Coronavirus update, April 5: Options to get outside dwindle, mental health help available
Here is the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in the Stanislaus County area.
Latest numbers on COVID-19 tests in Modesto area
Stanislaus County reported Saturday that 65 people have tested positive for the virus and 1,541 tested negative. Twenty-five of the positive cases were hospitalized. Deaths remain at zero.
Of those who tested positive, 35 are female and 30 male. Two are 17 or younger, 31 are between 18 and 49, 20 are between 50 and 64, and 12 are 65 or older.
Modesto has 27 of the positive cases, 12 are in incorporated areas, seven are in Ceres, seven are in Patterson, three are in Riverbank, and one is in Turlock. The other cases were not reported by city because of medical privacy rules regarding smaller cities.
- San Joaquin County has 11 COVID-19-related deaths among 191 cases.
- Merced County is at 27 cases, with no deaths.
- Tuolumne County has two cases and no deaths
- Mariposa County still has no cases.
Here is the state tracker.
Coronavirus jeopardizes senior, child mental health
Mental health experts warn that the stress and anxiety of the pandemic will take a toll on mental health for people of all ages, but seniors and children face high risk.
There are 90,000 Stanislaus County seniors whom therapists say are especially vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness during the stay-at-home order.
Even so, help is available for struggling seniors. Therapists, both inside and outside county services, are working with seniors in phone and video calls.
Options for outdoor recreation dwindling
On March 26, the Knights Ferry Recreation area and other Stanislaus River Parks closed for day-use, along with the US Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District’s other nine lakes and parks up and down the Sierra.
That followed earlier actions, including New Melones in both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties closing all of its campgrounds, day use areas, boat launches and even hiking trails on Saturday.
Don Pedro Reservoir and Yosemite National Park closed March 20.
Religious leaders try to stay in touch
Along with the rest of the world, religious organizations continue to adjust to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – and it comes as some are facing their most holy times of the year.
For those Christians who observe, it’s now Lent. That leads to the greater Christian observance of Easter. For the Jewish, Passover is about to begin. Both are times filled with events, gatherings and, ultimately, celebrations. But in-person plans, along with those of other religions, have been halted.
Still, pastors and other leaders are staying in touch with their congregations, heralding the technology that helps them connect virtually for information, comfort, group meetings and regular services.
Newsom: Stanford immunity test close to approval
A new immunity test from Stanford University and an increased focus on screening for coronavirus will help the state dramatically ramp up testing over the next few weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Saturday, with an ultimate goal of getting Californians back to work.
“The testing space has been challenging for us, and I own that,” Newsom said during a news conference. “I have a responsibility as your governor to do more and to better.”
This story was originally published April 5, 2020 at 7:50 AM with the headline "Coronavirus update, April 5: Options to get outside dwindle, mental health help available."
