Six New Community Outbreaks Reported In San Diego
*– 6:12 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 196 new COVID-19 infections and two deaths Friday, as the number of vaccines delivered to the county crossed the 3 million mark.
A total of 3,038,735 doses have now arrived in the county, with 2,759,104 of those administered. The county received 292,950 vaccines this week, 18,000 fewer than the week prior.
A total of 1,477,522 people have received one dose of Pfizer or Moderna — or 73.3% of the county's goal and 54.9% of San Diegans 16 and older — and 1,045,406 people, or 51.8% of that goal and 38.9% of the 16 or older age cohort are fully inoculated with either two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The goal is to fully vaccinate 75% of San Diego County residents 16 and older, or 2,017,011 people.
Friday's data increase the cumulative totals in the county to 276,156 cases and 3,702 deaths. — City News Service
San Diego County Reports 140 New COVID-19 Cases, 2 Deaths
– 4:36 p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 140 new COVID-19 infections and two deaths Thursday, as case rates continue to decline and hospitalizations remain steady.
Thursday's data increases the cumulative totals in the county to 275,960 cases and 3,700 deaths.
Of 16,767 tests reported Thursday, 1% returned positive, lowering the 14-day rolling average of positive tests to 1.5% from Wednesday's 1.6%. That positive test rate is the lowest in 2021.
Hospitalizations from the virus declined by one to 161 from Wednesday's reported 162. Patients in intensive care units decreased by three to 44 from Wednesday's 47. There are 49 available, staffed ICU beds in the county.
County leaders reported that more than 1 million San Diegans are now fully vaccinated from COVID-19, as the county Health and Human Services Agency prepares for a shift in how it will go about administering vaccines. — City News Service
One Million-Plus San Diegans Fully Vaccinated From COVID-19
– 4:15 p.m., Wednesday April 28, 2021
More than a million San Diegans are now fully vaccinated from COVID-19, county leaders announced Wednesday, as the county Health and Human Services Agency prepares for a shift in how it will go about administering vaccines.
County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said Wednesday there is now slack in the vaccination system. Not a significant one, he said, but there are more available appointments now than there have been since the rollout began.
Because of this, the county will take actions to make getting a vaccine more convenient, such as extending the hours of several county-run vaccination sites to 8 p.m. and looking at the possibility of making some sites 24 hours.
All 23 county-run vaccine sites are now accepting walk-in visits, but the super stations are still appointment only.
San Diego County has received more than 2.95 million doses of vaccines and 2.68 million of those have been administered. The county received 292,950 vaccines this week, 18,000 fewer than the week prior.
A total of 1,447,272 of county residents have received one dose of Pfizer or Moderna and 1,006,392 people are fully inoculated with either two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The goal is to fully vaccinate 75% of San Diego County residents 16 and older, or 2,017,011 people. – City News Service
CDC Says Many Americans Can Now Go Outside Without A Mask
– 4:21 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased its guidelines Tuesday on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying fully vaccinated Americans don't need to cover their faces anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers.
And those who are unvaccinated can go outside without masks in some situations, too.
The new guidance represents another carefully calibrated step on the road back to normal from the coronavirus outbreak that has killed over 570,000 people in U.S.
For most of the past year, the CDC had been advising Americans to wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of one another.
The change comes as more than half of U.S. adults — or about 140 million people — have received at least one dose of vaccine, and more than a third have been fully vaccinated. — Associated Press
Appointments No Longer Required At San Diego County Vaccination Sites
– 1:42 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Starting Tuesday, all San Diego County COVID-19 vaccination sites are open for walk-ups, with no appointments necessary to get a vaccine.
The county made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. The sites will continue to offer vaccination appointments that can be scheduled online, but a set number of doses will be set aside each day for walk-ups.
At San Diego State’s Viejas Arena, 1,000 doses were available for walk-ups Tuesday.
Vaccines are available for anyone 16 and older who lives or works in the county. A complete list of county-run vaccination sites may be found online here. — KPBS staff
San Diego County Health Officials Report 129 New COVID-19 Infections
– 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 26, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 129 new COVID-19 infections Monday, as University of California Health announced it has administered 1 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, including through UC San Diego.
Monday's data increased the cumulative total of cases to 275,540. No new deaths were reported and the death toll remained 3,692. Monday figures tend to be lower due to weekend reporting lags.
The number of people hospitalized with the virus declined to 161 patients, 11 fewer than Sunday's report. The number of patients in an intensive care unit remained at 47. There were 57 available ICU beds in the county.
Of the 7,737 tests reported Monday, 2% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests is 1.8%.
One new community outbreak was reported Monday. In the past seven days, 25 community outbreaks were confirmed with 98 cases associated with the new outbreaks.
The San Diego County Health and Human Service Agency reported Monday it has received more than 2.72 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.
County residents receiving one dose of the vaccine numbered 1,389,473, or 68.9% of county residents eligible to receive the vaccine. Those receiving two doses numbered 935,593, or 46.4% of San Diegans 16 and older.
The goal is to fully vaccinate 75% of San Diego County residents 16 and older, or 2,017,011 people. – City News Service
More Than Half Of Eligible San Diegans Receive First Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine
– 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 26, 2021
Over half of eligible San Diegans have received at least their first COVID-19 vaccine shot, which begs the question: What does it mean to be fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus?
