Coronavirus update: New Fresno mask rules; ‘Parklets’ for Tower eateries; 4 deaths in Tulare
Fresno and the central San Joaquin Valley are entering the fifth month of dealing with the coronavirus and regulations continue to be evolving.
Fresno County has 9,124 positive cases of the coronavirus and 91 deaths, according to the latest numbers from the California Department of Public Health.
The Valley’s numbers have continued to climb, reaching 22,266 cases through Thursday and 324 deaths.
Tulare County update for Friday
Four more people have died from complications related to the coronavirus in Tulare County, where the total has reached 165, according to health officials.
The Friday update also reported 203 new cases from the day before, which makes the total 6,683.
Tulare County has the most deaths of any of the six counties in the central San Joaquin Valley, which includes Tulare, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings and Mariposa.
Stricter mask orders, and rules for employers
Fresno City Council added new regulations for masks and for employers, all of which go into effect immediately.
The language added to the city’s coronavirus orders requires people working, even when outside, to wear masks while near others. The masks must be properly worn, covering a person’s nose.
New language also requires employers to notify others when an employee tests positive for the coronavirus.
While the employer does not have to make the case public, they have 24 hours to notify other employees, customers and anyone who may have been in contact with the sick person.
Restaurants trying to think outside the box
Restaurants are still open for takeout, delivery, drive-thru and patio dining. Many owners are looking for new ways to keep serving food while following the rule.
One noticeable addition to outdoor dining is coming to the Tower District in the next few weeks or so when it gets a couple of “parklets,” seating areas that use parking spaces as a patio.
Both Fresno and Clovis have signed emergency orders that allow restaurants to expand their outdoor dining into common areas like sidewalks and parking lots through temporary permits.
Barbers and salons are trying to work outside, too
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s on Monday modified the businesses able to operate in the counties on the state’s cornavirus watch list.
The order seemed to allow for other businesses to offer services outdoors — on patios and breezeways, on sidewalks and in parking lots — similar to the rules for restaurants and wineries.
For some businesses, even that hope was dashed when the state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology released a statement clarifying the order, saying “all barbering, cosmetology and electrology services must be performed inside a licensed establishment.”
State Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, is now calling for a fix from the governor.
Council approves health effort for southwest Fresno
Fresno City Council approved a $1 million contract on Thursday aimed at improving health disparities on the city’s west side.
The program was developed by southwest Fresno advocate Venise Curry, a doctor.
Curry said the health efforts will also benefit those affected by the coronavirus. The virus has been especially damaging to communities of color, like southwest Fresno. Asthma, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions run high in that part of town and can exacerbate the effects of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 7:53 AM.
