The number of positive COVID-19 deaths in San Diego County has shown an increase despite the declining numbers of case rates, according to county health officials.
As of Feb.1, the region recorded 2,925 COVID-19 cases, bringing cumulative totals to 702,789 since the beginning of the pandemic. An additional 113 deaths were recorded since Jan. 26.
Since the beginning of the year, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 225 San Diegans.
Of the total deaths, there were 46 people who were fully vaccinated and 67 were not fully vaccinated, and 100 people had underlying medical conditions.
San Diego County Human Health and Services Agency (HHSA) officials reported a total of 29,508 lab-confirmed cases in the region this past week, but warn the actual number may be higher due to the rising popularity of at-home antigen tests, which are not reported by the county.
Last week’s figures are nearly doubled, at 60,548 reported COVID-19 lab-confirmed infections.
“It’s important to note that lab-confirmed cases currently only make up a portion of the actual cases in the region, as more and more people rely on home antigen tests,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Virus activity in the region is likely a lot higher than confirmed cases reflect, so people should continue to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Health officials say that the peak of infections driven by the Omicron variant may have occurred as hospitalizations throughout the region began to decrease in the past week.
“There is a common misconception that the Omicron variant is not as deadly as prior strains of COVID-19,” Wooten said. “The latest data show that since the Omicron variant was first identified, COVID-19 deaths are on the rise, both here in San Diego and across the country. While you can still get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated and boosted, the vaccine keeps most people out of the hospital and reduces the risk of virus-related deaths.”
The region’s case rate per 100,000 residents is 140.6 for people fully vaccinated and boosted, 253.4 for fully vaccinated people, and 419.9 for not fully vaccinated San Diegans. The 14-day rolling percentage of positive cases among tests is 18.6 percent.
Over 400 vaccination sites are available county-wide, including pharmacies, medical providers, clinics, and county locations. An appointment can be made and sites may be located by calling (833) 422-4255 or visiting the MyTurn or coronavirus-sd.com websites.