Dr. Rodney Hood has been at the forefront of the county’s effort to vaccinate San Diegans. He said a small risk for infection by COVID-19 still exists after the vaccination, but that possibility will continue to go down as more people get their shots.
“It is possible that you can still get exposed and get the COVID infection, but it's usually very mild,” the Tri-Chair with the San Diego County Vaccine Advisory Group said. “And so far, those that have been fully vaccinated have been shown to have no significant hospitalizations and no death.”
Hood said it’s also important to note that those who’ve gotten the vaccine are far less likely to spread COVID-19 to others even if they have the virus in their system.
“Being vaccinated also markedly decreases the risk of transmitting asymptomatic disease because the viral load is so low. So even if you did get infected, transmitting it becomes much less,” he said.
However, there is concern that as time goes on some COVID-19 variants could evade the current vaccines. Hood said booster shots might be coming in the fall that will provide further protection. –KPBS Staff
County Reports 160 New COVID-19 Infections, Four New Deaths
– 5:00 p.m., Sunday April 25, 2021
San Diego County public health officials have reported 160 new COVID-19 infections and four new deaths, with the cumulative total of cases at 275,411 and the death toll at 3,688.
There were two new hospitalizations reported Sunday for a total of 172 patients, and no new patients admitted to an intensive care unit for a total of 47. There were 47 available ICU beds in the county.
Of the 13,349 tests reported Sunday, 1% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests is 1.8%.
Seven new community outbreaks were reported Sunday. In the past seven days, 24 community outbreaks were confirmed with 91 cases associated with the new outbreaks.
The county reported it has received more than 2.65 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. This number includes both county residents and those who work in the county.
County residents receiving one dose of the vaccine numbered 1,380,491, or 68.4% of county residents eligible to receive the vaccine. Those receiving two doses numbered 925,453, or 45.9% of San Diegans 16 and older. – City News Service
County Reports 155 New COVID-19 Infections, Four New Deaths
– 5:45 p.m., Saturday April 24, 2021
San Diego County public health officials have reported 155 new COVID-19 infections and four new deaths, with the cumulative total of cases at 275,251 and the death toll at 3,688.
There were 23 new hospitalizations reported Saturday for a total of 191 patients, and no new patients admitted to an intensive care unit for a total of 48. There were 44 available ICU beds in the county.
Of the 12,797 tests reported Saturday, 1% returned positive. The 14- day rolling average of positive tests is 1.8%.
Three new community outbreaks were reported Saturday. In the past seven days, 22 community outbreaks were confirmed with 91 cases associated with the new outbreaks.
The county reported it has received more than 2.65 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. This number includes both county residents and those who work in the county.
County residents receiving one dose of the vaccine numbered 1,352,040, or 67% of county residents eligible to receive the vaccine. Those receiving two doses numbered 880,433, or 43.7% of San Diegans 16 and older.
The goal is to fully vaccinate 75% of San Diego County residents 16 and older, or 2,017,011 people. – City News Service
County Reports 329 New Infections As 1,145 Duplicate Cases Removed From Data
– 7:31 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 329 new COVID-19 infections Friday as hospitalizations increased slightly.
No new deaths were reported, and the cumulative totals of cases climbed to 275,096. The death toll remained 3,684.
According to the county Human Health and Services Agency, 1,145 duplicate cases were identified and removed from the cumulative total on Friday.
Hospitalizations increased by four patients from Thursday to 190, while intensive care unit patients decreased by two to 55. There are 54 available ICU beds in the county. — City News Service
County Reports 281 New COVID-19 Cases As State Schools Announce Vaccine Rule
– 6:52 p.m., Thursday, April 22, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 281 new COVID-19 infections and three deaths Thursday, increasing the cumulative totals to 275,912 cases and 3,684 deaths.
Of the 17,425 tests reported Thursday, 2% returned positive. The 14- day rolling average of positive tests is 1.7%.
Hospitalizations related to coronavirus decreased by one to 186, compared to Wednesday. There were 57 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit beds as of Thursday's report, an increase of one from the previous day. There are 54 available ICU beds in the county.
More than 2.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, and 1,332,124 county residents have received at least one dose.
RELATED: UC, CSU Plan To Require COVID Vaccines, Pending Final FDA Approval
The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — equating to around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
On Thursday, the county reported that more than 863,058 people in San Diego County — 42.8% of that goal — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the county.
San Diego County received nearly 100,000 more coronavirus vaccines this week than it did the week prior, public health officials said. — City News Service
UC, CSU Plan To Require COVID Vaccines, Pending Final FDA Approval
– 4:05 p.m., Thursday, April 21, 2021
The California State University and University of California systems jointly announced Thursday that they intend to require all students, faculty and staff returning for on-campus classes and activities to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The requirement, however, would not take effect until one or more of the COVID vaccines receives "full approval" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Current vaccines are being administered under emergency-use authorizations from the FDA.
The universities' planned vaccination requirement will take effect upon "full approval" occurring or the beginning of the fall semester, whichever is later. Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna are both in what is known as Phase 3 Efficacy Trials and could apply to the FDA for full approval of the vaccines at any time.
CSU and UC officials said the planned requirement will be discussed with faculty and student representatives, along with labor groups. But they opted to announce the planned requirement Thursday so all members of the campus community can start arranging to get vaccinated before the fall term begins.
Both university systems are expected to allow for exemptions based on medical or religious grounds. — City News Service
County Reports 263 New COVID-19 Cases, Receives 100,000 More Vaccines
– 4:27 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021
San Diego County received nearly 100,000 more vaccines this week than it did the week prior, public health officials announced Wednesday, as 263 new COVID-19 infections were reported.
