Coronavirus update, March 18: Two deaths reported in San Joaquin County; Stanislaus cases up to 5
12:30 p.m.: Two people in San Joaquin County have died from the novel coronavirus, according to the heath agency’s web site.
The county has a total of 14 cases, up one from Tuesday.
The county was expected to release more information later in the day.
11 a.m.: Stanislaus County Public Health announced shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday the fifth confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, within the county. Whether there’s a known source of exposure is being investigated. For reasons of medical privacy,. the county said only the person is an adult male.
“This is the third case reported so far this week,” the news release said, adding that news releases no longer will be issued for each new positive test but stancounty.com/coronavirus will be updated frequently with the most current numbers. “The situation continues to change rapidly and guidance for increasing mitigation measures will be issued if new cases continue to be identified at this rate.”
Fourth confirmed case came Tuesday
A man who had traveled to an “area with widespread community transmission” became Stanislaus County’s fourth reported person to have tested positive for COVID-19, health officials said late Tuesday afternoon.
Specifics on his age, city of residence and his condition were not released in accordance with concerns over medical privacy.
The announcement from the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency came hours after San Joaquin County reported its total rise to 13 from eight.
The new COVID-19 case in Stanislaus County came a day after the announcement that a man contracted the virus from a person with confirmed COVID-19 in another county. The county declined to release any further information about the man, citing medical privacy.
The first two cases of COVID-19 in Stanislaus County were reported last week, also among adult men. One of the men was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise to Mexico. County health officials still have not reported if they’ve identified where the other man contracted the virus.
Meanwhile, while the Bay Area announced a shelter-in-place approach, Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse said on Facebook Tuesday the county has no intention of doing that.
Schools to close through summer?
California parents and students should expect schools to stay closed through summer break as efforts continue to contain the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday afternoon.
“Don’t anticipate schools are going to open in a week. Don’t anticipate schools are going to open in a few weeks,” Newsom said during a news conference. “I would plan and assume that it’s unlikely that many of these schools, few, if any, will open before the summer break.”
Modesto mayor speaks
— Modesto Mayor Ted Brandvold said the city has canceled or is recommending the cancellation of “all events of 10 or more people, especially over the age of 65. “We’re also encouraging residents and visitors to practice social distancing in order to steer clear of those who may be ill.” He’s also calling for a special teleconferencing meeting of the City Council to ratify the Proclamation of Local Emergency announced last Friday night.
“While cities, families, and individuals across the nation will ultimately handle this burden differently,” he said, “I am confident that Modesto will be able to withstand the tough decisions that will need to be made for the health of the community.”
Harder in Modesto; Stanislaus County preps live discussion
On Wednesday, Rep. Josh Harder (D-Turlock) will be in Modesto to tour the Office of Emergency Services on Oakdale Road to meet with experts and learn more about the agency’s support during this crisis.
Also Wednesday, Richard Murdock, assistant director of the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services, Sheriff Jeff Dirkse and Kristin Olsen, chairwoman of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, and others will participate in a Facebook live discussion titled: “Conversation about COVID-19.” It starts Wednesday at 5 p.m. on the Stan Emergency Facebook page.
The StanEmergency coronavirus website is updated with updated FAQs and guidance in the tabs below the positive test counts.
Modesto Irrigation District declares emergency
At an emergency board meeting, the Modesto Irrigation District voted to declare an emergency, giving staff the authority to implement several measures, including suspending power shutoffs for nonpayment. The district also is closing its lobby until further notice, allowing customers several options to pay online.
To pay by phone, call 209-526-7337 or 1-888-335-1643 toll-free. Online, go to mid.org. By mail, write your account number on your check or money order, include your payment stub if possible and send to: Modesto Irrigation District | P.O. Box 5355 | Modesto, CA 95352-5355. Customer service representatives can assist customers via email at customerservice@mid.org. Irrigation customers can can call 209-526-7639 or email IrrigationField@mid.org.
“We have a civic duty and must share in the responsibility to help slow the spread of this virus,” said MID Board President Paul Campbell. “Though we’ve made some temporary adjustments to our operations, MID – your community-owned, public utility – is taking these measures to remain resilient in providing electricity to your homes, keeping water flowing to our farms and delivering high-quality drinking water to the City of Modesto.”
This story will be updated if further developments arise.
Around the valley
In yet another dramatic move to fight the spread of coronavirus, Sacramento County health officials on Tuesday afternoon called on all residents, not just the elderly, to stay at home effective immediately unless they have essential chores to do, such as grocery shopping, banking, restaurant food pickups, or health appointments.
Restaurants in Fresno and Clovis were ordered to close their dining rooms Tuesday, though they can sell food via takeout and delivery. Bars are also ordered closed and the cities plan to enforce the closures with police and code enforcement officers.
As a student veteran was visiting Fresno City College on Monday, he got a message telling him he had been exposed to a novel coronavirus patient during the weekend, and he should immediately go for testing. That’s when Fresno City College locked down the Veterans Resource Center and the nearby Disabled Students Programs and Services building, Fresno City College President Carole Goldsmith said Tuesday in an interview with The Bee.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 7:09 PM.
