SLO County reports more than 2,000 active COVID-19 cases
–The County of San Luis Obispo today reported 258 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the total number of active local cases to 2,050. This is the highest number of new daily cases and highest number of active local cases reported since the pandemic began.
Health officials say the surge in new cases reflects the “second generation” of cases spread during Thanksgiving holidays.
“This surge in cases means the risk has gone up for all of us in SLO County,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “Every activity now carries more risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 than it did even a few weeks ago. We must all do our part to make sure we do not fuel this surge during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. Please: wear a mask, stay home if you are sick, and avoid gathering with people outside your household.”
The surge in cases mirrors patterns seen across the state, according to the county. They say it threatens to overwhelm local health care capacity if it continues and is already straining local contact tracing capacity, with contact tracers struggling to quickly inform contacts of possible exposure. The county says that anyone who has been in close contact (more than 15 minutes within six feet) with someone who tests positive for the virus should self-quarantine without waiting for a call from a contact tracer. It is also putting pressure on public health response resources, as public health teams are currently responding to 15 active outbreaks at long-term care facilities, corrections facilities, fire stations, and other settings.
“These cases represent more than two thousand of our neighbors who in some cases are now very ill as a result of our collective actions a few weeks ago,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein. “Now is not the time to let your weariness get the best of you. As difficult as it is, we must continue to protect each other and especially our most vulnerable neighbors by doing what it takes to slow the spread.”
The county is attributing 5 more deaths to the virus, bringing the total number of recorded deaths in San Luis Obispo County to 65.
Sadly, 5 more of our neighbors have succumbed to COVID-19, bringing number of deaths to 65. Two people were in their 70s, one in 80s, and two in 90s. We must each do our part to slow the spread and protect each other. https://t.co/wxaVX1veb6
— SLO Public Health (@SLOPublicHealth) December 22, 2020
To view detailed statistics, click here.
For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with COVID-19 questions.
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