This uptick in the vaccine supply is good news for the county, where Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said there hasn't yet been any waning in interest to receive a shot. The 294,440 vaccine doses the county received last week is the most so far, with 2,583,595 total vaccines received since they were first approved by the FDA.
Fletcher said he was not yet aware of how many doses San Diego County is scheduled to receive next week, nor had the county heard any news about the 11,000 Johnson & Johnson doses it was keeping refrigerated. The federal government put a pause on administration of the J&J vaccine following a few rare blood clots, resulting in the deaths of half a dozen women.
A total of 203 fully vaccinated San Diegan residents have tested positive for the SARS CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19, according to Dr. Eric McDonald, medical director of the county Health and Human Services Agency's Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch. This represents a rate of .027% of all fully vaccinated county residents — a little more than three times higher than the federally reported rate of .008%. — City News Service
Biden Says Goal Of 200 Million COVID-19 Vaccinations In 100 Days Has Been Met
– 2:07 p.m., Wednesday April 21, 2021
President Biden announced Wednesday that Americans have received 200 million COVID-19 vaccinations since he took office, double his initial goal of 100 million vaccinations in his first 100 days, and what he called "an incredible achievement for the nation."
Biden, who will officially cross the 100-day mark next week, also announced the availability of tax credits to employers who give their workers paid leave to get a shot.
"No working American should lose a single dollar from their paycheck because they are doing their patriotic duty to get vaccinated," Biden said.
The tax credits for employers with fewer than 500 employees were part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan he signed into law last month. – Brian Naylor / NPR
San Diego County Reports 256 New COVID-19 Infections, No New Deaths
– 7:38 p.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 256 new COVID-19 infections and an uptick in hospitalizations, as the region's weekly case rates increased further into the red tier of the state's Blueprint for Recovery for the second week in a row.
Hospitalizations related to coronavirus increased by seven — to 184 — compared to Monday — the highest number since April 5. There were 61 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit beds as of Tuesday, a increase of five from the previous day.
County health officials reported 58 staffed, available ICU beds.
Despite posting an adjusted case rate of 6.1 new daily cases per 100,000 population, the county can't backslide into the red tier unless hospitalization rates climb or other metrics spike — as state rules changed earlier this month.
San Diego County is in the orange tier — the second least-restrictive level in the state's four-tier system for reopening the economy.
The latest cases brought the cumulative total to 275,368, while the death toll remained unchanged at 3,674.
Of the 7,747 test results reported Tuesday, 3% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests is 1.8%. – City News Service
EU Agency Links J&J Shot To Rare Clots, Says Odds Favor Use
– 12:08 p.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2021
The European Union’s drug regulatory agency says it found a “possible link” between Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine and extremely rare blood clots and that a warning should be added to the label.
But experts at the agency reiterated that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh the risks. The European Medicines Agency announced its findings Tuesday after a very small number of vaccine recipients in the United States were reported to have developed blood clots.
It said these rare blood disorders should be considered “very rare side effects of the vaccine” and it recommended a warning on package labels. The agency oversees the use of pharmaceutical products in 27 EU countries.
J&J immediately announced it will revise its label as requested and resume vaccine shipments to the EU, Norway and Iceland. In a statement, it said: “The safety and well-being of the people who use our products is our number one priority.” — Associated Press
San Diego County Reports 152 New COVID-19 Infections, No Deaths
– 6:55 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 152 new COVID-19 infections and no new deaths Monday, as a slight uptick in hospitalizations last week appears to have leveled off.
For the second day in a row, hospitalizations related to coronavirus remained at 177. There were 56 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit beds as of Monday, a decrease of one from the previous day.
There were 48 staffed, available ICU beds in the county as of Monday.
The latest cases brought the cumulative total to 275,112, while the death toll remained at 3,674.
Of the 6,982 test results reported Monday, 2% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests is 1.8%.
Nearly 2.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, and 1,293,662 county residents — or 64.1% of the county's goal of 75% of its eligible population — have received at least one dose. – City News Service
Half Of US Adults Have Received At Least One COVID-19 Shot
– 12:44 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2021
The White House says “it has never been easier” to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot as all people 16 and older are eligible for vaccines nationwide as of Monday.
President Joe Biden is encouraging people to book appointments immediately and to encourage family and friends to do the same.
Says Biden: “You need to be protected, and you need in turn to protect your neighbors and your family.”
On Sunday the country reached the milestone of having 50% of adults at least partially vaccinated. The CDC said almost 130 million people 18 or older have received at least one dose of a vaccine, or 50.4% of the total adult population.
Almost 84 million people adults, or about 32.5% of that population, have been fully vaccinated.— Associated Press
San Diego County Reports 149 COVID-19 Infections, No Deaths
– 5:45 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 2021
San Diego County is reporting 149 new cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 274,950 and the death toll remaining at 3,674.
Of the 10,234 test results reported Sunday, 1% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests was 1.8%.
Hospitalizations due to the coronavirus increased from 176 on Saturday to 177 on Sunday. Patients in intensive care beds declined from 58 on Saturday to 57 on Sunday. There were 48 staffed, available ICU beds in the county as of Sunday.
More than 2.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, and 1,271,551 county residents — or 63% of the county's goal of 75% of its eligible population — have received at least one dose.
