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The front page of the July 20 Modesto Bee carried the obligatory Valley Labor Whine story, “Valley growers face labor shortages, possible market woes.” The story first appeared in Vida en el Valle, a Spanish/English paper owned by the former McClatchy Co.  Actually the story is more about the plight of this year’s farmworkers than the usual (former) McClatchy Great Agribusiness Whine for possible loss of farm profits in the Valley’s top industry.

For two weeks it's been clear to people who follow the pandemic that the San Joaquin Valley has become a new epicenter for its spread. It is agreed among rational American citizens that for lack of miracle drugs or vaccines, sheltering in place, locking down non-essential businesses, wearing masks, washing hands and observing social distance are the best ways to combat the lethal spread now gathering steam. These municipal and personal precautions help protect both the people who follow them and the others that come in contact with them.

MERCED (BLJ) – On Tuesday,  July 28, Merced County Public Health Department reported 3,763 cases of coronavirus ( 253 new from Monday) and 29 deaths.

On Wednesday, July 29:

California reported 475,305 cases (8,755 new) and 8,715 deaths (197 new);

The United States reported 4,510,801 cases (84,520 new) and 153,027 deaths (1,653 new);

The global report was 16,978,206 cases (240,364 new) and 666,239 deaths (6,865 new).

MERCED (BLJ) – On July 24, the Merced County Public Health Department reported 3,245 cases (273 new) and 27 deaths (1 new).

California reported 435.344 cases (9,718 new) and 8,186 deaths (159 new).

The United States reported 4,186,329 cases (79,714 new) and 147,650 deaths (1,231 new).

The global report was  15,736,499 cases (225,342 new) and 639,652 deaths (6,256 new).