SLO County reports 4 more deaths and 660 new COVID cases

Coronavirus cases continue to climb upwards as Omicron sub-variants spread throughout SLO County and more deaths are reported.

The county added more than 660 new COVID cases since last Wednesday, according to data from the county Public Health Department.

Hospitalizations and deaths also continue to trend upward.

On Wednesday, the county reported four additional deaths due to the coronavirus, involving people ranging in age from 50-64, 64-84 and 85-plus. Locally, 507 people have died from COVID.

Public Health also reported 10 people were receiving treatment for severe COVID in local hospitals. Among those were 2 patients in local intensive care units.

Public Health reported a total of 664 new infections in the last seven days ending Wednesday.

Here’s how local coronavirus case numbers from the past week break down, day by day:

The number of new cases reported this week pushed the two-week case average up to 97, a slight uptick from where it was this time last week at 92.

The number of active cases now stands at 765, nearly double what it was a month ago on May 8.

These numbers are an undercount because they do not include positive at-home test results.

In total, 56,545 San Luis Obispo County residents have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus since March 2020.

Vaccination is still the best way to protect against hospitalization and death from COVID, health officials say.

The agency on June 8 released data showing that unvaccinated people account for about 63.5% of COVID-19 cases, 73% of hospitalizations and 67% of deaths since June 15, 2021.

In past statements County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said that, although masks are not mandated indoors, they are recommended considering COVID case rates.

Over the past seven days, these are the top coronavirus cases by city: 162 in San Luis Obispo, 82 at the California Men’s Colony prison and 79 in Paso Robles.

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 June 8, 2022 at 5:39 PM.