Merced County reports 155 new coronavirus cases in a week, hospitalizations increase
The Merced County coronavirus landscape continued to grow increasingly acute Friday, as the number of individuals with severe enough infections to mandate hospitalizations ticked upward.
Seven additional hospitalizations were reported Friday, raising the tally to 61 people who have been hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic, from the prior day’s 54.
One week ago, 45 individuals total had been hospitalized since March.
Active cases, meaning residents who are still infected, increased by 26 to 237, more than doubling from the 116 reported last Friday.
The total number of Merced County cases is up 155 from last week, with Friday’s new numbers raising the total number infected since the pandemic’s start to 564. Recoveries come to 319 and deaths eight.
The increase in number and severity of cases come as the state this week mandated the use of face coverings in public spaces. The mandate is intended to limit the spread of coronavirus associated with the increasing number of residents leaving their homes for work and other needs, a County Public Health news release said.
“Several public health officials have been met with significant opposition in implementing face covering mandates locally,” the release said. “Adoption of a statewide requirement is a significant step in helping control the spread of COVID-19.”
Some disagreements between San Joaquin Valley leaders over wearing masks in public have recently taken place amid the area being pointed to as a hotbed for coronavirus cases.
Of the 15 California counties with the highest percentage of positive coronavirus tests over the past two weeks, eight sit squarely in the Valley, a McClatchy review of state health data as of mid-week showed. The eight counties include Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Kern, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced.
“The Public Health Department fully supports and encourages all of our residents to follow the State’s new guidance mandating face coverings to be worn while out in public,” County Public Health Officer Dr. Salvador Sandoval said in the release.
“This past week has produced record case counts for several days on end. Community spread by those who are asymptomatic will continue to rise, if we do not do our part.”
Opening guidelines for schools, theaters
The Merced County Office of Education released a document Friday with guidance and planning tips for schools to consider while planning to open during the 2020-21 school year.
Each school district is responsible for creating its own reopening plan.
“It is important to note that each school community is unique and has its own needs, so by providing guidance documents, schools can come up with plans that best fit those needs,” said Dr. Steve Tietjen, Merced County Superintendent of Schools, in a MCOE news release.
Guidelines include those for athletics, a distance learning framework, information on quarantine and contact tracing and information for parents about social emotional wellness and mental health.
Precautions are based on health and safety guidance from County Public Health. Schools will have hand washing and sanitizing stations in classrooms and across campuses, and time will be scheduled regularly for hand washing. Students with flu-like symptoms are encouraged to be kept home.
Also among long-closed businesses slated to reopen soon are Regal movie theater destinations. The company recently announced that its doors will open July 10 with modifications.
Notably, guests will also be required to wear masks and auditorium capacities will be reduced to 50%.
Reservation systems will maintain two empty seats between groups or 1 seat at recliner locations to maintain social distancing. At theaters where performances are non-reserved, patrons must leave two seats between groups.
Precautions include the use of electrostatic ‘fogger’ equipment for auditorium sanitation after each movie. The method disinfects all materials with a non-toxic formula that is fast drying.
Each theater will also sanitize high-contact surfaces on an enhanced schedule and use floor markers throughout the building to guide social distancing.
Regal employees will undergo daily health screenings including temperature checks, wash hands every 30 to 60 minutes and be required to wear masks.
Vending machines and arcade games will be closed. The concession stand will remain open, but with every other register closed and the menu reduced. Self-service condiment stands will be closed and refills on large drinks or popcorn will be suspended, too. Bars will remain open for walk-up service only.
