Total coronavirus cases surpass 400 in Merced County, 18 new cases reported Friday
The number of Merced County’s confirmed coronavirus cases reported since the beginning of the pandemic surpassed 400 on Friday, with 18 new cases reported by the County Health Department of Public Health.
The first coronavirus case reported in Merced County came on March 22. Just over 11 weeks later, Merced County stands at 409 confirmed cases total, including 116 active cases.
In total, 286 people have recovered from the virus, 45 people have been hospitalized and seven people have died.
In California as of Friday, there are 143, 179 people who have been infected with the virus and 4,928 people have died.
There have been 8,135 tests performed in Merced County with 7, 639 negative results and 87 still pending.
Youth activities allowed, Lake Yosemite hours
Merced County announced youth sports and activities are allowed with COVID-19 restrictions. No more than 25 persons, including coaches and parents, shall be present for a practice or class at any given time. Meets/games involving participants or coaches that are not a part of a single team or class are prohibited.
Youth sports waivers for participants shall at least inform parents of the risks for COVID-19 spread and request an acknowledgment.
Merced County also announced in-person worship services are allowed with restrictions. Places of worship must limit attendees to 25% of the capacity of the venue or 100 people, whichever is lower.
Merced County also announced that Lake Yosemite will remain open to the public, but the park will begin closing at 8 p.m. on Friday to allow for additional cleaning and disinfecting.
The earlier closing time will allow staff to clean and disinfect tables, restrooms, and other commonly-used areas of the park. Both playgrounds, the walking pier, and large group picnic areas remain closed to prevent large group gatherings. Individual picnic tables and barbecues are still available for use, and the bathrooms are open.
Lake Yosemite will be open from 7:30 A.M. to 8 p.m. every day.
Coronavirus in the Valley
Across the Valley, counties issued updates of their coronavirus statistics Friday.
Fresno County: 83 new confirmed infections, for a total of 2,478 to date. Of those, 52 people have died, 758 have recovered, and 1,668 remain as active cases.
Madera County: 10 new cases Friday, 198 to date; no new deaths, three to date.
Mariposa County: No new cases, 16 to date including one death. Fifteen have recovered, and there are no active cases and no one hospitalized as of Thursday.
Stanislaus County: Confirmed cases rose to 1,090 with 34 deaths and 781 recovered cases.
Tulare County: 89 new infections Friday, 2,564 to date; no new deaths, 98 to date.
