MADERA — Madera County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) reported 24 more cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, the highest number of confirmed new cases in a single day for Madera County since the pandemic began in early March. In addition, MCDPH reported a fourth coronavirus-related death.
“The deceased is a male in his 80s who suffered from underlying health conditions and passed away at Saint Agnes Hospital the evening of June 13,” stated a release issued by health department officials today.
Three other county residents also have died due to COVID-19 related complications since the pandemic began.
To date, there have been 250 confirmed cases in Madera County. The majority continue to be from person-to-person transmission, according to MCDPH.
“The upward trend in cases represents an increase in testing along with individuals going out more and attending social gatherings with those outside of their household,” said Sara Bosse, MCDPH director.
The county is currently reporting 88 active cases and 158 recoveries. To check the most recent update from MCDPH, click here.
According to MCDPH’s new data dashboard, 24 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Reporting Area D — which includes the eastern Madera County foothills and mountain communities.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family [of the latest COVID-19 fatality] and continue to urge Madera County residents to recognize that the threat of COVID-19 is not over,” Bosse said. “It is imperative that individuals continue to social distance when they are out and avoid gathering with those who are not in their immediate household.”
Bosse also said that it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify and isolate close contacts, which has been a key tactic in successfully minimizing community spread in Madera County. “Individuals are becoming more hesitant to providing information; however concealing information may put friends, family and co-workers at risk,” she added.
MCDPH is reminding those who are vulnerable to stay home and everyone to practice good hygiene by washing their hands and avoiding touching their face. “When you are out in public, continue to social distance and wear a mask.”
At Tuesday board of supervisors meeting, District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler, who participated via teleconferencing, expressed concern about the number of individuals in the board chambers who were not wearing masks.
“Our case numbers in the county have really been going up lately and I can’t believe I see so many folks there without masks on,” Wheeler said. “This virus is serious and still killing people.”
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, there were 156,516 confirmed COVID-19 cases across California, with the total number of deaths statewide now at 5,139.
Nationwide, there have now been more than 2.18 million confirmed coronavirus cases, with the U.S. death toll on Tuesday passing 119,000.
