4 in Wasco test positive for coronavirus; 2 serious

Four Wasco residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, including one in serious condition on a ventilator, according to a prayer chain request from a local church and local residents.

The most serious illnesses have affected an older couple who recently returned from a cruise to Northern Italy. The man and his wife have both been hospitalized, and one is on the equipment used to aid breathing.

[The Wasco Tribune does not print the names of victims.]

The Wasco Tribune texted with a local woman, one of the younger pair now self-quarantined in the couple’s home.

The younger female, who has emailed friends about her situation, has experienced a fever, diarrhea, coughing and a lack of taste. “It never seems to end,” she texted.

The Kern County Department of Public Health only provides coronavirus statistics by region. The valley region, which includes 11 zip codes including Shafter and Wasco, had 16 confirmed cases of the disease on Tuesday afternoon. One of those was in Shafter, a male resident quarantined at home with less serious symptoms.

--Toni DeRosa