Coronavirus updates: Two more Valley deaths; was Visalia nursing home ready for outbreak?

Apr. 3--Two more COVID-19 related deaths were reported in the central San Joaquin Valley on Friday -- in Madera and Tulare counties.

That brings the total to five deaths in the region.

The Madera County Department of Public Health confirmed the death of a women in her 70s. This follows the death of 67-year old Jose Sanchez Barriga last week

For Tulare, the announcement was the second confirmed death in the county in as many days. The county reported its first death last week. That person died after being hospitalized for several weeks.

Was Visalia nursing home ready for outbreak?

A Visalia nursing home saw a cluster of coronavirus cases this week, leaving some to wonder if the 176-bed skilled nursing facility was prepared for such an outbreak.

On Wednesday, Redwood Springs Healthcare Center announced six of its patients and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The following day, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency confirmed that several other residents had tested positive.

As of Thursday, nine residents and three staff members had tested positive. Test are pending on others.

KMPH reported that one of the workers, Stephanie Bailey, had complained of symptoms days before the outbreak and that it wasn't until she had a fever spike that the administrators took action. A second staff member told the Visalia Times Delta, she was also required to work even though she didn't feel well because she wasn't running a fever.

Administrators deny the claims and insist the facility has been "vigilant and early" in adopting the practices and protocols directed by the Centers for Disease Control, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and others.

In 2018, the California Department of Public Health fined Redwood Springs Healthcare Center $100,000 after a patient died at the facility. It was the most severe penalty possible under state law.

City sees hundreds of business complaints

At least 120 businesses in Fresno have been visited by code enforcement for complaints they were open and allegedly violating the city's emergency order during the coronavirus outbreak, The Bee has learned.

So far, the city has received 337 total complaints of businesses being open that shouldn't be. It's received 261 complaints of price gouging.

The furniture stores, hair salons, vape shops, restaurants and car dealerships all received a visit from a code enforcement officer -- the first step in a process that can lead to a fine if the business doesn't cooperate. Some business owners said the visits stemmed from incorrect reports from people who may have seen things they mistakenly thought weren't allowed.

So, far three businesses -- all tobacco shops -- have been fined. Another business has been fined for price gouging.

Fresno County close to 100 cases

Health officials in Fresno County said 12 more people tested positive through Thursday for COVID-19. That bring the tally to 94 cases for the county. There have been 217 reported cases of the virus in the five-county region that includes Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Merced and Kings, including 79 news cases reported on Thursday alone.

When will it end?

While the official timeline for the current coronavirus prevention measures -- social distancing and shelter-in-place orders -- should end by May, according to President Donald Trump, many believe it may last months longer.

And while data shows that the social distancing policies in states like California are paying off, Fresno County may be weeks off from being able to show those benefits, said Fresno County Interim Health Officer Rais Vohra.

"We're all very early in the social distancing measures that are being implemented, and it's going to take time for us to really figure out whether this curve is getting flatter.

Defy social distancing, face fines

At least one Fresno City Councilmember believes those who violate the city's social distancing and shelter-in-place orders should face fines and possible jail time.

Luis Chavez said he will propose a city ordinance that will prohibit residents from hosting "nonessential gatherings" for activities such as parties, sports, games or professional and social purposes. It also requires businesses to direct customers to social distance.

Violators will be punished with a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 or six months in jail, according to the proposal. Violators may also face an administration citation from the city for $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second or $1,000 for the third or subsequent violation.

The next council meeting is scheduled for April 9, but Chavez said he may consider bringing the proposal to a vote in a special meeting earlier in the week.

RV parking restrictions lifted for those self isolating

Fresno and Clovis both eased restrictions on Thursday, for on-street parking of recreational vehicles to allow workers in essential functions to isolate themselves from their families during the coronavirus pandemic.

Both cities require workers opting to self-isolate in their RV to provide police, if asked, letter from their employer indicating that they work in an essential field, or a note from a doctor or health-care professional ordering them to self-isolate away from other people in their home.

The regular parking restrictions on RVs will still apply to other people in both cities.

Mexican airline suspends service to Fresno

On Thursday, The Mexican airline Volaris has temporarily halted flights out of Fresno Yosemite International Airport, because of the coronavirus. Volaris said it's offering refunds for trips canceled due to "extraordinary circumstances," equaling the amount of the base fare and additional purchased services.

Fresno is one of 14 U.S. airports that saw the disruption Thursday.

This comes as the airline added a third destination for Fresno travelers in September, flying twice-weekly to León. Volaris also had Fresno trips to Guadalara and Morelia.

Aeromexico continues to serve Fresno with direct service to Guadalajara.

A Lemoore sailor tests positive

Lemoore Naval Air Station, in a post on Facebook on Thursday, said a sailor at the Fleet Readiness Center West tested positive for the coronavirus. The sailor has been in isolation since testing for the virus on March 25 and is now quarantined at home with mild symptoms.

Lemoore NAS said the workspace is being cleaned and sanitized by contracted professionals.

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