The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — equating to around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
On Sunday, the county reported that a total of 797,590 people in San Diego County — or 39.5% of that goal — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the region.
There were five community outbreaks reported Sunday, and 22 over the last seven days with 86 cases associated with the five outbreaks. – City News Service
San Diego County Reports 245 COVID-19 Infections, 12 Deaths
– 5:45 p.m., Saturday April 17, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 245 new COVID-19 infections and 12 deaths Saturday as case rates continue to decline.
Saturday's statistics increased the region's totals from throughout the pandemic to 274,811 infections and 3,674 deaths.
Of the 12,214 test results reported Saturday, 2% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests is 1.8%, a decline from Thursday's reported 1.9%.
Hospitalizations due to the coronavirus decreased from 183 Friday to 176 on Saturday. Patients in intensive care beds declined from 60 Friday to 58 on Saturday. There were 49 staffed, available ICU beds in the county as of Saturday.
Nearly 2.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, and 1,271,551 county residents — or 63% of the county's goal of 75% of its eligible population — have received at least one dose.
The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — equating to around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
The county reported on Saturday a total of 797,590 people in San Diego County — or 39.5% of that goal — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the region.
There were two community outbreaks reported Saturday, and 18 over the last seven days with 71 cases associated with the two outbreaks. – City News Service
San Diego County Reports 317 COVID-19 Infections, 9 Deaths
– 5:33 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 317 new COVID-19 infections and nine deaths Friday as case rates continue to decline.
Friday's statistics increased the region's totals from throughout the pandemic to 274,566 infections and 3,662 deaths.
Of the 18,038 test results reported Friday, 2% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests is 1.8%, a decline from Thursday's reported 1.9%.
Hospitalizations due to the coronavirus increased for the fourth day in a row, from 182 Thursday to 183 Friday. Patients in intensive care beds declined from 62 Thursday to 60 Friday. There were 46 staffed, available ICU beds in the county as of Friday.
Nearly 2.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, and 1,254,146 county residents — or 62.2% of the county's goal of 75% of its eligible population — have received at least one dose.
The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — equating to around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
The county reported a total of 784,730 people in San Diego County — or 38.9% of that goal — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the region. — City News Service
San Diego County Prepares for Expansion of Vaccine Pool
– 7:16 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Wednesday's statistics increased the region's cumulative totals from throughout the pandemic to 273,968 infections and 3,648 fatalities.
Of the 25 deaths reported Wednesday, 21 occurred in December and January according to the county Health and Human Services Agency, which did an audit of deaths and death certificates during the height of the mid-winter peak of deaths and hospitalizations in the county.
Of the 16,297 test results reported Wednesday, 2% returned positive. The 14-day rolling average of positive tests is 1.9%.
More than 2.2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, and 1,216,170 county residents — or 60.3% of the county's goal of 75% of its eligible population — have received at least one dose. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — equating to around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
The county reported a total of 757,355 people in the San Diego area — or 37.5% of that goal — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the region.
Following federal guidance, San Diego County stopped administering Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday. — City News Service
Newsom Pushes School Reopening As Many Districts Resist
– 3:01 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration said Wednesday that all California schools should reopen when the new academic year begins next fall, though his guidelines remain merely an expectation rather than a mandate.
Facing political pressure and a recall effort, Newsom has said he plans to lift most of California’s coronavirus restrictions June 15 as part of reopening the state to business-as-usual. Earlier this month, he made a similar pronouncement, but many districts and teachers remain reluctant.
Newsom has repeatedly said he sees no barriers to getting kids back into classrooms now, as California’s COVID-19 infections continue to drop and more residents get vaccinated. His administration reiterated that push on Wednesday, ahead of a visit to an elementary school in Santa Rosa.
“If current trends and best practices continue, the next school year can begin with offering full in-person instruction to all students,” the California Department of Health said in a presentation Wednesday that focused on school reopening. It specified that schools should plan to offer full days of instruction, five days a week.
That’s a far cry from the current situation in California, where many schools have reopened classrooms part-time with a mix of in-person and at-home learning. Many district officials and teachers are reluctant to return. And it remains unclear if all 6.2 million public school students will be back in classrooms this year or at the start of the next school year. — Associated Press
California Says J&J Pause Won't Affect Reopening, Vaccination Push
– 3:25 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021
California officials say the state's pause on using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as federal agencies examine a possible and rare side effect is likely to have little effect on vaccination efforts.
State officials directed counties and other providers on Tuesday to pause use of the J&J vaccine while federal agencies examine the side effects.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said vaccinations will open to people 16 and older as scheduled on Thursday and California still plans to lift most pandemic restrictions as announced in mid-June.
Nearly 900,000 Californians have received the J&J shot, including the governor. More than 15 million Californians are fully or partially vaccinated. — Associated Press
Dr. Fauci Reminds Of Tiny Risk For J&J Vaccine
– 10:28 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Dr. Anthony Fauci says Americans who’ve recently received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine shouldn’t be anxious about the “pause” in shots because of reports of blood clots.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called for the pause Tuesday to investigate six reports of potentially dangerous blood clots, among more than 6.8 million doses administered.
The nation’s top infectious disease expert says, “It's less than one in a million.” Fauci adds people should “pay attention” to symptoms associated with the blood clots, particularly between one and three weeks after the shot.
The White House was first informed of the announcement Monday night, coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients says. He defended the administration’s notification to states, saying, “there was no heads up here.”
