Supermarkets that were packed just a week ago with overflowing shoppers gearing up to ride out the coronavirus experienced significantly lower than average weekend traffic as Manteca and the rest of California Sunday headed into Day 4 of the stay at home order.

Confirmed coronavirus cases countywide were up by more than 60 percent Sunday at 5 p.m., over Friday’s level of 25 reaching 41. There are only two deaths so far.

Where those cases are in the county is anyone’s guess as the San Joaquin County Health Department is one of the few if not the only county in California where the health director is refusing to delineate specific communities where there are confirmed coronavirus causes.

The confirmation there is at least one case in Manteca occurred because three city firefighters responding to a medical were informed afterwards they we exposed to the virus as the patient they assisted tested positive later.

City emergency command officials verified that they were not informed of the firefighters’ expose through the county health department but rather by medical providers that informed the county which in turn did not even inform first responders.

Manteca Police Lieutenant Stephen Schluer reaffirmed Sunday that the best way to reduce the impact of the coronavirus is to comply with Governor Gavin Newsom’s stay at home order that does have exceptions carved out.

Schluer said that police have been in contact with businesses in Manteca that fell within the parameters of what the governor’s order to shut down that were still open. Schluer said once the situation was further explained with the contacts they made, the businesses complied with the shutdown order.

“I get the confusion,” Schluer said.

Schluer said the businesses contacted indicated they believed they were in the essential category or that it was essential for them to stay open or they could literally go out of business.

The city has yet to have a business not to comply with the shutdown order after they were contacted by police. Schluer said the city will be prepared, if needed be, to take additional steps to assure compliance.

At the same time concerned citizens are calling the city’s emergency command center to report children at parks.

“That is one of the exceptions carved out by the governor,” Schuler said of exercising outdoors in parks or using public spaces to walk, run, or hike to get exercise.

“What they need to do is stay six feet away from others,” Schluer said.

Schuler noted the Centers for Disease Control is repeatedly emphasizing one of the key reasons for social distancing, limiting the size of gatherings, and taking the additional steps that six states including California has to order residents to stay at home is because a number of people have likely contracted the virus but will not get ill nor show symptoms but are still capable of transmitting the virus to others that can get severely sick and even possibly die.

The City of Manteca emergency command center at the City Council chambers at the Civic Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to  try and answer what questions they could from citizens emailing or calling in as well as to monitor the ongoing situation.

The phone number for questions related to the coronavirus emergency is 456-8854 while the email is eocinfo@mantecagov.com

City maintaining coronavirus

info pages on city website

The City of Manteca is also maintaining a coronavirus update site on its website at ci.manteca.ca.us

It is on top of the home page. Click on the banner and it sends you to resources dealing with the pandemic from the Centers for Disease Control to state and county agencies. There is also information regarding what businesses can remain open as well as possible help with virus related financial issues.

They also are posting a list of Manteca restaurants that are open for business for curbside pickup or delivery service.

The city has compiled a list of resources for seniors including which stores are conducting special hours to accommodate senior shoppers as well as those auto-immune compromised and who are physically challenged.

The stores are:

*Safeway every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m.

*Target every day from 8 to 9 a.m.

*Dollar General every day from 8 to 9 a.m.

*Food-4-Less every day from 7 to 8 a.m.

*Walmart on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 a.m.

*Costco every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m.

*Grocery Outlet will make deliveries for seniors who call (209) 239-4295.

*Nature’s Corner will make deliveries for seniors who call (209) -5355.

*SaveMart every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 a.m.

*Raley’s every day is offering Senior Essential bags for $20 in-store or curbside. The bags are filled with pantry staples and are available while supplies last. For more information call (209) 825-0242.

Local food pantry resources are Meals on Wheels (209) 468-1104, St. Paul’s Methodist Church (209) 823-7154, and Second Harvest Food Bank (209) 239-2091.

A congregate lunch program is being offered to seniors 60 years and older at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane. You need to call each Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to reserve a meal box that will include five lunches that are frozen or non-perishable. The meals will be delivered Monday morning by senior center staff. There is also a brow bag program available for needy seniors 60 and older that need groceries.  Call (209) 456-8650 to reserve a bag.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com