More than 3,300 inmates and staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at Avenal, which is the highest total of any prison in California and possibly in the entire country. So far, the virus has killed eight of the prison’s incarcerated men.
However, Avenal isn’t the only prison in the San Joaquin Valley—or even in Kings County—struggling to contain a massive outbreak. This week’s COVID-19 update highlights the recent surge in cases inside prisons, which parallels a concerning rise in the outside community. We also address the new restrictions the state enforced on businesses in almost every Valley county in the last week.
Meanwhile, 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 Nov. 19:
- 1,554 deaths out of 119,392 cases
- 465 people hospitalized and 76 in ICUs
- In the last week, 33 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 797
For comparison, as of Nov. 12:
- 1,521 deaths out of 113,814 cases
- 319 people hospitalized and 56 in ICUs
- In the last week, 17 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 591
You can always find up-to-date information for your county here.