Stanislaus reports fifth death from coronavirus – and warns fight is far from done
Stanislaus County on Wednesday reported its fifth death from the coronavirus, a woman with “underlying medical conditions.”
No details were released on the woman’s age, hometown or date or place of death, due to medical privacy laws.
The county had gone several weeks into the pandemic before announcing its first death on April 10. It reported its second a day later and the third and fourth on April 14.
Slow reopening
The latest announcement came as county officials were slightly easing the rules aimed at controlling COVID-19. This includes allowing the reopening of golf courses and outdoor archery and shooting ranges as of 5 a.m. Friday.
“Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the families and friends who have lost a loved one,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, the county’s public health officer, in a news release Wednesday.
“As we look to start expanding activities in the next few weeks, we need to ensure that we continue to protect our most vulnerable, those who are at higher risk for severe disease if they become ill with COVID-19.”
California’s pandemic order requires people to stay home unless they need food or other necessities, or they work in jobs exempt from the rules. Residents should wash their hands often and stay at least 6 feet from people not in their households.
All five had other ills
The other deceased residents were two men and two women, all with underlying conditions. The family of one of them – Pedro Zuniga, 52, of Turlock – talked about him with The Modesto Bee last week.
The county had 251 residents testing positive for coronavirus as of Wednesday. Its death toll has been low compared with similar counties, such as the 20 in San Joaquin.
California had 1,419 deaths as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Times. The toll stood at 41,683 in the United States and 177,140 worldwide in tracking by the New York Times.
This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 4:51 PM.
