Hospitalizations in San Diego County as the state transitions into its SMARTER plan, a framework that accepts the idea COVID-19 will continually be present in society.
On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the first shift in the nation to an “endemic” approach that emphasizes prevention and actions over mandates.
"Balance between a message of hope and successful adaptation, but also prepared vigilance. Today is not about moving on, but rather about moving forward," Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's Health and Human Services secretary told reporters on Thursday in announcing the framework.
County health officials reported on Saturday a drop of 20 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, bringing the total to 628. The number of patients in the ICU remained unchanged at 123, though the number of available ICU beds decreased by 5 to 191.
As of Friday, the county reported 1,419 new COVID-19 cases and 16 additional virus-related deaths, bringing its cumulative totals to 731,036 infections and 4,974 deaths.
According to the County Health and Human Services Agency, a total of 1,131,912, or 53.7 percent, of San Diego County residents fully vaccinated have received a booster shot.
More than 2.9 million, or 92.3 percent, of San Diego County residents age 5 and older are at least partially vaccinated and more than 2.55 million, or 81.1 percent, are fully vaccinated.
The state’s "SMARTER" plan, is the next phase of its response to COVID-19, according to Ghaly. It will continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations and testing, along with continued education about the virus, communication with residents about conditions as they change, and vigilance for new variants that could potentially emerge and lead to new surges.
It is through shots, masks, awareness, readiness, testing, education, and "Rx," or treatment, that Californians can manage and live with COVID-19.
"It is clear the virus will remain with us for some time, if not forever," according to a document released by the governers office. "It is less clear how often and how much it will continue to impact our health and well-being. However, we know what works, and have built the necessary tools over the last two years that allow us to learn and hone our defenses to this virus as it evolves."
