Coronavirus update, July 17: What each school district plans. Hear from Bee reporters
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 to the virus remained at 61 as of Thursday, after rising by 10 over the previous two days, the county Health Services Agency reported.
Total positive tests rose to 5,777 as of Thursday, with 3,055 presumed recovered. Another 40,932 people have tested negative.
Wednesday’s positivity rate of 25.04% was down sharply from the 47.21% on Tuesday. The latter appeared to be an aberration based on a much smaller number of tests results reported that day.
The infection rate since the county started documenting data 12.4% on Thursday, up from 12.1% on Wednesday.
The rolling 14-day rate of infection stood at 18.16% on Thursday, compared with 17.30% the day before. The rolling seven-day rate of infection was 23.69% on Thursday, up from 23.49% on Wednesday.
The number of hospitalizations was 193 on Thursday, up from 192 on Wednesday. Among the five county hospitals, 37% of total beds are available, as are 28% of intensive care unit beds and 66% of ventilators.
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.
Though they make up 47 percent of the population, Latinos represented 73 percent of the positive cases.
Modesto has 1,932 positive cases, 768 are in Turlock, 751 are in Ceres, 251 are in Patterson, 247 are in Riverbank,
117 are in Waterford, 107 are in Oakdale, 76 are in Newman, and 53 are in Hughson. Of the cases in unincorporated areas, 388 are in supervisorial District 5, 364 are in District 3, which includes Salida, 211 are in District 2, 107 are in District 1, and 37 are in District 4.
- San Joaquin County has 81 COVID-19-related deaths among 7,680 cases.
- Merced County has 15 deaths among 2,313 cases.
- Tuolumne County has 84 positive cases and zero deaths.
- Mariposa County has 35 positive cases and one death.
As of Thursday evening, there were 364,835 confirmed cases in California and 7,490 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. There were 3,576,430 U.S. cases and 138,360 deaths.
Here is the state tracker.
Modesto-area hospitals getting fewer N95 masks for nurses
Hospitals in Stanislaus County are treating a growing number of patients for COVID-19 illness during a shortage of protective equipment for frontline staff, which was largely created by the pandemic. See Ken Carlson’s story.
Your guide to each school district’s plan
Small and large, school districts within Stanislaus County whose academic years are set to start in early to mid-August will have one thing in common: Instruction will be online only. Read Deke Farrow’s story.
Facebook Live features four Bee reporters
Four reporters for The Modesto Bee will take part in a Facebook Live forum on health, business and education issues surrounding the pandemic. Read Brian Clark’s story.
Six Stanislaus, Merced restaurants violated orders
Six restaurants may face fines after being found in violation of inside dining closure orders over the 4th of July weekend in Stanislaus & Merced counties. California is seeing a spike in coronavirus cases. Read Marijke Rowland’s story.
Where to worship in Modesto region
It’s back to online and outdoor worship services for Modesto area religious organizations. Read Pat Clark’s story.
Symphony goes virtual, too
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra will present its first virtual recital in what’s planned as a monthly event. Read Pat Clark’s story.
Scenic hospital may return to duty
While Modesto-area hospitals grapple with the explosion of coronavirus cases, Stanislaus County is creating a roster of medical volunteers to staff a potential alternative care site. Read Kristin Lam’s story.
Modesto college-bound students weigh options
As coronavirus cases continue to rise in California and universities across the US close in-person instruction, many Stanislaus County college-bound students are left with uncertainty about what awaits them. Read Katherine Swartz’s story.
Around California, United States and world
Several salon owners are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to waive a rule that prohibits barbers and hair stylists from working outdoors. Read the story.
Federal health officials are extending the U.S. ban on cruise ships through the end of September as coronavirus infections rise in most U.S. states, including Florida. Read the story.
Former game show host Chuck Woolery appears to have deleted his Twitter account after announcing his son tested positive for the coronavirus. Read the story.
