Coronavirus: How Central California hospitals, government agencies, businesses are fighting COVID-19

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Friday, May 29, 2020
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FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- In the battle against the novel coronavirus, Central Valley agencies, hospitals, businesses, non-profits, and recreational venues have announced changes to the way they operate, from closures and cancellations to changes in visitor policies. Their goal is to limit the gathering of people and thus slow the spread of COVID-19.

HOSPITALS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE CENTERS

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente physicians are reviewing all elective procedures and rescheduling those that can be safely postponed.

Kaiser needs donations of masks, gloves, and other supplies to fight the coronavirus

Kaweah Delta Medical Center

Starting March 18 at 12 p.m., Kaweah Delta will implement a no-visitor policy at its Medical Center, along with closing its Lifestyle Center. The no-visitor policy will have exceptions made for End of Life patients, Labor & Delivery/NICU/Pediatric patients and Dementia/developmentally delayed patients. The visitor must pass a respiratory and temperature screening before entering. A time for reopening has not been announced.

Valley Children's Hospital

Valley Children's Hospital has changed its visitor policy and is allowing only parents, guardians or direct caregivers to enter into the hospital with patients. In the emergency department, only one parent or guardian is allowed in per child.

Valley Children's Hospital changing visitor policy as concerns regarding coronavirus grow

Valley Children's Hospital now accepting supply donations, homemade face masks

Valley Animal Center

Valley Animal Center closed its doors on March 19 and will be closed until further notice. All animals in the center will still be cared for, and any undergoing medical treatment will continue doing so.

Community Regional Medical Center and Clovis Community Hospital

Community Regional Medical Center and Clovis Community Hospital are allowing only one visitor per patient until further notice.

John C. Fremont Healthcare District

The hospital in Mariposa is implementing several screening measures. Anyone arriving will be questioned about symptoms in the driveway, and at several stages upon entering. The hospital has created a 'drive-through' screening area where people's temperature will be taken and they will be asked about respiratory symptoms. These changes start on Monday, March 16.

Powell Pediatric Dentistry

Powell Pediatric Dentistry is limiting dental visits to emergency care only.

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  • UTILITIES

    PG&E

    Pacific Gas and Electric has put a moratorium on disconnecting services for those who cannot pay their bills. The company said it will not disconnect electricity and gas for people who are unable to pay their utility bills.

    PG&E suspends disconnections for unpaid bills amid COVID-19 concerns

    Comcast

    For 60 days, the company is giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge, and will not disconnect customers' internet service or charge them late fees if can't pay their bills during this period.

    City of Los Banos

    The City of Los Banos said it will not shut off water to its residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Residents will still be responsible for their payments, and are encouraged to pay online.

    GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

    Fresno FAX

    Fresno FAX buses are limiting their passenger loads to ten people or less starting Wednesday, March 18, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    Fresno FAX buses limit passenger load due to coronavirus concerns

    Fresno Department of Public Works and Planning

    The Fresno Department of Public Works and Planning will close all public counters effective Monday, March 23, 2020. Plans and submittals related to private development activity, as well as engineering plans and permit applications for public agency capital improvement projects, will be accepted at the main entrance on the first floor of City Hall. Online permit applications can be filed for all other needs.

    Fresno County services

    Fresno County is suspending wedding ceremonies and limiting marriage license applicants to the couple only. It is also recommending that Fictitious Business Name filings be submitted via U.S. Mail only.

    Fresno County Recorder's and Accessor's Office

    The Fresno County Assessor's and Recorder's Offices will not be able to provide services for walk-in customers starting March 18, 2020, until further notice. Online services remain unchanged.

    United States District Court

    All courthouses of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California are now closed to the public, including the federal courthouses in Fresno, Sacramento, Redding, Bakersfield, Yosemite and Modesto.

    Kings County Courts

    All interior customer service counters inside the courthouse are closed. The external service windows to the courthouse are also closed until further notice.

    Valley Air District

    As of noon on March 18, the District offices will not be physically accessible to members of the public. They remain operational and accessible by phone or email and say all essential services are still available.

    Fresno County Jail

    The Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims has suspended all in-person and video conference visitations at the three Fresno County Jail facilities in downtown Fresno effective immediately. There's no time table when the restrictions will be lifted. The suspension applies to the general public, program officials, religious groups and tour groups.

    Merced Police Lobby

    The Merced Police Lobby is closed effective March 17. Most of their services will continue by phone, by mail or online. Click here for details.

    City of Hanford Parks and Community Services

    All recreation programs, classes and sports leagues have been cancelled effective immediately through the end of April. Adult softball and volleyball leagues have been postponed along with Spring Kids' Fest and 50's Flashback Dance. The Longfield Center at 560 S. Douty St, Veterans Memorial & Senior building at 401 N. Irwin St, Hanford Civic Auditorium & Youth Center at 400 N. Douty Street, and the Goodwill Building at 426 W Lacey Blvd is closed effectively immediately through the end of April.

