just 1.78% of the total population. Just under 4% of the population has been tested statewide.

As of midday Wednesday, more than 4,400 people have tested positive across the region. More than 1,700 have recovered.

Fresno mayor makes unusual budget request

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand wants to roll this year’s budget into the 2020-21 fiscal year, when officials will have a better idea on the economic effects of the coronavirus.

The mayor called for the “continuing resolution” budget on Wednesday in a proposal that would continues the $1.2 billion budget from this fiscal year into the first quarter of the next. It’s the city’s first resolution of that kind in 23 years under the strong mayor system.

The plan would need to be approved by the City Council by the end of June.

Downtown Fresno church says it will defy capacity guidelines

Pastor Jim Franklin of Fresno’s Cornerstone Church said the church plans to defy Gov. Gavin Newsom’s guidelines for capacity when it opens its doors May 31.

Franklin said the governor’s guidelines — which limit attendance to 25%, or a total of 100 inside a church — are a violation of religious freedom, and that he planned to join a federal lawsuit against the restrictions.

Franklin, who presides over the downtown church at Fulton and Stanislaus streets, said church officials intend to practice social distancing, provide face masks to those who don’t have one, and discourage those at high risk to the coronavirus from attending services in person.

The church’s capacity is 1,400.

When will salons and barbershops reopen in the Valley? Soon

Newsom on Tuesday gave clearance for the phased reopening of barbershops and salons in the 47 counties that have “self-attested” they have adequate supplies and protocols to reopen more quickly than the rest of the state, while still mitigating spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

That includes Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa and Merced counties. Tulare County has not been designated in Phase 2.

So, just when will these businesses reopen? Within the next week, it seems.

Fresno County has let any restaurant open after it submits plans to keep customers and employees safe. A similar program will be in place for barbers and hairstylists in the coming days, according to Jordan Scott, the county’s spokesperson.

Visalia graduates to school district: ‘We deserve a little more.’

High schools in Visalia Unified are giving their seniors a drive-through graduation this year, to abide by Health Department shelter-in-place guidelines.

Seniors at those schools say they are disappointed and call it a “lazy” graduation ceremony.

Nearly all Valley schools have canceled large traditional commencement ceremonies in June in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. But other school districts – like Clovis and Fresno – have promised the class of 2020 a traditional ceremony would happen, when possible. Clovis Unified has gone as far as scheduling a July date and reserving a venue, but district officials have said repeatedly the ceremony would be canceled if public health officials say the situation remains unsafe at that time.

There is no indication Visalia schools will plan a larger in-person ceremony once it is safe for large crowds to assemble.

How has the coronavirus affected patients’ mental well being?

The physical effects of the COVID-19 have been well noted. Less discussed are the non-physical effects of having coronavirus. How has the virus affected patients’ emotional, mental, social and spiritual well being?

Are they afraid to tell people they had or have it? Do those who have recovered, fear going outside and contracting the virus again? For people who are spiritual, was it difficult to pray or do other faith-based practice?

If you’re a San Joaquin Valley resident who tested positive for COVID-19, The Bee would like to hear from you on these issues, or others.

This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 7:21 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates: Church will defy capacity limits; Will Fresno continue budget to 2021?."