SLO County COVID cases, hospitalizations dip — but another death reported
The number of new reported COVID-19 cases in San Luis Obispo County this week fell to half what was reported the previous week and hospitalizations dropped, according to data from the county Public Health Department.
On Wednesday, San Luis Obipo County Public Health Department reported 293 new COVID-19 infections over the past seven days. This compares to the previous week, when more than 600 new cases of the virus were reported.
Hospitalizations also declined compared to the previous week. This week, Public Health reported 10 people were in local hospitals as of Wednesday, with one patient in intensive care. Last week, 17 COVID-19 patients were in the hospital.
Although case numbers and hospitalizations have dropped, deaths from the virus do continue.
On Wednesday, the county reported one community member between the ages of 65 and 84 died from COVID-19. Locally, 538 people have died due to the virus.
The decline in reported COVID-19 cases this week drove the two-week daily average down considerably. The two-week average was 87 new cases per day on Aug. 11, and was 65 on Wednesday.
Here’s how local COVID-19 case numbers from the past week break down, day by day:
- Thursday: 58
- Friday: 102
- Saturday: 35
- Sunday: 18
- Monday: 25
- Tuesday: 38
- Wednesday: 17
In total, 62,259 San Luis Obispo County residents have tested positive for coronavirus since March 2020.
The number of active cases now stands at 342, the lowest it has been since May 16.
The reported cases do not paint a complete picture of the COVID-19 incidence week after week. These numbers do not include positive COVID-19 antigen tests taken at home, only tests recorded at public health clinics and doctor’s offices.
Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect against COVID-19 hospitalization and death.
The agency on Aug. 17 released data showing that unvaccinated people account for about 62% of COVID-19 cases, 71% of hospitalizations and 64% of deaths since June 15, 2021.
These are the top coronavirus cases by location over the past seven days: 65 new cases in Paso Robles, 43 in Atascadero and 42 in Arroyo Grande.
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 Grover Beach, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo.
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 1336 Ramona Ave., Suite A, in Grover Beach; 800 Pine St. in Paso Robles and 801 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo.
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 by appointment at public health clinics in Grover Beach, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. To find shots at pharmacies near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
Vaccines are administered at the Grover Beach clinic at 286 South 16th St., the Paso Robles clinic at 723 Walnut Drive and the San Luis Obispo clinic at 2191 Johnson Ave.
For more information on clinic hours, visit slocounty.ca.gov/COVID-19/Vaccines.
This story was originally published August 17, 2022 at 4:06 PM.