Coronavirus update, Aug. 4: Stanislaus adjusts death total. Private school plans vary
Latest facts on COVID-19 testing in Modesto area
Stanislaus County reported Monday that 126 residents have died from the virus, an increase mainly attributed to a revision from previous months.
The county reported 14 additional fatalities in an update. Four of those occurred recently, while 10 were never documented until an audit was conducted with the coroner’s office, county spokesman Royjindar Singh said.
The number of residents testing positive for COVID-19 stood at 9,277 on Monday, up 56 from Sunday, according to the county Health Services Agency.
Of the 61,423 tests, 52,146 have tested negative and 8,374 are presumed to have recovered.
Of the 266 results reported on Monday, 56 came back positive, bringing the rolling 14-day rate of infection to 25.9% The seven-day positivity rate stood at 23.91%. The county’s overall rate since March stood at 15.1% on Monday.
There are 219 people with confirmed cases in the county’s five hospitals, down from 222 on Sunday. Four percent of the adult ICU beds are available.
Of those who tested positive, 54% are female, 46% male. Fifteen percent are 20 or younger, 22% are 21 to 30, 19% are 31 to 40, 16% are 41 to 50, 13% are 51 to 60, 7% are 61 to 70, 4% are 71 to 80, 2% are 81 to 90, and 1% are older than 90.
Though they make up 47 percent of the population, Latinos represented 61 percent of the positive cases, according to county data.
Modesto has 3,282 positive cases, 1,182 are in Ceres, 1,128 are in Turlock, 434 are in Patterson, 391 are in Riverbank, 187 are in Oakdale, 159 are in Waterford, 148 are in Newman, and 93 are in Hughson. Of the cases in unincorporated areas, 580 are in supervisorial District 5, 538 are in District 3, which includes Salida, 378 are in District 2, 173 are in District 1, and 47 are in District 4.
- San Joaquin County has 180 COVID-19-related deaths among 11,885 cases.
- Merced County has 50 deaths among 4,422 cases.
- Tuolumne County has 144 cases and two deaths.
- Mariposa County has 58 positive cases and two deaths.
As of Monday evening, there were 520,857 confirmed cases in California and 9,507 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. There were 4,718,249 U.S. cases and 155,478 deaths.
Here is the state tracker.
Stanislaus care centers struggle
Some additional long-term care facilities have struggled with coronavirus outbreaks during the surge of illness in Stanislaus County. Read Ken Carlson’s story.
Private schools vary on fall semester
While Stanislaus County public schools agreed to begin August with remote instruction weeks ago, private school plans vary and continue to change as start dates approach. Read Kristin Lam’s story.
Yes, the Stanislaus County library remains accessible
The coronavirus pandemic closed library buildings in Stanislaus County in the Central Valley of California, but the librarians pivoted to a digital world to maintain access to books, activities and services. Read ChrisAnna Mink’s story.
COVID-19: Modesto mayor candidate campaigns without masks
Modesto’s Big Valley Grace Community Church pastor Rick Countryman is campaigning on Facebook Live to be the California city’s mayor. But his video interviews show a lack of COVID-19 safety protocols. Read Kevin Valine’s story.
What Modesto area companies got millions in COVID-19 aid?
The Paycheck Protection Program has brought millions in taxpayer-funded federal coronavirus aid for companies in Stanislaus County, California. Many businesses have stayed quiet about their forgivable loans. Read Kristina Karisch and Marijke Rowland’s story.
Stanislaus County coronavirus victims more than just numbers
Stanislaus County leaders should show heart by resuming helpful details about COVID-19 victims , such as age and gender, in daily coronavirus reports. Readers also can help The Modesto Bee tell loved ones’ stories. Read Garth Stapley’s column.
Oakdale Community Park closes again as crowds gather
Oakdale has closed its Oakdale Community Park because too many people were using it without practicing social distancing to stop the coronavirus. Nearby cities are watching their parks as the virus grows. Read Kevin Valine’s story.
Stanislaus County wants teachers on campus. What are options?
Most if not all public school districts in Stanislaus County expect the bulk of their teachers to work from campus as the coronavirus pandemic continues. There are some exceptions for parents and at-risk staff. Read Deke Farrow’s story.
From around the state, nation and world
As we aspire to rebuild a new California after COVID-19, we must avoid the same tendencies that historically have left inland California behind. This time all voices must be heard. Read the guest comment.
Experts are trying to determine who should be first to receive a coronavirus vaccine once one becomes available. Read the story.
Colleges should test students for COVID-19 every two days to safely reopen during the pandemic, according to a new study. Read the story.
This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 4:43 AM.
