August now matches Fresno County’s deadliest COVID-19 month, amid rising numbers
The six-county region in the central San Joaquin Valley on Friday reached a total 600 deaths from the coronavirus, reported since the start of the pandemic.
The number of total infections in the region rose to 46,269, according to new data from the California Department of Public Health.
The latest numbers indicate August will likely be deadlier in Fresno County than last month. Already halfway through the month, 65 Fresno County residents have died from COVID-19 — the same number of local deaths as July.
Twelve of the most recent deaths were included in Friday’s update from the Fresno County Department of Public Health. The agency reported the county has now reached 19,157 cases since the pandemic began.
In terms of the six-county central San Joaquin Valley region, a total of 158 people have died this month, compared to 206 in July.
The case increase comes as Fresno city officials are gearing up to debate a spending plan to address challenges of residents and essential workers related to testing, food and business. The city announced the proposed $10.2 million spending plan Friday.
Other counties
Madera County added 71 cases in Friday’s report. One new death was reported. The county’s total is 2,924.
In terms of good news: Tulare, Merced and Mariposa counties reported no deaths Friday. Mariposa reported one new COVID-19 positive case.
Tulare County’s Friday morning report showed 258 new cases added to the county’s total of 12,105 cases. Merced County reported 216 new cases; and 6,777 total. Mariposa’s total is 64 cases.
Kings County reported 67 new cases Friday, 5,310 total cases and 64 deaths since pandemic’s start.
This story was originally published August 14, 2020 at 5:28 PM.
