The holiday season calls for tradition and celebration as it is oftentimes filled with food, drinks and loved ones to share, but county health officials ring a cautionary tone for this year’s festivities.
San Diego county warns residents to take precautionary measures during holiday gatherings amid concern surrounding of COVID-19 surges during the winter months. County health officials report 403 COVID-19 cases as of Nov.23, bringing the region's total over 380,000. As of Nov.17, a total of 24 new deaths were reported.
The county says it is acceptable to not use facial coverings at holiday gatherings if everyone in attendance is fully vaccinated. Over 84 percent of San Diegans ages 5 and older are at least partially vaccinated while nearly 75 percent received the full series according to the most recent county-wide COVID-19 update.
“The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving and other holiday events is to do it with people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “If you’re not sure whether someone is vaccinated, everyone should wear a mask and take other precautions to prevent getting sick and infecting others with COVID-19.”
According to the most recent update provided nearly a month ago by Chula Vista Emergency Services manager Marlon King, positive COVID-19 testing reached its peak between December 2020 and January 2021.
“The virus is still transmissible in our community. We will continue to live with the virus until a cure becomes available. Until then, we must continue to manage the spread,” King said.
The county has administered nearly 6 million COVID-19 vaccination doses and over 400,000 booster doses. Approximately 67 percent of Chula Vista’s residents are fully vaccinated across all zip codes as of Oct. 26, within individuals ages12 and older.
San Diego County’s case rate per 100,000 residents is 14.2 overall, 8.6 for fully vaccinated people and 23.9 for not fully vaccinated San Diegans. As of Nov.13, Chula Vista falls in the high and substantial transmission categories with a case rate of 16.7 across all zip codes according to the county’s COVID-19 case rate dashboard.
The City of Chula Vista is coordinating with the County of San Diego and other agencies to monitor and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Moderna and Pfizer vaccination series and booster doses are available at 276 Fourth Avenue, Building C every Wednesday and Thursday except holidays. Visit the city’s Coronavirus page for more information.
