Coronavirus deaths reach 28 in Stanislaus County as part of local economy returns
Stanislaus County announced its 27th and 28th deaths to the coronavirus Thursday. The number at Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center remained at 18.
The latest deaths were people at least 50 years old, as was the case with all of the others, the county Health Services Agency said in an online update.
The announcement came a day after the state approved major steps on reopening businesses in the county following two months of restrictions aimed at slowing COVID-19. Restaurants and retail stores can now serve customers indoors as long as they follow the rules for sanitation and social distancing.
Stanislaus had been held back on this part of the reopening because of a state requirement it have zero deaths and a limited number of new cases over two weeks. Gov. Gavin Newsom then decided that it would be better to require a low rate of positive tests and no major uptick in hospitalizations.
Turlock center
The nursing home on East Tuolumne Road in Turlock reported that 100 residents and 52 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in its latest update Wednesday. The total includes 25 residents who have recovered, four of them discharged, and 15 workers who have recovered and returned to their jobs.
The center is owned by Covenant Care, based in Aliso Viejo, Orange County. It earlier announced measures in response to the outbreak: Separate wings are devoted to positive and negative residents. Employees are screened before starting their shifts. The staff uses masks, gloves and other protective gear.
County totals
The county reported that 611 residents have tested positive for the virus as of Thursday, and 9,727 tested negative.
Wednesday’s state approval was welcome to restaurants and retailers that have had to rely on delivery and curbside service for several weeks. Patrons and employees still have to keep at least 6 feet from non-household members and wash their hands and touched services as needed.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 7:26 PM.