Fauci says the pause by regulators is a “testimony to how seriously we take safety.” — Associated Press
San Diego County Pauses J&J Vaccine Following Feds' Guidelines
– 9:20 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021
San Diego County announced Tuesday morning that it is pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, following guidance from the federal government.
The county made the announcement in a tweet Tuesday morning.
"More detailed information will be provided later (Tuesday) morning and (Tuesday) afternoon," the tweet said. "This development comes as the CDC and CDPH are pausing use of the (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine." — City News Service
US Agencies Recommend Pause On Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
– 8:12 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2021
The Food and Drug Administration says it expects a short pause of Johnson & Johnson vaccines while regulators investigate reports of potentially dangerous clots in a small number of patients.
Dr. Janet Woodcock, the agency’s acting commissioner, says, “We expect it to be a matter of days for this pause.”
The U.S. FDA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the pause Tuesday to investigate unusual clots in six women that occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination with the J&J vaccine. The clots occurred in veins that drain blood from the brain and occurred together with low platelets. All cases were in women between the ages of 18 to 48.
Nearly 7 million J&J doses have been administered in the U.S., almost all without serious side effects.
Regulators say they want to educate patients and medical professionals about spotting and treating the clots. The clots were observed along with reduced platelet counts, making the usual treatment for blood clots, the blood thinner heparin, potentially “dangerous.” — Associated Press
Scripps Del Mar Fairgrounds Vaccination Super Station Closing Due To Vaccine Delivery Shortfall
– 9:00 a.m., Monday April 12, 2021
The Scripps Del Mar Fairgrounds Vaccination Super Station will be closed later this week due to the low number of COVID-19 vaccine doses that were delivered to Scripps Health last week.
The site will be closed Wednesday, April 14; Friday, April 16; Saturday, April 17; and Sunday, April, 18.
However, the site will be open Thursday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Patients who have appointments scheduled on those dates will be rescheduled automatically through the MyTurn online appointment system.
– KPBS Staff
San Diego Officials Report 229 New COVID-19 Cases, 8 More Pandemic Deaths
– 6:36 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2021
Public health officials in San Diego County have reported 229 new COVID-19 cases and eight more local deaths from the disease, increasing the region's cumulative totals to 273,286 infections and 3,621 fatalities.
More than 2.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the county Health & Human Services Agency, and 1,164,650 county residents — or 43.3% — have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines.
The county also reported a total of 681,263 people in the San Diego area — or 25.3% — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the region. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
One new community outbreak was reported Sunday. In the past seven days, 16 community outbreaks were confirmed. Cases associated with the outbreaks numbered 66.
— City News Service
361 More COVID Cases Reported In San Diego As Vaccination Rates Continues To Rise
– 5:42 p.m., Saturday, April 10, 2021
Public health officials in San Diego County have reported 361 new COVID-19 cases and 13 more local deaths from the disease, increasing the region's cumulative totals to 273,057 infections and 3,613 fatalities.
More than 2.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the county Health & Human Services Agency, and 1,119,988 county residents — or 41.7% — have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines.
The county also reported a total of 652,257 people in the San Diego area — or 24.3% — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the region. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
One new community outbreak was reported Saturday. In the past seven days, 19 community outbreaks were confirmed. Cases associated with the outbreaks numbered 80. — City News Service
San Diego Officials Report 202 New COVID Cases, Eight More Pandemic Deaths
– 7:07 p.m., Friday, April 9, 2021
Public health officials in San Diego County reported 202 new COVID-19 cases and eight more local deaths from the disease Friday, increasing the region's cumulative totals to 272,696 infections and 3,600 fatalities.
More than 2.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the county Health & Human Services Agency, and 1,097,317 county residents — or 40.8% — have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines.
A total of 642,123 people in the San Diego area — or 23.9% — are fully vaccinated. The numbers include both county residents and those who only work in the region. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve so-called herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diego County residents.
Three new community outbreaks were reported Thursday — one in a business setting, one in a grocery/retail setting and one in a retail setting. In the past seven days, 18 community outbreaks were confirmed.
The county moved into the less-restrictive orange tier of the state's coronavirus reopening system Wednesday, and a 10 p.m. curfew for all restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and wineries was lifted. — City News Service
San Diego County Reports 300 New COVID-19 Cases, 4 Deaths
– 5:53 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 300 new COVID-19 infections and four deaths Thursday, increasing the region's cumulative totals to 272,494 cases and 3,592 deaths.
Three women and one man died between March 16 and April 7. Of the people who died, three were in their 70s and one was in their 50s. Three had underlying medical conditions while the other did not.
Of the 16,596 tests reported Thursday, 2% returned positive. The 14- day running average as tallied by the county is 2.3%.
Hospitalizations related to the virus decreased to 173 from the 181 reported Wednesday. Patients in intensive care units remained unchanged at 57. There are 61 available, manned ICU beds in the county.
More than 2.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, and 1,097,317 county residents — or 40.8% — have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines.
A total of 642,123 people in San Diego County — or 23.9% — are fully vaccinated. — City News Service
County Moves To Orange Tier; 328 New COVID-19 Cases, 3 Deaths Confirmed
– 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2021
San Diego County moved into the less-restrictive orange tier of the state's coronavirus reopening system Wednesday and a 10 p.m. curfew for all restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and wineries in place since July was lifted as public health officials reported 328 new infections and three deaths.
