Coronavirus update, April 20: Modesto’s distance learning under way; shelters cleared
Here is the latest on the coronavirus pandemic as it relates to Stanislaus County:
Latest facts on COVID-19 tests in Modesto area
Stanislaus County remained at four deaths early Monday morning. It reported that 226 people have now tested positive for the virus and 3,212 have tested negative. Fifty people have been hospitalized, and 109 have recovered.
Of those who tested positive, 121 are male and 105 female. Twelve are 17 or younger, 123 are between 18 and 49, 56 are between 50 and 64, and 35 are 65 or older.
Modesto has 87 of the positive cases, 41 are in unincorporated areas, 30 are in Ceres, 19 are in Patterson, 16 are in Turlock, 10 are in Riverbank, eight are in Newman, seven are in Waterford, and five are in Oakdale. The other cases were not reported by city because of medical privacy rules regarding smaller cities.
- San Joaquin County has 17 COVID-19-related deaths among 418 cases.
- Merced County is at 90 cases, with three deaths. Of those who tested positive, 50 are female and 40 male. Three are 17 or younger, 58 are between 18 and 49, 20 are between 50 and 64, and nine are 65 or older. The cities where a breakdown was provided include Los Banos with 33 cases, Merced with 17 and Gustine, Delhi and Atwater with seven.
- Tuolumne County has two cases and no deaths.
- Mariposa County has no cases.
As of Monday morning, there were 31,530 confirmed cases in California and 1,178 deaths, according to the Los Angeles Times. There were 753,317 U.S. cases and 36,109 deaths, according to the New York Times.
Here is the state tracker.
Stanislaus County clears animal shelter
Stanislaus Animal Services Agency in Modesto has cleared its shelter after an emergency call for foster homes for its cats and dogs with the COVID-19 outbreak. A senior pet food drive has also started. Read Marijke Rowland’s story.
Postponed or canceled? These events halted by coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizers of major festivals and fairs in the Central Valley of California to end or delay their celebrations. Which events are still planning to go on this summer or fall? Read Pat Clark’s story.
Modesto City Schools teachers begin new remote instruction
Modesto City Schools has begun rolling out opportunities for new learning in addition to review. But in this environment of remote education, academics are taking a back seat to kids’ health and safety. Read Deke Farrow’s story.
Stanislaus County denies inmate ‘dumping’
Stanislaus County Chief Probation Officer Mark Ferriera said his department did not send an inmate who tested positive for COVID-19 to a Northern California County. There were accusations Friday accusing the state and, in part, Stanislaus County, of inmate “dumping.” Said Ferriera: “He didn’t come here. We didn’t put him on a bus, we didn’t give him a bus ticket or pass. That’s completely false.”’ See the story by The Sacramento Bee’s Sam Stanton and The Bee’s Marijke Rowland.
Modesto distributor works hard to stay COVID-19 free
Modesto, California, company MTC Distributing helps keep the food chain moving during the coronavirus, supplying area stores with groceries. How it’s operating as essential business and keeping employees safe. Read Marijke Rowland’s story.
Modesto area’s many mask-makers hard at work
Ceres resident Ily Vidal and Salida native Ashley Borjon are making masks to help people in need and hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve combined to make over 1,000 masks. Read Julian A. Lopez’s story.
Abuse victims left vulnerable during coronavirus outbreak
Modesto and Stanislaus County authorities worry about domestic violence under stay-home rules, because that’s where abuse usually happens. It’s worse if the abuser is out of work and not getting paid. Read Garth Stapley’s column.
Tests available in Stanislaus County. Here’s a way to get one.
Stanislaus County residents can see if they qualify for free coronavirus testing that will start in Salida, California, on Monday, April 20, 2020. They must first do an online screening of symptoms. Read John Holland’s story.
Around the San Joaquin Valley, California, U.S.
Here are the most important things to know in California if you’re suddenly out of work. Read story here.
Toilet paper con artists are preying on Americans during the coronavirus outbreak, and it’s not just price gouging at $10 a roll. Online shoppers say absurd variations of toilet paper are showing up on their doorsteps, inspiring such terms as “mini rolls,” “baby rolls” and “doll paper.” See story here.
Coronavirus has killed more than 40,000 people in the United States, Johns Hopkins University reports. On Sunday, the national death toll surpassed 40,500 people, a data tracking site maintained by the university reported. See story here.
Kids stuck at home under coronavirus lockdown orders can read along with former First Lady Michelle Obama in a series of live stream events starting Monday, Variety reported. See story here.
This story was originally published April 20, 2020 at 7:19 AM.
