City Councilman Ruben Macareno

The number of infections in Farmersville is statistically consistent with state and national numbers. This week's number is the highest reported to date. The increase is attributed to Thanksgiving gatherings. It is still expected to increase as the virus is traveling like a wildfire or someone would say out of control. Numbers are expected to remain high or even increase. The vaccine is expect to be distributed Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Healthcare workers are the first in line to get. Stay safe, wear the mask and social distance. (Correction to chart info.. Total cases is 684)

Friends, Since the beginning of the pandemic the City has followed the directive of the state and we continue to do so. Today's reality is that there is a strong surge of COVID-19 roaming across the country that is taking American lives on a large scale every day. Tulare County and California is also facing this wave and is challenging our ability to care for not only COVID-19 patients but those who need medical attention. We are being challenged like never before. As many o...f you may already know, Governor Newsom announced a new Regional Stay at Home Order that becomes effective 24-hours after a region’s remaining hospital ICU capacity reaches 15%. Although many are disappointed with the anticipated order I believe it is in the right direction in defeating this pandemic. It facilitates the work cities and counties will need to do in a more manageable way instead of individually. The San Joaquin Valley region includes Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and our county of Tulare. The state Health Order will take affect once ICU capacity in our region dips below 15%. I suspect that will be very soon. When this happens the following will need to close throughout the region: In-person dining, including outdoors Personal care services Hair salons and barbershops Museums, zoos and aquariums Playgrounds Bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries Family entertainment centers The following sectors may remain open when a remote option is not possible with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures including 100% masking and physical distancing: Critical infrastructure Schools that have previously received a waiver Non-urgent medical and dental care Child care It is an inconvenience on many levels to individuals and our small business sectors however we must contribute to the effort in maintaining a safe community and state. Our priority is public health at this time and giving support to the financially affected workers and businesses. My Friday chart of weekly new COVID cases will be out tomorrow as usual and there continues to be new infections. The good news is that a proven vaccine is on its way. It will begin distribution later this month in waves pending logistics. Where will the vaccine be first distributed is to be announced. Let’s keep hope alive and be part of the solution. Thank you and stay safe, Councilman Ruben Macareno

New COVID stay home order as follows..