Wednesday's COVID-19 data increased the county's cumulative totals to 272,194 cases and 3,588 since the pandemic began.
The three deaths were men who died between March 3 and March 21. One was in his 80s, one in his 70s and one in his 60s, health officials said.
Of the 14,322 tests reported Wednesday, 2% returned positive. The 14-day running average as tallied by the county is 2.2%.
More than 2.06 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, and 1,066,410 county residents — or 39.7% — have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines.
A total of 625,632 people in San Diego County — or 23.3% — are fully vaccinated.
These numbers include both county residents and those who work in San Diego County. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diego County residents. — City News Service
SDSU, UCSD Plan To Return Primarily In-Person This Fall
– 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2021
San Diego State University and UC San Diego will return primarily to in-person education and reopen on-campus housing for students in the fall term, it was announced Wednesday.
As an initial step, SDSU plans to share updated guidance next week for faculty members and researchers intended to allow them to gain increased access to their on-campus research and academic spaces this spring, subject to custodial and staff support capacity limitations. A more comprehensive return to academic spaces is expected in late summer, according to SDSU officials.
As a result of the state's plan to lift all COVID-19 restrictions — aside from masks and general social distancing guidelines — on June 15 if metrics hold, SDSU is planning to ramp up spaces for students, as well.
At UCSD, officials said they expects around 90% of students and 85% of on-site staff to be fully vaccinated by the fall quarter, citing positive trends regarding vaccinations and the school's "Return To Learn" COVID-19 response. Campus residence halls will be at near 100% occupancy, with no more than two students per room, according to a UCSD statement.
Facial coverings will still be required in all public spaces, while physical distancing guidelines are expected to be reduced from six feet to three feet in most settings.
Most instruction will be in-person in either indoor or outdoor classrooms, though "appropriate remote learning options will be made available for students who are unable to arrive from abroad due to visa delays or travel restrictions," the university said. – City News Service
San Diego County Moving Into Orange Tier
– 12 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Starting Wednesday, San Diego County will be moving into the less-restrictive orange tier of the state’s color-coded COVID-19 risk levels, the state announced Tuesday morning.
County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher also confirmed the announcement, saying it’s “yet another significant step in our recovery from COVID-19.”
The county will also lift the 10 p.m. curfew for restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and wineries that has been in place since last July, Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said.
“The vaccine has given us a path to save lives, restore our economy, send our kids back to school and get our way of life back,” he said in a statement. “The combination of a low case rate plus the state hitting vaccine milestones allows us to continue moving forward.”
Earlier Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state would lift most coronavirus restrictions June 15, provided the vaccine supply remains stable and infection rates remain low.
Under the orange tier, more businesses, such as bars that do not serve food, can reopen. Restaurants can operate indoors at 50% capacity, wineries, distilleries and breweries can resume indoor service, and outdoor live events such as sports and entertainment can increase capacity to 33%. — KPBS staff
Gov. Newsom Announces State To Reopen June 15 With Some Restrictions; Mask Mandate Still In Place
Starting June 15 everyday activities can resume and most businesses can fully reopen with “common-sense risk reduction measures.”
Governor Gavin Newsom made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, citing California’s vaccination progress and low COVID-19 hospitalization rate. State officials are reporting more than 20 million doses have been administered and 41% of state residents over 16 are now vaccinated with their first dose.
“It is incumbent upon all of us not to announce mission accomplished, not to put down our guard but to continue that vigilance that got us where we are today — the lowest case rates, positivity rates in America,” Newsom said during televised remarks in San Francisco Tuesday. “We are seeing bright light at the end of the tunnel and on June 15th all things being equal we continue that good work we’ll have moved beyond that blueprint and reopening businesses as usual.”
California Health and Human Service Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly added that most businesses will not have capacity requirements. But he said conventions with over 5,000 people will be prohibited until October, unless organizers can prove all attendees will be vaccinated or have a negative test. International convention attendees will only be allowed if they are fully vaccinated. Ghaly added officials are still working to bring back large outdoor and indoor events, like Coachella, which will still not be allowed after June 15th.
RELATED: Tracking COVID-19 Vaccines
California’s mask mandate will stay in place. The current color-coded tier system will be gone in ten weeks and the entire state will see restrictions removed on June 15th.
“This will not be county by county as the blueprint has been,” Ghaly said. “This means the end to our color code tiers. This means we can go to the beach and see family.”
Ghaly said demand is still high for vaccinations, and officials are working on new guidance to gradually reopen sectors of the economy while incentivizing vaccinations.
New guidance expected by April 15th will expand capacity for private events if people are vaccinated and/or have a recent negative test. Ghaly said announcing the move now, will prepare businesses and communities to be ready for the “post-bluepret era in California.”
“California has made incredible progress controlling the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, masking, and getting vaccines out quickly to Californians in every corner of the state, including in those communities hardest hit by this pandemic. In order to take the next step, we must continue to do our part to keep this momentum moving in the right direction, and that means continuing to wear a mask and ensuring everyone who is eligible gets the vaccine,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly.
In San Diego County, nearly two million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered and 1,034,511 county residents — or 38.5% — have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency.
A total of 611,154 people in San Diego County — or 22.7% — are fully vaccinated. These numbers include both county residents and those who work in San Diego County.
The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diegans.