    Mendota City Hall

    Mendota city officials closed city hall to the public on Wednesday, March 18. Citizens can still drop off payments in the city drop box and speak with officials by phone at 559-655-3291.

    Merced City Hall

    The City of Merced is closing City Hall and other City offices. The Merced City government will continue to function without direct public contact and there will be no public access to any City facility including the Fire Department, the Park and Recreation Office, the Public Works Department, Police Station, or Welcome Center. Only passengers with tickets will be allowed in the Merced Regional Airport. Park restrooms and the Bulky Item Drop Off Site are also closed.

    The City Hall closure means people won't be able to pay their utility bills or make other payments in person, but they can do so by

  • Using the automated phone system at 209-388-7289
  • Paying online at www.cityofmerced.org
  • Using the drop box outside City Hall (check, cashier's check or money order, no cash, please)
  • Mailing payments (check, cashier's check or money order, no cash, please)
  • Tulare County Library

    The Tulare County Library has announced it is closing from March 17 until April 30.

    Fresno County Library

    All Fresno County public libraries will be closed effective March 18 to May 4..

    Merced County Library

    The Merced County Library system will be closed to the public beginning March 20. Library staff will continue to provide access to materials for residents through a Curb Side Pick-Up program. This service will be offered beginning Monday, March 23 at the following locations.

    Merced Library 2100 O Street

    Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    (209) 385-7484

    Atwater Library 1600 Third Street

    Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    (209) 358-6651

    Delhi Library 16881 W. Schendel Rd

    Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    (209) 656-2049

    Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

    Livingston Library 1212 West Main St.

    Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    (209) 394-7330

    Los Banos Library 1312 Seventh St

    Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    (209) 826-5254

    Kingsburg City Hall

    The Kingsburg City Hall will be closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17. To make utility payments, you can pay online, mail or drop a check at City Hall, or call 559-897-5821.

    Selma City Hall

    Selma City Hall and Fire Administration are closed to the public starting Wednesday, March 18. Events on city-owned property are postponed. The Selma Senior Center is currently closed, but cold meals are available for pickup. Contact the senior center at 559-891-2239 for more info. You can reach City Hall at 559-891-2200.

    Sanger City Hall

    Sanger announced on Friday, March 20 that it will be closing its City Hall complex to residents and visitors until further notice.

    Los Banos City Hall

    The Los Banos City Hall will be closed starting Friday, March 20 until further notice. To make utility payments, you can pay online or call 1-888-745-0706.

    Fresno County courts

    Fresno County has shut down its courts except for essential functions until May 1, with hearings and other court business now taking place on Zoom and other digital platforms.

    All Fresno County courts to shut down amid coronavirus crisis

    Tulare County Superior Court

    All non-emergency hearings and trials are suspended for 60 days. The court will continue to process pre-trial criminal and juvenile proceedings, like restraining orders and petitions for guardianship.

    BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS AND NON-PROFITS

    Script Pharmacy

    Script Pharmacy in Clovis is offering free delivery of prescription medication, vitamins, even supplements to people impacted by the COVID-19 'shelter in place' restrictions.

    Clovis pharmacy offers free delivery during coronavirus crisis

    Walmart

    Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours.

    Beginning March 24, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens.

    Sierra Vista Mall

    Sierra Vista Mall will close until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sierra Vista is apart of the Mason Asset Management and Namdar Realty Group, who have decided to close all of their shopping centers until further notice.

    Fashion Fair Mall

    After an extended closure, Fashion Fair Mall reopened it's doors on May 26. Not all stores are back open at this time.

    Visalia Mall

    Visalia Mall reopened on May 29 after an extended closure. Restaurants and the food court are open at 50% capacity.

    CVS

    CVS Pharmacy announced on Twitter that they will begin one to two-day deliveries from medicine and everyday essentials.

    Marjaree Mason Center

    The Marjaree Mason Center has temporarily suspended all in-person groups and classes effective immediatley. All services will be delivered by phone and telehealth.

    Anyone with questions should contact their case manager or call the MMC hotline at 559-233-4357.

    Macy's

    Macy's is temporarily shutting down its stores. This includes all Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bluemercury, Macy's Backstage, Bloomingdales the Outlet and Market by Macy's stores. The closure was originally slated until March 31, but an updated date of reopening has not been announced.

    Break the Barriers

    Break the Barriers will be shut down until further notice.

    Break the Barriers closes doors, hopes to open mid April

    Fresno sporting goods stores

    Sporting good stores in Fresno, which had closed, are now reopening after the Fresno City Council declared them to be 'essential'. Those sporting goods stores that stock ammunition and guns can now continue to sell them.

