Public Health urges caution as SLO County COVID cases climb
San Luis Obispo County is seeing a spike in new COVID cases and hospitalizations from severe infection since last Wednesday, according to data from Public Health.
The sudden rise has led to an eight-fold increase in the running 14-day average of new cases in just one month, from eight on April 23 to 67 on Wednesday.
The rise is due to the spread of the highly contagious BA.2.12.1 variant throughout the community, Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health officer, said in a news release.
“While we don’t need to panic, we are now in a situation where it is wise to take precautions,” Borenstein said.
Public Health also is currently responding to coronavirus outbreaks in 24 congregate settings throughout the county, according to the release.
A total of 586 new COVID cases were added since last Wednesday, according to the latest data from. These numbers are an undercount because widely used at-home antigen tests are not included in the county totals.
Here’s how local coronavirus case numbers from the past seven days break down day by day:
The number of active cases increased from 398 last week to 661 as of Wednesday. It’s a spike of more than 250 current COVID infections between this week and last, and a six-fold increase from the number of active cases recorded two months ago.
“These case rates tell us it is time to use the tools we have for reducing risk: be careful about gatherings, wear your mask in crowded spaces, stay home and get tested if you are sick,” Borenstein said. “For those 50 and older who have been wondering when to get a second booster, I’d suggest now is the time.”
While there were no new deaths in the past week, Public Health reported 13 people were receiving treatment in local hospitals on Wednesday, according to Public Health. There are two patients in local intensive care units.
Locally, 501 people have died from COVID since March 2020.
The agency on May 25 released data showing that unvaccinated people account for about 64% of COVID-19 cases, 74% of hospitalizations and 67% of deaths since June 15.
Over the past seven days these are the top coronavirus cases by city: 160 in San Luis Obispo, 73 in Paso Robles and 56 in Atascadero.
To see the full city by city breakdown, visit the Public Health dashboard at www.slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/Data.aspx
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.
This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 11:06 AM.