– KPBS Reporter Matt Hoffman
Official: EU Agency To Confirm AstraZeneca Blood Clot Link
– 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021
A top official at the European Medicines Agency says there's a causal link between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and rare cases of blood clots, but he says the benefits of getting the vaccine still outweigh the risks.
Marco Cavaleri, head of health threats and vaccine strategy at the EU agency, told a Rome newspaper that the agency is preparing to make a more definitive statement this week.
He says it will be based on the evidence that there is a clear association even though the cause isn’t yet understood. The EU agency said a press conference may be held later this week.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is critical to Europe’s immunization campaign and a linchpin in the global strategy to get vaccines to poor countries. — Associated Press
Official: Biden Moving Vaccine Eligibility Date To April 19
– 9:27 a.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021
President Joe Biden is set to announce that he's shaving about two weeks off his May 1 deadline for states to make all adults eligible for coronavirus vaccines.
A White House official says Biden will make the announcement later Tuesday. With states gradually expanding eligibility beyond such priority groups as seniors and essential, front-line workers, the president plans to announce that every adult in the U.S. will be eligible to be vaccinated by April 19.
That’s about two weeks earlier than Biden’s original May 1 deadline. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Biden’s plans before the formal announcement. — Associated Press
San Diego County Reports 127 New COVID-19 Cases, As It Awaits State Guidance
– 6:07 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2021
San Diego County public health officials Monday reported 127 new COVID-19 infections raising the total to 271,654, while hospitalizations related to the virus dropped to 189, eight less than a day earlier.
The number of patients in intensive care units increased by two to 57. There were no additional deaths reported, leaving the total at 3,583.
Of the 5,517 tests reported Monday, 2% returned positive. The 14-day running average as tallied by the county is 2.2%.
Nearly 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, and 1,034,511 county residents — or 38.5% — have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines. — City News Service
UC San Diego Leaders Announce Fall Return To In-Person Classes
– 5:57 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2021
UC San Diego plans to return to in-person teaching with normal classroom occupancy for the fall term, university officials said Monday, citing the school's "Return To Learn" COVID-19 response and increasing vaccination numbers.
"We will support the health and well-being of students, staff and faculty in fall 2021 in accordance with the public health guidelines from the county and the state," Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla and Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth H. Simmons wrote in a joint letter released Monday. "The appropriate services and support mechanisms (e.g., vaccination, symptom screening, on-arrival testing, asymptomatic testing, contact tracing, isolation/quarantine housing, wastewater monitoring, outdoor classrooms, compliance protocols, and cleaning services) will continue to be provided as necessary."
UCSD touts its Return to Learn virus response and prevention measures as a reason there have been no documented transmissions of the virus in the university's classrooms or research laboratories. — City News Service
Del Mar Vaccination Super Station Closing Due To Vaccine Delivery Shortfall
The Scripps Del Mar Fairgrounds Vaccination Super Station will close Wednesday, April 7 through Sunday, April 11, due to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccine doses.
People who already have appointments scheduled at the super station during the days it will be closed should reschedule automatically through the MyTurn online appointment system.
Vaccines are available at the super station by appointment only.
– KPBS Staff
San Diego County Reports 193 COVID-19 Cases, 12 Deaths
– 5:45 p.m., Sunday, April 4, 2021
County public health officials have reported 193 new infections and 12 additional deaths.
Sunday's data increased the cumulative number of infections to 271,527 and the death toll at 3,583.
Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 increased to 197 Sunday from Saturday's reported 185. The number of patients in intensive care units decreased to 55.
Of the 13,160 tests reported Sunday, 1% returned positive. The 14-day running average as tallied by the county is 2.3%.
Vaccines were made available to everyone in the state age 50 and older as of Thursday, then will be available to everyone 16 and up on April 15, Newsom announced last week.
More than 1.88 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, and 1,022,026 San Diegans — or 38% — have received at least one dose of the two doses Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. A total of 605,707 people in the county — or 22.5% — are fully vaccinated.
These numbers include both county residents and those who work in San Diego County. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diegans. — KPBS Staff
San Diego County Reports 299 COVID-19 Cases, 3 Deaths
– 6:02 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021
San Diego County public health officials reported 299 new infections and three deaths on Saturday.
Saturday's data increased the cumulative number of infections to 271,334 and the death toll at 3,571.
Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 decreased to 185 from Friday's reported 201. The number of patients in intensive care units decreased to 57.
Of the 11,307 tests reported Saturday, 3% returned positive. The 14- day running average as tallied by the county is 2.2%.
Vaccines were made available to everyone in the state age 50 and older as of Thursday, then will be available to everyone 16 and up on April 15, Newsom announced last week.
More than 1.88 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, and 999,769 San Diegans — or 37.2% — have received at least one dose of the two doses Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. A total of 595,147 people in the county — or 22.1% — are fully vaccinated. — City News Service
San Diego County Reports 496 COVID-19 Cases, 13 Deaths, Newsom Praises Vaccine Effort
– 5:20 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom toured a COVID-19 vaccination site in City Heights Friday, hailing San Diego for leading the way in the administration of vaccine doses, as county public health officials reported 496 new infections and 13 deaths.
Friday's data increased the cumulative number of infections to 271,035 and the death toll remains at 3,568.
Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 increased to 201 from Thursday's reported 196. The number of patients in intensive care units decreased to 61.
Of the 18,435 tests reported Friday, 3% returned positive. The 14-day running average as tallied by the county is 2.3%.
