Coronavirus update, July 4: Stanislaus County sets its single-day high for positive cases
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
For the second time in six days, Stanislaus County set its single-day record for reported positive coronavirus cases, with 140 recorded on Friday, according to county data.
That comes after 115 positive cases – the previous high mark – was announced on June 28.
Friday’s total was based on 995 tests, the fourth-highest since the county began keeping track in March.
Stanislaus County deaths remained at 44 as of Friday. The number of residents testing positive rose to 2,531, according to the county Health Services Agency. Another 30,638 people have tested negative. The 14.07% infection rate was up from 12.98% the day before.
The daily hospitalized count of confirmed patients was 133, up from 121 the day before.
Among the five county hospitals, 39% of total beds are available, 32% of intensive care unit beds are available, and 76% of ventilators are available.
The infection rate since the county started documenting data was 7.6%, up from 7.4% on Thursday. The rolling seven-day rate of infection stood at 10.81%. The day before, it was 10.31%.
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 887 positive cases, 349 are in Turlock, 340 are in Ceres, 128 are in Patterson, 124 are in Riverbank, 45 are in Waterford, 42 are in Newman, 41 are in Oakdale, and 16 are in Hughson. Of the cases in unincorporated areas, 221 are in supervisorial District 5, 189 in District 3, which includes Salida, 89 are in District 2, 41 are in District 1, and 17 are in District 4.
The 104 reported cases in Salida gives that town a rate of 76.39 cases per 10,000 people, the second-highest number by zip code behind south and west Modesto (95351).
- San Joaquin County has 55 COVID-19-related deaths among 4,474 cases.
- Merced County has 11 deaths among 1,272 cases.
- Tuolumne County has 43 positive cases and zero deaths.
- Mariposa County has 27 positive cases and one death.
Tuolumne and Mariposa counties did not update figures on Friday.
As of Friday night, there were 250,514 confirmed cases in California and 6,315 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. There were 2,794,153 U.S. cases and 129.434 deaths.
Here is the state tracker.
Stanislaus County to cooperate with state coronavirus order
Stanislaus County will comply with a state order that closes restaurant dining and family entertainment centers in an attempt to slow the resurgence of the coronavirus outbreak, its chief executive officer said. Read Ken Carlson’s story.
Hughson disks baseball fields to halt youth travel teams
No youth sports playing is permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop travel baseball teams from sneaking games. So, the City of Hughson disked fields at LeBirght and Starn Parks. Read ChrisAnna Mink’s story.
Modesto homeless shelter reports 22 cases
The Modesto Gospel Mission’s outbreak of COVID-19 has reached 22 cases among the homeless men it serves and male staff members who work with them. See Kevin Valine’s story.
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.
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.
Around California, United States and world
At the foot of Mount Rushmore and on the eve of Independence Day, President Donald Trump dug deeper into America’s divisions by accusing protesters who have pushed for racial justice of engaging in a “merciless campaign to wipe out our history.” See the story.
In an effort to get ahead of the flu season this fall, federal health officials have granted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention power to use a test that can detect viruses that cause both the flu and COVID-19. See the story.
A Greek system council at the University of Washington says 105 people living in fraternity houses near the Seattle campus have coronavirus, the university reports. See the story.
This story was originally published July 4, 2020 at 6:05 AM.
