After speculating that the new COVID-19 omicron variant might already be present across Fresno County, health officials said late Monday that the first local case of the new variant had been confirmed. A person returning to Fresno County from a trip tested positive for the new variant on December 10,...
Fresno County on Alert Over New COVID-19 Variant
Initial reports over the weekend announcing the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa led to quick efforts by the Biden administration to restrict travel to the United States from South Africa and seven other countries in the region. The Fresno County Health Department issued a warning Monday...
COVID variant spreads to more countries as world on alert
LONDON (AP) — The new potentially more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus popped up in more European countries on Saturday, just days after being identified in South Africa, leaving governments around the world scrambling to stop the spread. The U.K. on Saturday tightened its rules on mask-wearing and on...
Serve Up Health Ground Rules Before Gathering This Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving a few days away, Fresno County health officials encourage the public to follow safety guidelines because of a taxing winter for health ahead. Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County's top health expert, says there are many ways to plan for a safe holiday feast as long as individuals take...
Fresno County Kids 5-11 Vaccinated at Half of US Rate
Following the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 for children ages 5-11, Fresno County has seen a slight increase in vaccination rates across the county. While Fresno County health officials warn that it will be a tough winter ahead, vaccination rates in Fresno County have gone up slightly and are beginning...
Fresno Hospitals Resume Emergency Policies to Combat Patient Overflow
With emergency rooms and intensive care units operating at maximum capacity in Fresno area hospitals, county health officials on Wednesday advised the public to avoid using ambulances or emergency rooms unless they are in dire need of medical aid. The goal is to keep hospitals from experiencing patient overloads, said...
Fresno Medical Researcher on COVID-19 Vaccines: Study Shows They Work
COVID-19 is surging again in Russia, forcing a national shutdown. Healthcare workers, cops, and other front-line workers are facing vaccination deadlines. Vaccinations for kids ages 5 to 11 could soon be available. The ravages of the pandemic and decisions about vaccinations are continuing to grab headlines. One local doctor hopes...
Fresno Unified Closes Special Ed School Due to COVID Infections
Fresno Unified has closed Addicott Elementary School for 10 days after a fourth person tested positive for COVID-19, district spokeswoman Nikki Henry told GV Wire on Friday. "Yesterday we learned of a 4th positive case impacting Addicott. Out of an abundance of caution for our students and staff, and in...
Alarming Myths Discourage Valley Farmworkers From Getting COVID Vaccines
After much reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the farmworker community is running out of options to say "no." An estimated 35% of Central Valley farmworkers say they do not want to get vaccinated, and much of their hesitancy stems from misinformation they see on social media and in the...
Masks, Foggers, On-Site Vaxxing: This Won’t Be Your Usual Big Fresno Fair
Masks will be required for visitors and staff in indoor spaces at the Big Fresno Fair and recommended for visitors in outdoor spaces such as the Paul Paul Theater and Save Mart Beer & Wine Garden, fair officials announced Wednesday. But visitors who refuse to wear a mask, a flashpoint...