Vaccines were made available to everyone in the state age 50 and older beginning Thursday, then will be available to everyone 16 and up on April 15, Newsom announced last week.
More than 1.88 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, and more than 975,000 San Diegans — or 36.3% — have received at least one dose of the two doses Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. A total of 586,575 people in the county — or 21.8% — are fully vaccinated.
These numbers include both county residents and those who work in San Diego County. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diegans.
— City News Service
California To Allow Indoor Gatherings As Virus Cases Plummet
– 2:19 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2021
California will allow indoor concerts, theater performances and other private gatherings starting April 15 as the rate of people testing positive for the coronavirus in the state nears a record low.
The decision is a sharp turnaround from the slow pace California has taken on lifting restrictions, and comes as the governor urges people to continue being vigilant about wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
To attend gatherings, people will have to either be tested or show proof of full vaccination. California has administered nearly 19 million doses and nearly 6.9 million people are fully vaccinated in a state with nearly 40 million residents. But only people 50 and over are eligible statewide to get the vaccine now. Adults 16 and older won't be eligible until April 15.
Under the new rules, how many people can attend events will depend on the level of restrictions in place at each county. The state divides counties into four tiers based on how widespread the virus is in those places.
The purple tier is most restrictive. Indoor concerts and theater performances aren’t allowed in this tier. They are allowed in the red tier, but at 10% capacity for venues holding up to 1,500 people and 20% capacity for venues with greater capacity. If all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination, that capacity would jump to 25% and 35%, respectively.
Capacity increases in each of the lower tiers.
– Associated Press
Newsom Hails SD Vaccination Efforts, Hints At Pending Advance To Orange Tier
– 2:19 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom toured a COVID-19 vaccination site in City Heights Friday, hailing San Diego for leading the way in the administration of vaccine doses, particularly in its efforts in hard-hit, underserved communities.
Newsom hailed the city and county for "leading the way in the state of California in terms of doses administered, in terms of meeting not just the ... broad strokes on the issue of equity, but actually manifesting them by doing the hard work of getting into communities like this, working with trusted messengers, working with community-based organizations, partnering with folks ... to do the work of making sure that we are actually delivering on our promises on equity."
The governor also referenced the continuing statewide effort to deliver vaccines to the lowest-income communities hardest hit by the pandemic, saying nearly 3.7 million doses have been administered in such areas. He said the state will hit 4 million by next week, "which will allow cities and counties like San Diego to move more quickly through these tiers, ultimately getting to a green tier that we'll be talking a lot more about next week."
– Associated Press
Audit: Contact Tracing In California Failed To Meet Goals
– 2:19 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2021
Despite promises from Gov. Gavin Newsom to build an “army" of contact tracers to contain the coronavirus pandemic, a new audit says California mustered less than half of the number promised.
But even if the staffing goals were met, it would not have been enough. The intended number of contact tracers was based on an assumption that California would average 5,000 new coronavirus infections a day. But the nation's most populated state averaged 25,000 per day from late November to the end of December.
“The sheer number of cases has overwhelmed local health jurisdictions’ contact tracing efforts,” State Auditor Elaine Howle wrote in the report released Thursday.
Public health officials say one of the best ways to slow the spread of a dangerous disease is to contact infected people and retrace their steps. The goal is to identify others who have been exposed, contact them and ask them to quarantine before they can spread the virus to others.
Contact tracing was central to California’s strategy early in the pandemic. The Department of Public Health estimated the state needed 31,400 contact tracers. Newsom pledged to train 10,000 state workers and deploy them to help local public health departments meet that goal.
– Associated Press
Weekend Vaccination Event Targets Those In 92113 ZIP Code
– 2:19 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2021
On Saturday Family Health Centers of San Diego, American Medical Response (AMR) and the Latino Equity Council are hoping to vaccinate 2,000 residents from the 92113 ZIP code, which includes Barrio Logan.
The event is being held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Logan Heights Family Health Center and appointments are required ahead of time.
"It’s been challenging to get appointments," said former San Diego City Council Member David Alvarez. "So that’s why we’re making really easy for a community where the digital divide exists."
Alvarez and others have been going door-to-door, hitting an estimated 4,000 doors in the Barrio Logan area this week, giving them information and a phone number to call to book an appointment for this Saturday.
– Matt Hoffman, KPBS Reporter
San Diego County Reports 252 New COVID-19 Cases As Vaccine Eligibility Expands
– 5:42 p.m., Thursday, April 1, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines eligibility expanded to millions of Californians age 50 and older Thursday, as San Diego County public health officials reported 252 new coronavirus cases.
COVID-19 vaccines will be made available to everyone in California age 50 and older beginning today, then everyone age 16 and up on April 15, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last Thursday.
"We know some San Diegans are anxious to get vaccinated, but we're asking people to be patient," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county public health officer. "As we get more vaccines, it will be easier to make an appointment and get vaccinated."
More than 1.88 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency and more than 956,216 San Diegans — or 35.6% — have received at least one dose of the two doses Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. A total of 576,336 people in the county — or 21.4% — are fully vaccinated.
These numbers includes both county residents and those who work in San Diego County. The state's goal is to vaccinate 75% of people 16 and older to achieve herd immunity — around 2.02 million San Diegans.
According to San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, the county saw an increase of around 25% in vaccine doses this past week, and he predicted numbers would continue to climb as the state prepares to make everyone over the age of 16 eligible to receive a vaccine. — City News Service
