Image from San Luis Obispo Public Health Department Twitter.
–San Luis Obispo County reported 229 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the highest new daily case count since the pandemic began. Sunday’s new case count was lower, with 60 new cases added, and 54 new cases were added on Monday.
Active cases peaked on Sunday at 1,849, and have since lowered slightly to 1823. The county’s total is now at 8,803 confirmed cases as of Monday afternoon.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department says that the recent surge in cases is likely connected to Thanksgiving gatherings:
After recent holidays, we’ve seen a spike in cases in our community. We can’t afford another surge after Christmas and New Year’s. Please help us ensure that doesn’t happen by enjoying the holidays safely this year. #SLOtheSpread#WeAreSLOCountypic.twitter.com/JGVGi1uCWQ
COVID-19 contact tracers in San Luis Obispo County are asking for the public’s help as a surge in cases recently have strained County Public Health Department resources.
“Don’t wait to isolate,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “Our contact tracers are trying to keep up with the local surge in cases but may not be able to call you immediately. We need your help. Immediately stay home for at least 10 days if you test positive or have been exposed.”
The County Public Health Department is working as quickly as possible to contact all active cases and alert their close contacts, but resources are stretched beyond capacity due the current surge. Because of this, local health officials are asking for the public’s assistance – both to help to reduce the number of cases locally and to take immediate action if COVID-19 positive or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
–The County of San Luis Obispo reported 191 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, as well as three more deaths that they attribute to COVID-19.
One person was in their 80s and the other person was in their 90s, and one was over 100, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department. The county is currently attributing a total of 59 deaths to the virus.
The county has now recorded a total of 8,460 cases since the pandemic began. Currently, 35 people are hospitalized, with eight in the ICU.
The 14-day new case average broke another all-time record on Friday, hitting 137 cases. Active cases of COVID-19 in SLO County also broke a record on Friday and now stands at 1633 people.
–The County of San Luis Obispo added 179 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, as well as two more deaths that are attributed to COVID-19. One person was in their 80s and the other person was in their 90s, and they both had underlying health conditions, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department. The county is currently attributing a total of 56 deaths to the virus.
The county has now recorded a total of 8,269 cases since the pandemic was declared.
The 14-day new case average is at an all-time high at 129. Active cases are at an all-time high as well, with 1,633 in SLO County as of Wednesday afternoon. Currently, 27 people are hospitalized, with eight in the ICU.
–Due to the upcoming holiday, the County of San Luis Obispo will not hold a COVID-19 news briefing on Wednesday, Dec. 23. The next news briefing will resume the following week on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
If an emergent need arises and a news briefing becomes necessary, the county will distribute a media advisory to media outlets with specific, timely information.
See the following schedule below for clarity:
SLO County COVID-19 briefing schedule
• Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 3:15 p.m. – Canceled
• Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 3:15 p.m. – Briefings will resume
Submit questions in advance: jic-pio@co.slo.ca.us
If unable to attend in person, send questions to email address above in advance. Questions must be received before noon on the day of the briefing.