As local COVID-19 case numbers continue to improve, five counties in the San Joaquin Valley have now advanced beyond the purple “widespread” designation of the state’s reopening plan known as theBlueprint for a Safer Economy. Fresno, Kern, Kings and Merced are now designated red for “substantial” virus spread, which means thatmany businesses are now permitted to open indoors with some restrictions, while Mariposa is two tiers ahead, in yellow for “minimal” spread.
What does this mean for businesses, and who’s in the small subset of Kern County businesses that have been granted special status to reopen with few restrictions? In this COVID-19 update, we speak with Alejandra Granados, manager of Fiesta Mexicana restaurant in Merced, Joe Salazar, general manager and head chef of Zaytoona restaurant in Hanford, and Terry Delamater, owner of Sculpt 365 health clubs in Oildale and Tehachapi.
Here’s a snapshot for Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare Counties (note that some numbers may have changed between the interview and publication):
As of Oct. 15:
- 1,420 deaths out of 102,328 cases
- 249 people hospitalized and 42 in ICUs
- In the last week, 54 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 273
For comparison, as of Oct. 8:
- 1,366 deaths out of 100,419 cases
- 281 people hospitalized and 45 in ICUs
- In the last week, 36 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 288
You can always find up-to-date information for your county here.
