https://abc30.com/health/central-california-coronavirus-cases/6007545/
MADERA — The spike in new cases continues, with Madera County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) officials confirming 73 new cases of COVID-19 and an eighth death on Wednesday afternoon.
The latest report brings the total number of cases in Madera County so far to 857.
As of 4 p.m., MCDPH was reporting a total of 435 currently active cases — and 414 recoveries.
No new cases were reported Wednesday in Mariposa County, which has seen 31 cases, 22 recoveries and one death since the pandemic began.
Neighboring Tulare County saw its deadliest single-day Wednesday, reporting nine additional deaths. The South Valley county has been hit hard by COVID-19 — reporting a total of 5,175 cases so far and 139 deaths.
To check the latest update from MCDPH, click here.
“The current data reflects that community spread of infection in Madera County is of increasing concern,” MCDPH officials said Tuesday. “In addition to the impact on the general population, community spread increases the likelihood of expanded transmission of COVID-19 in congregate settings such as nursing homes, homeless shelters, jails and prisons.”
In defending Governor Gavin Newsom’s order to close all bars and curtail indoor restaurant dining again in Madera County, MCDPH officials stated in a Tuesday press release: “While these businesses represent a valued part of the fabric of our community, the characteristics of these types of establishments contribute to an environment with substantially increased risks for COVID-19 transmission. Based on Madera County’s current level of community spread of infection, the State of California mandates that a health officer order be put in place to restrict the operation of these indoor businesses.”
Late Tuesday, Dr. Simon Paul, Madera County’s health officer, issued a formal health order closing “bars, pubs, breweries, brewpubs, dine-in restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums and cardrooms” in the county until at least July 28.
These businesses represent “settings where groups convene and may mix with others for a prolonged period of time, increasing the risk of escalating the transmission rate of COVID-19,” Dr. Paul stated.
On Wednesday, California set a single-day record for new COVID-19 cases. The current surge in new cases “jeopardizes” the reopening of the state’s public schools next month, the governor also said today.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, there were 288,211 confirmed COVID-19 cases across California, with the total number of deaths statewide now at 6,659.
Nationally, there have now been 3.1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with the U.S. death toll from the virus reaching 134,000 on Wednesday.
