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Fresno County Declares A Local Emergency After Confirming Second COVID-19 Case

Fresno County
Dr. Rais Vohra, Interim Health Officer for Fresno County's Department of Public Health, spoke at a press conference Sunday to explain the latest confirimed COVID-19 case.

Fresno County confirmed a second case of COVID-19 Saturday evening. Both cases identified so far have been travel-related. In a press conference Sunday, a county health official said the department is also monitoring up to 70 individuals, to track symptoms. While the risk of community transmission is still low, the best defense is to practice good hygiene: wash hands, avoid large crowds, and stay home if you’re sick. 

So far, those most at risk of developing severe symptoms include immunocompromised populations and the elderly. Others who present symptoms should notify the County and stay home. If they need assistance, the county advises calling their healthcare provider before coming to an emergency room or clinic.

Fresno County's Board of Supervisors also announced a local aand public health emergency so that officials can request additional resources from the state and federal government to help respond to COVID-19 concerns.

Closures continue to happen all over the Valley. The City of Fresno announced Sunday morning that the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is also closing until the end of March, to reduce the likelihood of large gatherings. 

Across the San Joaquin Valley, a few cases have also been confirmed in Madera, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties. All have been travel related. Many public school districts have also chosen to cancel classes for the next several weeks, including Fresno, Central, Clovis, Madera, Parlier, Visalia, and Kingsburg school districts.

Clovis, Oakhurst, Madera, Fresno and Reedley Community Colleges; Fresno State; Fresno Pacific University; California State University, Bakersfield; and University of California, Merced are making preparations to deliver classes online in the coming weeks. 

Laura Tsutsui was a reporter and producer for Valley Public Radio. She joined the station in 2017 as a news intern, and later worked as a production assistant and weekend host. Laura covered local issues ranging from politics to housing, and produced the weekly news program Valley Edition. She left the station in November 2020.