San Diego County nears 700,000 COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and health officials report that the Omicron surge seems to be on a decline.
On Monday, the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported 2,049 COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths. These figures are low compared to 4,218 reported cases on Sunday and 5,027 on Saturday.
Those numbers brought the county's cumulative totals to 697,429 cases and 4,686 deaths.
Hospitalizations are on the decline, according to recent state figures, which show a decrease by 30 to 1,180 COVID-19 patients in hospitals throughout the county.
According to HHSA data, of the 996 hospitalizations reported between Dec.14 and Jan.12, a total of 91 San Diego County residents who were boosted ended up in a hospital.
As of Monday, 211 were in intensive care, one more from Sunday. The county reported two more available Intensive Care Unit beds on Monday, bringing the total to 172.
A total of 1,021,730, or 49.9 percent, San Diego County residents who are fully vaccinated have received a booster, according to the HHSA.
Last week, public health officials confirmed on Wednesday that there had been three cases of a new Omicron subvariant, known as the BA.2 mutation or “stealth”. Sequencing detected two cases of the BA.2 mutation on Dec. 26, and found on Jan.2, according to the HHSA and genomic surveillance reporting.
Then mutation has been detected in at least 40 countries, and there have been dozens of reports in California. This variant was dubbed as “stealth” because it can be difficult to differentiate the former delta variant, but can be equally if not more contagious than the Omicron variant.
Health officials continue to urge the public to receive their vaccinations, and follow public health guidance like wearing masks, avoiding crowds, and staying home when sick.
Boosters are currently available for everyone 12 years and older. Over 2.85 million, or 90.8 percent, of San Diego County residents age five and older are at least partially vaccinated, and more than 2.51 million, or 79.9 percent, are fully vaccinated.
The county has more than 400 vaccination sites including pharmacies, medical providers, clinics, and county locations. Appointments can be made and sites can be found by calling 833-422-4255 or visiting the MyTurn or coronavirus-sd.com websites.
