Coronavirus update, July 3: Hospitals are ‘stretched thin;’ Restaurants pivot again
Here is the latest on the coronavirus outbreak from in and around Modesto and Stanislaus County.
Latest facts on COVID-19 testing in Modesto area
Stanislaus County deaths remained at 44 as of Thursday. The number of residents testing positive rose to 2,391, according to the county Health Services Agency. Another 29,783 people have tested negative. The 12.98% infection rate was up from 5.56% the day before.
The daily hospitalized count of confirmed patients was 121, up from 118 the day before.
Among the five county hospitals, 40% of total beds are available, 33% of intensive care unit beds are available, and 77% of ventilators are available.
The infection rate since the county started documenting data was 7.4%, up from 7.3% on Wednesday. The rolling seven-day rate of infection stood at 10.31%. The day before, it was 10.59%.
Of those who tested positive, 55% are female and 45% male. Fourteen percent are 20 or younger, 20% are 21 to 30, 19% are 31 to 40, 17% are 41 to 50, 14% are 51 to 60, 7% are 61 to 70, 4% are 71 to 80, 4% are 81 to 90, and 2% are older than 90.
Modesto has 839 positive cases, 332 are in Turlock, 318 are in Ceres, 122 are in Patterson, 117 are in Riverbank, 42 are in Waterford, 41 are in Newman, 40 are in Oakdale, and 16 are in Hughson. Of the cases in unincorporated areas, 212 are in supervisorial District 5, 176 in District 3, which includes Salida, 77 are in District 2, 40 are in District 1, and 17 are in District 4.
- San Joaquin County has 55 COVID-19-related deaths among 4,298 cases.
- Merced County has 11 deaths among 1,208 cases.
- Tuolumne County has 43 positive cases and zero deaths.
- Mariposa County has 27 positive cases and one death.
As of Friday morning, there were 246.550 confirmed cases in California and 6,265 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. There were 2,789,389 U.S. cases and 128,740 deaths.
Here is the state tracker.
Olsen reverses hospital comment
Stanislaus County’s top elected official reversed a statement about local hospital capacity and now says those hospitals are stretched thin in caring for patients stricken by COVID-19 illness. Read Ken Carlson’s story.
Dine-in was back, until it wasn’t
With restaurant dining rooms closed again across Stanislaus County because of the continued spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, businesses have gotten creative on how to maximize their outside seating. Read Marijke Rowland’s story.
Virus reduces Modesto PD positions
Modesto’s new general fund will have about a half dozen fewer police officers as these officers will not be replaced when they retire in the coming months. That is among the million in cuts the city made to balance its $140.3 million general fund, which has been battered by the new coronavirus recession. Read Kevin Valine’s story.
Robots may help prevent a outbreak at Stanislaus jails. Here’s how
Stanislaus County Jail staff are using disinfecting robots to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. The Sheriff’s Department bought UV light technology as a health precaution for inmates and staff in Modesto. Read Kristin Lam’s story.
Inmates head for county
Of the thousands of inmates to be released early from state prisons beginning Wednesday, more than 80 will be coming back to Stanislaus County. Read Erin Tracy’s story.
Tips for a coronavirus-safe Fourth
Is it safe to have a party on the Fourth of July during the coronavirus pandemic? Wear a mask, stay outside and social distance. Gatherings on Memorial Day led to a surge of COVID-19 cases about 14 days later. Read ChrisAnna Mink’s story.
Merced sheriff clarifies COVID-19 stance
On the cusp of the Fourth of July weekend, Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke in a video urged residents to take the highly contagious coronavirus seriously. Read the story.
Around California, United States and world
As a person born with a spinal condition that requires me to use a wheelchair, I have experienced firsthand the many ways in which our society marginalizes people with disabilities. The coronavirus pandemic, which negatively affects us all, has been especially harsh on the disabled. Read the opinion piece.
Significant events such as the death of Princess Diana and the September 11 terrorist attacks carry their share of conspiracy theories, and the coronavirus pandemic is no different. Read the story.
This story was originally published July 3, 2020 at 6:21 AM.
