UPDATE: Stanislaus County will reopen gyms, other sectors despite coronavirus surge
Stanislaus County will allow the reopening of fitness centers and 11 other sectors even though coronavirus cases have recently spiked.
Along with fitness centers, other businesses and activities including bars, wineries, hotels for tourism, family entertainment centers, museums, card rooms, campgrounds and outdoor recreation may open Friday at 5 a.m., according to the county’s decision Monday.
In a 5 p.m. news release Monday, county public health officials said they reviewed the state guidance and local coronavirus data and concluded it was time to open the sectors with precautions.
Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, county public health officer, warned that the risk of contracting the virus is still high. “It is important for business owners to follow all the guidance recommendations to keep transmission in the businesses and our community low,” Vaishampayan said.
She urged county residents to pay closer attention to social distancing, hand-washing and wearing face coverings while out in public “to protect ourselves and those around us.”
State officials said last week it was OK for fitness centers, bars, campgrounds and other activities to reopen in counties with approved variances — that is, if top health officials in the local jurisdiction agreed it’s safe for the public.
In Stanislaus County, the COVID-19 illness has not gone into hiding with the warmer weather in early June. Infections have suddenly taken off with 61 new cases and two more deaths reported locally since Friday. The 36 new cases on Sunday was the largest daily increase since the coronavirus surfaced here in March and pushed the total to 901.
The county reported another 36-case increase late Monday afternoon.
It’s also happening statewide. California’s total caseload rose above 125,000 with a record-setting number of cases reported Friday.
Jody Hayes, county chief executive officer, said the decision to reopen the dozen sectors is consistent with a risk-based approach to responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In evaluating the recent spike in the contagious illness, Hayes said, an increase in cases was predicted after the state approved a variance May 20 allowing restaurant dining rooms and shopping centers to reopen. In addition, part of the recent surge has resulted from expanded testing, he noted.
Hayes said a key indicator is that the impact on hospitals remains low. As of Monday evening, 37 patients confirmed or suspected of COVID-19 illness were in the county’s five hospitals, including nine in intensive care.
“We still feel confident we are OK,” county Supervisor Vito Chiesa said. “That doesn’t mean people can be complacent.”
In allowing the sectors to open in counties with approved variances, the state expected local health officers to conduct a review of several factors: positive cases per 100,000 population, the rate of positive tests, preparations for a healthcare surge, contact tracing, testing and protections for vulnerable residents.
The county’s news release Monday at 5 p.m. did not discuss details of that review. The latest update Monday pushed the total number of cases to 937 with the death toll remaining at 33.
Stanislaus County stresses importance of safety guidelines
The county is stressing the importance of following the guidelines and precautions of the reopening process.
“As this disease can spread days before a person becomes symptomatic, wearing a face covering is essential while out in public,” Vaishampayan said.
Coronavirus is quite contagious because an infected person who doesn’t have symptoms can spread the virus.
Vaishampayan reminded residents to maintain 6-feet distance between themselves and others who aren’t part of their family. Before participating in activities outside the home, such as going to a mall or eating at a restaurant, people should consider how close they should be to others, for how long, the risks to family members and what can be done to reduce the risk.
Monday’s news release added that people 60 and older and residents with underlying health conditions are still the most vulnerable to the disease.
Hayes said the public needs to understand if the county gets negative results from reopening the economy, such as a large resurgence in COVID-19 illness, the county will have to tighten restrictions again. “If we do this right, then that does not need to happen,” Hayes said.
Modesto is hardest hit by new infections
Modesto has been a hotbed for the wave in recent cases. With Monday’s update, confirmed cases climbed to 290 in Modesto or an increase of 64 since Thursday. Countywide, the number of confirmed infections has risen at almost a 20-per-day clip since June 1.
An online dashboard, updated daily by the county, serves to highlight trouble spots.
As of Monday evening, it showed 26 cases added since Friday in the west and south sections of Modesto, bringing the total to 133, while 11 more residents tested positive in the 95350 zip code in central Modesto, which has 66 cases.
Zip code areas in Modesto have all seen increases since early May.
The county Health Services Agency announced Friday that a free public testing site in Keyes will move to west Modesto on Monday. The walkup testing operated by OptumServe will use the neighborhood center at Marshall Park, 420 Chicago Ave, suite A. The state provides the testing by appointment in conjunction with OptumServe.
The latest count shows Turlock with 219 cases, Ceres with 110, Patterson with 55, Riverbank 39, Oakdale 18, Waterford 15, Newman 14 and Hughson 8.
The state is still monitoring the coronavirus outbreak before allowing counties to lift restrictions on other business sectors and activities. Nail salons remain closed as well as tattoo parlors, laser tag centers, movie theaters, nightclubs, concert venues, festivals, theme parks and colleges.
Chiesa said he believes the outbreak will remain under control as long as families refrain from holding weddings, funerals and other gatherings where the virus can easily spread among participants. He said he does not expect the state will allow concert venues, athletic events and professional sports with an audience anytime soon.
This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 10:50 AM.