    Sephora

    The beauty products company is closing all its stores in the U.S. and Canada and is allowing customers to return purchases made in store in the last 30 days as of March 16th to make the returns, with receipt, within 30 days of store reopening.

    Bath and Body Works

    The retailer is closing all its stores in U.S. and Canada temporarily and say it's prioritizing inventory to its online channel, so people can buy their products from home.

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  • GYMS AND FITNESS CLUBS

    GB3

    The gym has closed all locations temporarily.

    In-Shape Health Clubs

    The fitness club has temporarily closed all of its gyms in the state and says it plans to reopen its gyms when given direction from the state.

    Old Town Yoga

    All in-person classes have been temporarily suspended starting March 16th.

    Fitness Social

    The studio is eliminating circuit classes for the month of March.

    Spyn Cycle

    The indoor cycling studio is closing for the rest of March and will evaluate whether to open after.

    Hedrick's Chevrolet

    Hedrick's Chevrolet will be closed until further notice.

    Carmax

    CarMax Fresno announced they are temporarily closed and did not provide a potential date for reopening.

    RECREATION

    RELATED: Coronavirus update: List of Central California events canceled, postponed amid COVID-19 concerns

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is closed to visitors until further notice to avoid further spread of COVID-19, park officials announced in March.

    The closure begins effective immediately.

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park closes to visitors amid COVID-19 concerns

    Clovis Rodeo

    The Clovis Rodeo announced Saturday afternoon that the 2020 Rodeo has been canceled. It was originally set to take place from April 22-26. You can visit their website for ticket refunds and exchanges.

    Millerton Lake

    As of March 29, Millerton Lake is closed to vehicular access.

    Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite National Park announced on Friday it was closed to all visitors until further notice.

    California State Parks

    California State Parks announced the temporary closure of all campgrounds in the state park system to support state and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

    Sierra National Forest

    The Sierra National Forest and California Land Management will be begin closing campgrounds and developed recreation sites on Sierra National Forest lands on March 26, 2020.

    Tachi Palace Casino Resort

    Tachi Palace Casino Resort will temporarily close on Friday, March 20, 2020 at 11 p.m. until further notice.

    Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

    Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino will temporarily close on March 20 at 6:00 p.m.. Officials say the temporary closure will be re-evaluated as the board remains in communication with national and local health officials. A potential date for reopening has not been announced.

    Resort officials say that due to an expected high demand for community food boxes, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino will no longer distribute food.

    Food distribution will return to only Madera County's 16 pick-up locations. Those in need of emergency food or would like to donate to the Madera County Food Bank are encouraged to contact (559) 674-2992.

    Castle Air Museum

    Castle Air Museum announced their temporary closure on Tuesday, April 7.

    Club Legends

    Club Legends in central Fresno has closed until further notice. The business has also canceled or postponed all of its catering events.

    Fresno Art Museum

    The museum and its stores have closed temporarily, it said.

    FAB Fresno

    FAB Fresno in the Tower District has closed its night club until further notice.

    Fresno Chaffee Zoo

    Fresno County Manager Wilma Quan announced that the Fresno Chaffee Zoo will close close until the end of March, effective immediately. "This difficult step is necessary to protect the health and safety of our patrons and our zoo staff," Quan said.

    China Peak Ski Resort

    China Peak announced on Friday, March 20 that they are closed for the season.

    Maya Cinema theaters

    All Maya Cinema theaters will be temporarily closed starting at 7 p.m. on March 17. They said they will wait to re-open until local authorities feel it is safe to do so.

    Regal Cinemas theaters

    Regal Cinemas just announced the closure of all theatre locations starting Tuesday (3/17) because of the coronavirus. They will remain closed until further notice. Regal Cinemas has a number of Fresno locations including: River Park, Broadway Faire and Manchester Center.

    At this time, Maya Cinemas located in Campus Pointe near Fresno State remains open.

    Monterey Bay Aquarium

    The aquarium will remain closed to visitors through at least March 27, during which period its facilities will undergo deep-cleaning. Those who have tickets to visit the aquarium can contact the aquarium at 831-648-4800 to reschedule their visit or get their ticket cost refunded.

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium to shut down temporarily to prevent COVID-19 spread
  • Table Mountain Casino

    The Table Mountain Casino will be closed starting Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m. through May 31. All of the employees' pay rates and benefits will be honored during the closure.

    Eagle Mountain Casino

    Eagle Mountain Casino will temporarily close starting Wednesday at 4 a.m., tentatively through June 1st.

    Alterra Mountain Company

    Alterra Mountain Company will suspend all activity at their 15 North American Ski resorts starting on Sunday, March 15. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, and Big Bear Mountain Resort are in California.

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  • For more news coverage on the coronavirus and COVID-19 go to abc30.com/coronavirus/.