Coronavirus updates: Cases rise in Fresno, Madera, Tulare counties; disaster declaration

Mar. 23--Seven new coronavirus (COVID-19) were announced in Fresno County on Monday evening. Earlier in the day, four new cases were announced in Tulare County, and three new cases in Madera County. There are close to 200 confirmed coronavirus cases from Sacramento to Kern County in the Central Valley.

Tulare County cases are in Dinuba, Porterville, Tulare and Visalia, health officials said.

"It's more important than ever that our community stays at home and ensures they're only leaving their homes to access essential services," wrote Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County public health officer, in a statement.

Here are coronavirus case totals across the region, as of Monday afternoon:

-- 16 in Tulare County

-- 6 in Madera County (including one person who has recovered)

-- 13 in Fresno County

There are more cases in other Valley counties:

-- 88 in Sacramento County and 4 deaths

-- 51 in San Joaquin County and 2 deaths

-- 11 in Kern County

-- 10 in Stanislaus County

-- 1 in Merced County

There are more than 1,800 coronavirus cases in California and 33 deaths in the state as of Monday, The New York Times reported. The California Department of Public Health is still reporting lower numbers, last updated Sunday.

Nationwide, there was nearly 44,000 coronavirus cases in the U.S. and more than 550 deaths across the country, as of Monday, the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lower numbers.

Young sick, including former Fresno State football player

Many young people are among those who have fallen ill from coronavirus.

An infant, child or teenager -- described as no older than 17 -- was among the Tulare County cases announced Friday.

Of that county's four new cases announced Monday, three are between the ages of 18 and 25, and the other between the age of 26 and 40.

Travis Brown, a former Fresno State football standout, is among the six Fresno County coronavirus cases.

This weekend, his mom shared on Facebook that he was hospitalized March 14.

"Travis' condition was so scary that he was taken by ambulance to Clovis Community Hospital," she wrote.

She also said "his sickness felt different than any flu or cold he'd ever experienced." He said Monday that he was feeling better after a few scary nights.

A Fresno City College student whose possible coronavirus exposure forced a brief lockdown on part of the campus last week tested negative for the virus.

A Tulare County school reported Monday that it was still open -- raising concerns since coronavirus cases in that county continue to climb, and most California schools have been closed.

Leaders deliver different messages

President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for California on Sunday to help the state combat coronavirus.

That follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's statewide stay-at-home order Thursday, instructing Californians to avoid non-essential social contact.

Congressional Democrats are urging Congress and the Trump administration to approve Newsom's many requests to help California.

Locally, a number of Valley counties and cities have issued similar orders and public health emergencies, including a "shelter in place" order in Fresno, asking residents to stay home, except for essential services.

This weekend, some Fresno officials shared messages of less urgency.

On Sunday, Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld published a YouTube video criticizing what he called a "lockdown" in Fresno and California, saying it's unnecessarily hurting jobs and the economy. He then compared the numbers of coronavirus cases to seasonal flu cases.

In another video, published Saturday, Rais Vohra, Fresno County's interim public health officer, said, "The minute you develop symptoms, don't rush to get a test. Rush to go watch TV."

Closures due to coronavirus

There are a numerous closures and cancellations due to coronavirus.

Recently in the area, that's included:

-- Fresno City College canceled its graduation ceremonies.

-- The Clovis Rodeo is canceled for 2020.

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Fresno County shut down its courts, except for emergency functions.

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Yosemite National Park is closed to visitors.

Laid off? Some hiring, help available

While a number of businesses have shuttered as coronavirus spreads, some Fresno area companies are hiring, including a number of grocery stores.

There are a number of resources available for those suffering from income loss, including food assistance and unemployment benefits.

Act of kindness: Man helps mom in need of milk

A man at a grocery store in Fresno last week surprised a woman in need of more milk for her family by buying some for her.

The woman tearfully thanked him. The man replied: "God is good. We've all got to get through this."

Gas prices plummet

Gas prices have gone down throughout the country because of decreased demand.

In Fresno on Monday, gasoline was below $3 a gallon for the first time in more than 2 1/2 years.

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