San Diego County public health officials have reported 2,980 new COVID-19 cases and 43 additional deaths while expanding eligibility to receive the coronavirus vaccine to those ages 65 and older.
Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer, said Saturday that appointments are still required and vaccinations are available based on supply. These new requirements apply to all sites providing the county vaccine.
More information is at coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine and reservations can be made at vaccinationsuperstationsd.com.
Saturday marked the 54th consecutive day with more than 1,000 cases. It is the 26th time in the past 30 days with more than 2,000 new cases of the virus.
The county's cumulative case total increased to 225,558 and the death toll is now at 2,344.
Over the past 30 days, just a 10% increase in the number of hospitalizations has been recorded, with a 21% increase in patients in ICUs, according to the county's Health and Human Services Agency.
The data showing a decline in cases and overall hospitalizations, but an increase in ICU patients and deaths might indicate a tapering down of a major wave of the pandemic.
A median two-week period between infection and first symptoms along with additional time between symptoms and hospitalization, serious symptoms and death could mean these record numbers are from people who were initially infected around the Christmas and New Years Day holidays.
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San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the numbers, but wanted to see a longer downward trend and warned the public not to become complacent.
"Numbers can rapidly turn around and go the other direction," he said.
Seven community outbreaks were reported Friday, while 46 have been recorded in the past week, tied to 212 cases.
With 181,738 total vaccinations administered, and 29,158 people having received both doses, at least 1% of the county's population over the age of 16 has been inoculated. Fletcher said the number of vaccines administered is likely much higher, but health providers have been slow to update.
A second "Vaccination Super Station" opened Thursday in Chula Vista. A smaller vaccine site will open this weekend in National City. These are intended to provide relief to the hard-hit South Bay region and its Latino population.
Latinos make up around 34% of the county's total population but comprise 56.9% of all COVID-19 cases, 54.2% of all hospitalizations from the virus and 44.1% of the deaths.
