Coronavirus update: Ag businesses see $2 billion in losses so far; a return to lockdown?

More than 10,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the central San Joaquin Valley since the pandemic began — and the numbers continue to surge.

The six counties in the region are reporting a combined average of close to 250 new cases each day. There were 1,039 total cases added on Monday and Tuesday, alone.

Tulare County reported another 99 positive cases in its Wednesday update. Fresno County has averaged more than 98 new case each day for the past two weeks.

The increase in positive cases has come with an increase in related deaths.

Tulare County reported two more deaths on Wednesday. A total of 89 people have now died across the region this month, including seven that were reported between Tulare, Fresno and Kings counties on Tuesday. In Fresno County, 35 people have died of the coronavirus in June. That is equal to the number of deaths in March, April and May combined.

In all, 223 people have died across the Valley since the first death was reported in late March.

Could rising numbers cause a return to lockdowns in Fresno?

The continuing rise in coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths in Fresno County has the potential to trigger a reversal of businesses reopening, according to the Fresno County’s interim health officer.

But in a briefing Tuesday, Dr. Rais Vohra said, “The real repercussion is that we won’t internalize these lessons as a community and that this pandemic will stretch out much longer than it needs to.”

The county is confronting the consequences of residents who see only the numbers and not the human faces of the cases and, as a result, fail to consider those who are directly affected or more vulnerable to the illness, Vohra said. Thus, not enough people take seriously the guidance urging residents to wear face masks and observe social distancing when out in public.

“The real repercussions are the ones that our community is already experiencing,” Vohra said.

“These are people’s lives that are affected. These are people’s relatives who are hospitalized, sometimes who pass away.”

Fresno-Clovis marathon canceled

Of note for Fresno area runners — The Two Cities marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K runs will not happen this year.

The races were scheduled for Nov. 1, but were canceled “due to COVID-19 and the current restrictions in California.”

According to the race website, the “committee has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event. We share in the disappointment this news brings but know that we have the health and safety of our participants as our first priority.”

The race is expected to return next year.

Those who registered for the 2020 race can roll their registration into next year, or get a refund.

State ag industry will suffer billions in losses

California farms, ranches and agricultural businesses have suffered $2 billion in losses due to disrupted markets and rising production costs related to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a new study from Davis-based ERA Economics.

That number is expected to be between $5.9 billion and $8.6 billion for the year, the study said.

Analysts looked at 15 different agricultural sectors, using data on production, exports and prices through early May, plus interviews and surveys of people and businesses.

Farms, ranches and related businesses have seen higher operating costs associated with employee health and safety and the logistics required to move crops and commodities to market.

Abrupt shifts in purchasing patterns — prompted by the constriction in restaurant and other food-service sales and a swing to retail purchases for at-home use — have also affected farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses at various points in the supply chain, resulting in farm-gate crop price impacts.

Some crops like rice, processed tomato products and canned fruit, have seen increased business, but “the losses far outweigh the isolated benefits,” the study said.

The full report can be read at unitedag.org.

CVS Health expands COVID-19 testing in Fresno, Kings, Tulare counties

CVS Health is expanding its COVID-19 testing program with 35 additional test sites at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations in California. That includes locations in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

Self-swab tests will be available at the new locations starting Friday, to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment.

Tests will be sent to an independent, third-party lab for processing with results available in three days.

Testing will be available at:

• CVS Pharmacy, 5995 E. Kings Canyon Road, Fresno
• CVS Pharmacy, 574 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford
• CVS Pharmacy, 2539 11th Ave., Hanford
• CVS Pharmacy, 800 N. Westwood St., Porterville
• CVS Pharmacy, 2175 E. Bardsley Ave., Tulare
• CVS Pharmacy, 1395 E. Prosperity Ave., Tulare
• CVS Pharmacy, 3619 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia

Yosemite cancels campground reservations

Less than two weeks after Yosemite National Park partially reopened to the public, officials are slowing the process down some after seeing a spike in coronavirus cases in California.

On Tuesday, the park announced that reservations with arrival dates through July 31 have been canceled for Bridalveil Horse Camp, Crane Flat, Hodgdon Meadow, Lower Pines, North Pines and Tuolumne Meadows. Upper Pines remains at 50% capacity.

Fireworks season is here, with changes

Fireworks stands across Fresno County will open for business on Sunday — but the coronavirus pandemic spells big changes both for customers and those working inside the wooden shacks.

Employees and volunteers must receive daily symptom screenings, observe adequate physical distancing and wear a mask at all times, according to guidelines issued by the Fresno County Department of Public Health. Stands are also required to have physical distancing markers and limit how many people can be waiting in line. Touchless and cashless forms of payment are advised, and phone orders are encouraged to be completed through curbside pickup.

This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 9:04 AM.