Select local COVID-19 testing sites are now offering "test to treat" services, Fresno County public health officials say. Through this program, people can get tested, assessed by a medical provider, and (if appropriate) given prescription oral antiviral pills (Paxlovid or Molnupiravir) in the same location. “Test to treat means...
Fresno County Health Warns of Rising Flu and COVID Cases
Fresno County health officials are asking people to take extra precautions against COVID-19 and the flu. That's because the county Department of Public Health has seen an uptick in cases of respiratory illnesses and COVID. "Fortunately, much is known about both these diseases and there are now treatments available,"...
2nd COVID Booster Suggested for Older Adults, but Health Experts Hope for Something Better
Health experts nationwide say adults 50 years and older and compromised immune individuals should get a second booster shot. Meanwhile, Fresno County interim health officer Dr. Rais Vohra in a Zoom briefing last week said there is an abundance of vaccines and boosters available for those who haven't received...
Fresno County Awards Millions to Hospitals, Marjaree Mason Center
On Tuesday morning, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors joined by Fresno County health officials, announced the approval of $6 million for community hospitals in an effort to help fight COVID-19. The recipient hospitals are Community Regional Medical Center, Saint Agnes Medical Center, and Clovis Community Medical Center. In...
Fresno Hospitals Overflow With COVID Patients As Fewer People Get Vaccinated
While the rest of California has seen COVID-19 case rates drop, hospitalizations in Fresno County are at their highest peak since the last previous surge. While the state has an 80% vaccination rate, in Fresno County only 57.4% of individuals are fully vaccinated. "Unfortunately, there's a lot of lives...
Beware of COVID Test Scams in Fresno, Health Officials Warn
As demand for COVID-19 testing increases, pop-up testing sites abound in Fresno — in street corners, parking lots, and shopping centers, as well as online. The Fresno County Department of Public Health says many of these sites are unregulated and unapproved, and could lead to fraudulent activities like identity...
Valley Hospitals Overwhelmed and Over Capacity As COVID-19 Cases Surge
Following a surge in COVID-19 cases across the state, a similar turn of events is being felt throughout the Central Valley. In a joint statement, both the Fresno County Department of Public Health and the Madera County Department of Public Health announced that their hospitals are being impacted and running...
Rapid COVID Tests Often Wrong, Say Fresno Health Officials
Fresno County health officials on Wednesday warned the public that rapid COVID-19 tests can provide misleading results. Their assessment of over-the-counter tests comes amid a surge of Omicron cases in the county impacting hospitals and the re-opening of schools. Rick Lembo, director of sports medicine at Sierra Pacific Orthopedic...
160,000 at-Home COVID Testing Kits Coming for Fresno County Students
In an effort to keep track of COVID-19 infections and protect families, Fresno County officials are ramping up testing as students return to the classrooms from the holiday break. More than 160,000 at-home testing kits will be given out across the county starting Friday Jan 7. "I encourage families...
Fresno New Year’s Advice: Practice Safe Sex, Mask up, Don’t Drink and Drive
Fresno County health officials remind the public to stay safe while welcoming in the New Year. And, you can add practicing safe sex to the usual New Year's Eve do's and don'ts that include admonishments against drinking and driving. According to the health department, Fresno County is seeing a...