With the first case of the Omicron variant just announced in Fresno County and Christmas only a few days away, Fresno County health officials are urging residents to practice COVID-19 safety measures. The Fresno County Department of Public says that in the past two years, COVID-19 has surged following...
Omicron Already in Fresno, County Health Officials Confirm
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...
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 County Hospitals Experience Staffing Shortages Amid Rising COVID Cases
Fresno is facing a staffing shortage as Delta variant cases rise in the Central Valley. Medical staffing in the Central Valley has always been a “chronic” problem, according to Dr. Rais Vohra, interim health officer for Fresno County’s Department of Public Health. But he says staffing shortages are a major...
Local Health Officials Scramble for ‘Ultra Cold’ Storage Needed for Promising COVID Vaccine
If Pfizer receives government approval for its promising COVID-19 vaccine, it will need to be transported and stored at a temperature of minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit, experts say, creating logistical challenges that local health officials are already working to address. Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County's public health officer, says he's...
After Supervisor’s COVID Diagnosis, County May Modify Board Room
Fresno Supervisor Steve Brandau's COVID-19 diagnosis may result in additional safety precautions at Board of Supervisors meetings, a county official said Friday. Brandau acknowledged the supervisors' meeting dais provides less than the recommended 6 feet of separation between board members. "I’m probably about five feet away from my colleagues on...
Surging COVID-19 Cases Across US Worry Fresno’s Top Doc: “I Think Our Time Is Coming”
The city of Milwaukee is very similar in population to Fresno with roughly 585,000 residents. COVID-19 cases are rising there at such a rapid pace, the mayor just issued updated health orders requiring more shutdowns of the local economy. "This is a very serious situation," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett told Fox...
Fresno Primary Care Providers Will Soon Be Asked to Do COVID-19 Tests
Imagine getting a test for coronavirus at the same time you get blood work or a physical at your doctor's office. That may soon be a reality. Los Angeles and Long Beach recently put out orders to that effect. Starting Friday, all primary care providers there must provide COVID-19 testing....