We are at the point in the pandemic where the cracks in California's unified response to COVID-19 are showing. Three northern counties reopened in defiance of Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home orders. And, closer to home, the city of Parlier allowed barbershops and hair salons to reopen last week. People, of course,...
Here’s Why It’s Crazy to Go Outside Without a Mask
Talking emits droplets from your mouth. Loud talking generates even more droplets. These droplets can harbor infectious virus particles. The National Institutes of Health published a letter with video and visual accompaniment Wednesday to prove a noticeable point. The scientists write, "The act of speaking generates oral fluid droplets that...
Free COVID-19 Testing Site Comes to Sanger
The Sanger Community Center is the newest free COVID-19 testing site in Fresno County, officials announced Wednesday. Sign-ups will begin next Monday and residents can register online at this link. For those without internet access, appointments can be made by calling 1 (888) 634-1123. The tests are by appointment only. “This...
Fresno Company Jammed With Orders for Temperature Scanner Kiosks
Self-serve kiosks are used for any number of things. But, this new generation can read your temperature, tell if you're wearing a face mask, and even clock employees in and out for work. "OnDisplay," which is based in northwest Fresno, is fielding calls for these contact-free devices from across the...
California’s Billion-Dollar Mask Deal Hits Snag
SACRAMENTO — Millions of protective masks that were to arrive in California this week as part of the state's nearly $1 billion deal with a Chinese company have been delayed, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday. The governor said the N95 masks made by BYD, an electric vehicle manufacturer with a...
250 ‘Freedom’ Protesters Want All Fresno Businesses Open Now
Flag- and sign-waving protesters yelling "freedom" called for the city of Fresno to immediately reopen the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic Wednesday. The City Hall crowd, which police estimated at 250, heard dozens of speakers — business owners and elected leaders — talk about the Constitution and the reeling economy...
Dropouts, Dropped Classes at State Center Soar in COVID-19 Semester
More than twice as many State Center Community College District students dropped all their courses this spring semester compared to a year ago, and the number of courses dropped this semester is up 15% compared to spring 2019, officials report. At Fresno City College, 1,000 students dropped courses after mid-March,...
Exclusive: California Wires Mask Dealer Half a Billion Dollars, Then Claws It Back
On March 26, as the coronavirus pandemic was mounting and governors across America scrambled to secure medical supplies, the state of California wired almost a half-billion dollars to a company that had been in business for just three days. The recipient: Blue Flame Medical LLC, a Delaware-based company headed by...
Still Waiting for a COVID-19 Stimulus Check? This Map May Explain Why.
Some Valley residents are still waiting for their $1,200 federal COVID-19 stimulus check to arrive. And government data shows it could take several more weeks for the promised relief money to reach them. That's because Visalia and Fresno residents are ranked at the very bottom of the list of Americans...
COVID-19 Test Sites Open in Dinuba, Porterville
The state's new free COVID-19 testing sites at the Dinuba and Porterville memorial buildings have started taking appointments. "The safety of our residents is always our top priority," said Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County's health officer. "Every precaution is being taken to protect people who are going to be screened...