An uptick of COVID-19 cases was reported in San Diego County with 15 new hospitalizations from Friday, according to the latest state data.
A total of 104 San Diego County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 today, and the total number of patients in intensive care beds was 17, an increase of four compared to the previous day. The total number of available hospital beds countywide increased by 22 to 264.
The latest numbers come one day after San Diego County's Health and Human Services Agency reported 389 new COVID-19 infections and three more deaths associated with the virus, as case numbers showed a week-over-week increase in the region.
The county doesn't report cases and deaths on weekends.
County officials reported a total of 2,277 infections this past week. This is an increase of 318 from 1,959 infections in the previous week.
According to the most recent figures provided by the county Health and Human Services Agency, there were more than 30,000 San Diegans hospitalized with COVID-19 locally since the beginning of the pandemic. The first person hospitalized due to COVID-19 in San Diego County was in Feb.25, 2020.
Hospitalizations have slowed since the Omicron variant hit its peak earlier this year, new COVID-19 infections reached a two-week high Wednesday with 411 reported, followed by 518 on Thursday. County health officials urge vulnerable populations to practice increased caution when out in public.
“The unfortunate hospitalization milestone and bump in cases in the region and across the country are a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over,'' said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. “San Diegans, especially those at higher risk for severe outcomes from an infection, should continue to utilize non-pharmaceutical interventions, like masking and staying away from sick people. Everyone should get vaccinated and boosted when they are eligible, protecting themselves and those around them.''
The new data comes after the San Diego County Metropolitan Transit System announced Wednesday that masks are optional aboard all trains and busses following a federal court ruling. The North County Transit District, which also operates the Sprinter and Coaster commuter rail lines, said it will “no longer require face coverings to be worn on board vehicles or in stations, effective immediately.”
A total of 94.3 percent of San Diego County residents ages five and older are eligible to receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 82.8 percent of those eligible are fully vaccinated, and 55.9 percent from a smaller eligibility group have received boosters.
