COVID hospitalizations in SLO County dip as new cases spike after Fourth of July holiday
While the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations fell in San Luis Obispo County this week, new COVID-19 cases spiked.
That increase may be due to a delay in people reporting exposure to the virus following the Fourth of July to delayed holiday weekend, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department wrote on Facebook.
However, one of the local spots with the greatest number of new coronavirus cases was less likely to be impacted by Independence Day gatherings and travel.
Over the past seven days, the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo reported 111 new cases of COVID-19. Arroyo Grande reported 82 new COVID-19 cases during that time, and the city of San Luis Obispo reported 147.
To see the full city-by-city breakdown, visit the Public Health dashboard at www.slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/Data.aspx.
San Luis Obispo County added 873 new coronavirus cases since July 7, according to county health data.
Here’s how local COVID-19 case numbers from the past seven days break down day by day:
- Thursday: 197
- Friday: 163
- Saturday: 103
- Sunday: 95
- Monday: 111
- Tuesday: 127
- Wednesday: 77
These numbers are likely undercounts, as they do not include positive at-home test results in the total counts.
The increase in positive COVID-19 cases drove up the two-week average from 68 last week to 98 on Wednesday, Public Health said.
Nine people were receiving treatment in area hospitals on Wednesday, according to the Public Health Department. This is half the number that were hospitalized last week, according to Public Health data.
No coronavirus patients were in local intensive care units as of Wednesday, according to Public Health.
In addition, no new coronavirus-related deaths were reported this week. Locally, 521 people have died due to the virus.
The number of active cases increased this week as well to 685 on Wednesday compared to 441 on July 6.
In total, 59,882 San Luis Obispo County residents have tested positive for coronavirus since March 2020.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against COVID-19 hospitalization and death, health officials said.
The agency on July 13 released data showing that unvaccinated people account for about 62% of COVID-19 cases, 72% of hospitalizations and 65% of deaths since June 15.
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.
San Luis Obispo Public Health is surveying everyone who tested positive for COVID-19 at a doctor’s office or public health clinic to learn more about their symptoms. Take the long COVID survey at slopublichealth.org/longcovid.
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.