An increase in COVID-19 across San Diego County has prompted one health care system to up its masking protocols, while public health officials are urging all residents to get vaccinated and tested when sick.
UC San Diego Health on Friday said their hospital was entering the "yellow tier" after seeing a gradual increase in respiratory illness. Under the yellow tier, patients and visitors are strongly recommended to wear masks. Anyone suspected of or diagnosed with a respiratory illness is required to wear a mask.
According to the county Public Health Services the positivity rate for COVID-19 tests has increased to more than 14% this month and wastewater surveillance — able to detect the amount of virus active in the community — has risen both throughout California and in San Diego.
Meantime, local medical doctors say the latest FLiRT variant is being detected in recent cases. Doctor Erik Berg with the County of San Diego told NBC7 that while there’s been an increase in hospitalizations, it’s still no where near levels reached during the height of the pandemic.
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On Thursday, San Diego County Public Health officials urged residents to get up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and test when they feel ill.
"We are recommending everyone take precautions so people can enjoy summer activities and stay healthy," said Interim Public Health Officer Dr. Ankita Kadakia. "If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or were recently exposed to someone who had COVID-19, test yourself and your family. Now is also a great time to get vaccinated if you haven't done so already."
To boost access to tests, the county has expanded the availability of no-cost testing at local public health centers. Appointments are highly encouraged, with walk-ins accepted based on availability.
The locations are:
- Central Region Public Health Center, 1501 Market St., San Diego from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays;
- South Region Public Health Center, 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and
- East Region Public Health Center, 460 N. Magnolia Ave., Ste. A, El Cajon from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Doctor Abisola Olulade, chief impact officer at Sharp Rees-Stealy, recommends having at-home COVID-19 tests too.
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“We want to know if you have COVID, we want to know immediately if it’s COVID or something else or if it’s just allergies, which we’re seeing too,” Olulade said.
For those who do test positive, CDC guidelines recommend wearing a mask and isolating until symptoms subside.
But the first line of defense, according to Abisola, is using what’s already available.
“We should make use of the tools we now have – antivirals, vaccines, masks so these are all tools we should all utilize,” Olulade said.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine, which was released in fall 2023, is "an effective way to protect people from developing severe symptoms," public health officials said. A second dose of the 2023-2024 formulation is safe and recommended for people 65 years of age and older, and those with underlying conditions until the 2024-25 COVID-19 becomes available.
Vaccines are especially encouraged for people who are pregnant, with underlying conditions and adults 65 years of age and older.
People can schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or contacting their local pharmacy or health care provider.
County Public Health Centers continue to provide the vaccine to those who are uninsured and participate in outreach to vaccinate in the underserved communities. Visit coronavirus-sd.com for more information.
