COVID cases continue to rise in SLO County, but hospitalizations stay low

COVID-19 case numbers continue to grow in San Luis Obispo County, even as hospitalizations and deaths remain low.

San Luis Obispo County added 289 new coronavirus cases since last Wednesday, according to data from the county Public Health Department.

Two people were reportedly receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of local hospitals on Wednesday, according to Public Health.

For the second consecutive week, no new COVID deaths were reported. Locally, 497 people have died due to the virus.

The growth in new COVID cases this week pushed the two-week case average up to 38. The lowest the two-week average has been in the past month was 8 from April 21-23.

The number of active cases in the county is also growing, with 342 cases as of Wednesday. This time last week, on May 4, the active case number stood at 297. This time last month, on April 11, active cases were at 127.

Here’s how case numbers break down over the past seven days, since last Wednesday:

• Thursday: 49
• Friday: 67
• Saturday: 15
• Sunday: 12
• Monday: 26
• Tuesday: 69
• Wednesday: 51

These numbers are likely an undercount since Public Health does not count positive at-home or antigen COVID tests.

In total, 54,247 San Luis Obispo County residents have tested positive for coronavirus since March 2020.

Health officials remind the public that vaccination is still the best way to prevent hospitalization or death from the coronavirus.

The agency on May 11 released data showing that unvaccinated people account for about 64% of COVID-19 cases, 74% of hospitalizations and 68% of deaths since June 15.

Over the past seven days these are the top places with the most new coronavirus cases: 84 in San Luis Obispo, 33 in Paso Robles and 28 in Arroyo Grande and Atascadero.

To see the full city-by-city breakdown, visit the Public Health dashboard at www.slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/Data.aspx

Although not currently required, indoor masking is still strongly recommended by health officials.

Where to get a COVID-19 test and schedule a vaccine appointment

Free coronavirus testing is available at clinics in San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach and Paso Robles.

To make an appointment, visit slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/COVID-19-Testing or call 888-634-1123 to register by phone.

Testing is administered at 801 Grand Ave in San Luis Obispo, 1336 Ramona Ave #A in Grover Beach and 800 Pine Street in Paso Robles.

To make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, call 805-781-5500 or the clinic site to schedule an appointment . The county Public Health Department is also administering vaccines and boosters on a walk-in basis at public health clinics in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Grover Beach. To find shots at pharmacies near you, visit Vaccines.gov.

Vaccines are administered at the San Luis Obispo clinic is located at 2191 Johnson Ave., the Grover Beach clinic is located at 286 South 16th St. and the Paso Robles clinic is located at 723 Walnut Drive.

For more information on clinic hours, visit slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/Vaccines

Are you suffering from long COVID? The Tribune wants to speak with you

The prevalence of long COVID in San Luis Obispo County is currently unknown, but we want to learn how living with the lingering side effects of COVID-19 may have impacted the lives of impacted community members.

Fill out the form below to share your story and help us shape our COVID-19 coverage moving forward. You can also fill out the form at bit.ly/slolongcovid.