Coronavirus update, July 5: One-day drop in Stanislaus County infection rate
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 recorded its lowest infection rate in almost two weeks, with just 50 positive coronavirus tests among the 1,172 results reported on Saturday, according to county data.
The 4.26 positivity rate was the county’s lowest since a 3.55 mark on June 22. The number of tests reported was the county’s most in a single day.
Stanislaus County deaths remained at 44 as of Saturday. The number of residents testing positive rose to 2,581, according to the county Health Services Agency. Another 31,760 people have tested negative. The 4.26% rate of infection dropped from the 14.07% the day before.
However, the daily hospitalized count of confirmed patients was 137, up from 133 the day before.
Among the five county hospitals, 38% of total beds are available, 32% of intensive care unit beds are available, and 75% of ventilators are available.
The infection rate since the county started documenting data was 7.4%, down from 7.6% on Friday. The rolling seven-day rate of infection stood at 9.5%. The day before, it was 10.81%.
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 910 positive cases, 354 are in Turlock, 349 are in Ceres, 129 are in Patterson, 127 are in Riverbank, 46 are in Waterford, 42 are in Newman, 42 are in Oakdale, and 17 are in Hughson. Of the cases in unincorporated areas, 221 are in supervisorial District 5, 190 in District 3, which includes Salida, 91 are in District 2, 42 are in District 1, and 17 are in District 4.
- 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.
San Joaquin, Merced, Tuolumne and Mariposa counties did not update figures on Saturday.
As of Friday night, there were 252,895 confirmed cases in California and 6,334 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. There were 2,839,542 U.S. cases and 129.676 deaths.
Here is the state tracker.
Favorite restaurant closed? Here’s how you can help
Modesto restaurants are grappling with what to do when workers get sick with COVID-19. Food Fix, La Parrilla & Redwood Cafe chose to be transparent with the public & close temporarily. What aid is available? Read Marijke Rowland’s story.
California struggles to slow COVID-19 in Latino communities
Gov. Gavin Newsom and California county public health departments try to slow the outbreak spread of coronavirus COVID-19 cases for Latino, Latinx people, farm workers with social media, ads, masks, outreach. Read the story.
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.
