People – Page 25 – Local Turlock

Health officials: Face coverings could help slow spread of virus

in Health/People

As the national discussion continues on whether or not people should wear face masks when leaving the home, California health officials have said there would be a benefit to helping stop the spread of COVID-19, but stressed that people should not be using the N95 and surgical masks healthcare workers need and which are already in short supply.

“Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing or frequent hand washing, which we know are amongst the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Health Officer. “Wearing a cloth face covering could provide some additional benefit by acting as a reminder for other people to keep their distance, and it could help reduce the spread of infectious particles from those who could be infected but don’t have symptoms.”

“Face coverings could provide some additional protection against COVID-19, but Californians should not have a false sense of security if they choose to wear them. Make sure you’re also staying 6 feet away from other people if you have to leave your home to get groceries or prescriptions,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly.

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Turlock youth group helping elderly, families in need get groceries during coronavirus pandemic

in People

TURLOCK, Calif. — When the most vulnerable can’t go shopping, some everyday heroes in Turlock are heading to the store to shop for them.

Brooke Rose, Emma Borrelli, Lilly Leonard, Grace Gonzales, Kayla Reese and Bella Pace are members at New Life Christian Center High School ministry. With the help from their Youth leader Brittony Raffatti, the girls came up with a plan to start a grocery delivery service for those sheltering from Coronavirus.

"As a small group, we wanted to give back to our community," Borrelli said. "So, as soon as the pandemic hit we wanted to jump on the to the opportunity."

Continue Reading on ABC 10

Paul’s Glass Co. completes life-saving request

in Health/People

Paul’s Glass Co. in Turlock is well-versed in handling all of the community’s window needs, but recently the company was called upon to help fight COVID-19.

Last week, Emanuel Medical Center reached out to Patrick Jensen of Paul’s Glass Co. to order some Plexiglas. When he asked what the product would be used for, hospital personnel described the box-shaped protective covers they were trying to make. Similar devices are currently being used by healthcare workers throughout the world in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, they explained, and could be vital to protecting physicians at the hospital from the incredibly infectious disease.

Jensen knew what a complicated project it would be and offered his help.

“I know what goes into building boxes with Plexiglas, and it’s a big old pain in the butt,” Jensen said. “They shot us some pictures with the dimensions and we just built them cold turkey.”

Continue Reading on Turlock Journal

Turlock Instacart shopper weighs strike over working conditions, pay

in Job/People

A Turlock woman who works for Instacart said she may join a strike against the grocery delivery app for safer working conditions, which she said is essential as she and her co-workers shop in crowded stores during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I feel badly for the customers that it will affect,” said 38-year-old Andrea, who asked that her last name not be used and said on a busy day she shops for and deliver groceries to about 10 households. “But I think they (Instacart) should do a lot more to protect us.”

Andrea said anything that makes Instacart workers safer also makes Instacart customers safer.

Continue Reading on The Modesto Bee

Coronavirus: California home sales now ‘essential’ but health risks scare agents

in Around California/People

Real estate agents have serious concerns about what would seem to be good news: reclassifying their work as “essential” in this era of coronavirus fears.

Over the weekend, residential real estate sales were added to an updated list of essential services from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. That seemingly gave a green light to the resumption of sales since that same list was key to a previous no-selling interpretation of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “stay at home” order.

But real estate professionals, in interviews with the Southern California News Group and numerous comments on social media, questioned the health risks from restarting the very personal sales process that includes bringing strangers into other people’s homes.

Continue Reading on OC Register

Coronavirus School Closures: What Schools Have Canceled Class

in Around California/Health/People

The coronavirus outbreak has caused disruptions to schools, businesses, and events across California.

Many school districts in the greater-Sacramento region, and across the state, have announced weeks-long closures. The California Teachers Association has also asked the state to close every school.

On Saturday, March 15, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press conference that 51% of school districts in the state have closed down. Approximately 80-85% of school children are no longer going to school amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Continue Reading on CBS Sacramento

Stanislaus County now has 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases

in Health/People

Stanislaus County officials continue to ask for people to follow the statewide stay at home order as the number of COVID-19 cases grows locally, across the state and around the world.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency reported another positive case on Wednesday. The county has 12 confirmed cases and zero deaths as of noon on Wednesday.

The California Department of Public Health reported 2,724 positive cases in the state and 59 deaths.

Of those cases, 707 were community acquired cases and 1,828 cases acquired through person-to-person transmission, travel (including cruise ship passengers), repatriation, or under investigation. This number includes 35 healthcare workers, according to the CDPH.

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POPPING INTO SPRING

in People

While area families are hunkering down for a coronavirus hibernation, outside spring has sprung as evidenced by the blooming poppies seen in vacant lots around Turlock. The poppies in this picture make for a colorful visual display for those traveling north on Golden State Boulevard near Fulkerth Road.

California poppy, the state flower of California, is native to the Pacific slope of North America from Western Oregon to Baja California. The flowers of California poppy close each night and on cloudy days. According to the U.S. Forest Service, locals should enjoy the flowers where they grow. If you pick California poppies for a wildflower bouquet, you will be disappointed when the petals almost immediately fall off.

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As coronavirus pandemic roils Modesto region, nonprofits adapting

in crime/People

Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus has stopped offering nearly all of its face-to-face services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking because of the novel coronavirus. Staff members now provide case management, counseling and help filling out restraining orders over the phone.

Executive Director May Rico said her nonprofit has adapted to keep helping people, but she worries the very actions we are being told to do to be safe during the pandemic — stay home as much as possible and keep our distance from others when out — create the ideal circumstances for abusers who like to isolate their victims.

Continue Reading on Modesto Bee