Little Change To SD County's COVID-19 Hospitalizations

SAN DIEGO, CA — The number of people hospitalized with a coronavirus infection in San Diego County increased by one to 364, according to the latest state data out Saturday.

ICU patients with COVID were down two from the previous day's total to 43. There were 39 more hospital beds available, totaling 236.

The county is seeing spikes in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, prompting local public health officials to encourage residents to be more vigilant.

According to the county's Health and Human Services Agency, lab- confirmed coronavirus cases remain near 10,000 per week, a number that does not include at-home tests. The HHSA also reported it has also seen an increase in re-infections -- San Diegans who have tested positive for COVID-19 several times throughout the pandemic. Prior infection does not necessarily prevent re- infection with some of the newer virus variants, according to national data.

Additionally, hospitalizations for COVID-related illness are also on the rise, up 66% in the last 30 days. New ICU admissions rose 68% during that same time frame.

"Due to the increased level of community transmission, including re- infections, we strongly recommend masking, especially in crowded spaces or around family, friends and colleagues who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, county deputy public health officer. "Our best bet in preventing hospitalizations and deaths is to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and isolating from others when sick."

The county reported 1,767 new infections and eight deaths related to the virus on Thursday, increasing the cumulative totals to 844,017 cases and 5,357 deaths.

Health officials have said that a majority of the deaths occurred in people with at least one underlying health condition, mainly hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

According to HHSA data, 2.99 million or 94.9% of San Diegans age 5 and older are at least partially vaccinated from COVID-19. The fully vaccinated number more than 2.64 million or 84% of those eligible. Additionally, the county has seen 1,385,514 boosters administered -- or 57.5% of 2,408,140 eligible San Diegans.

San Diego County's case rate per 100,000 residents 12 years of age and older is 44.75 for people fully vaccinated and boosted, 25.87 for fully vaccinated people and 84.07 for not fully vaccinated San Diegans.

—City News Service