COVID-19 numbers 26 times higher than going into last Memorial Day weekend – The San Diego Union-Tribune

San Diego Countys latest coronavirus numbers show that a persons chances of getting infected this Memorial Day weekend will be much greater than they were one year ago.

Daily case counts updated Thursday afternoon show that there were 1,897 new cases reported Wednesday, nearly 26 times the 73 reported on the same day in 2021. COVID-19-related hospitalizations are also increasing, though at a much slower pace than was the case during the Delta variant surge last summer.

Last year, the states reopening system was still in effect for what is traditionally seen as the start of the summer vacation season. Masks were still required, and some types of businesses and entertainment venues were still closed.

This year, its just the opposite. Everything is open, and masks are not required, even on planes and other forms of shared transportation.

The differences were an unspoken part of a coronavirus-themed news event Thursday organized by county Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and San Diego Councilmember Jennifer Campbell.

While many hours have been spent counseling the public to wear masks and avoid crowds over the last two and a half years of the pandemic, nobody reiterated those messages during Thursdays prepared remarks.

There seemed to be a tacit understanding among the politicians and health care experts who took the podium that the public is going to do what its going to do over the next few days. Those planning to attend parties are not likely to cancel their plans over coronavirus. Those who have remained concerned likely have already limited their social calendars and are already wearing masks when in public places.

But with coronavirus spreading as readily as it has been, it appears inevitable that further increases in new infections will be likely in the coming weeks and months, especially as new variants first spotted overseas appear on the West Coast.

Those who do end up getting sick, experts said, need to understand that they can significantly improve their odds of having a mild coronavirus encounter if they understand and seek out drugs shown to greatly reduces the chances of hospitalization and death if they are taken early enough in the course of illness.

County treatment centers currently offer two different medications capable of preventing the virus from replicating itself after it enters the body, greatly reducing the chances of severe COVID-19 consequences.

Paxlovid, an antiviral medication made by Pfizer, is in pill form and must be taken within five days of symptoms appearing while monoclonal antibody Bebtelovimab must be administered intravenously within seven days.

Treatment is effective and its available, said Dr. Jennifer Tuteur, the countys deputy chief medical officer. If youre at risk of getting severe complications from COVID, please access treatment for yourself and your loved ones.

These drugs remain available only to those said to be at an elevated risk of severe COVID-19 complications. Anyone age 65 years and older is eligible as is anyone with a compromised immune system or a chronic disease such as diabetes, chronic kidney, liver or heart disease, mental health disorders such as depression or schizophrenia, and neurologic conditions such as dementia.

Current and former smokers are also included as is anyone with a body mass index of 30 or greater (180 pounds for a person who is five feet, five inches tall). A full list of qualifying conditions is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though Tuteur urges anyone who thinks they might qualify to discuss the situation with their doctor first.

Appointments are available seven days per week by calling 619-685-2500 or visiting coronavirus-SD.com.

Campbell said she recently became quite ill with a coronavirus infection and received a monoclonal treatment, avoiding progression of the disease.

Whether you have been infected after you were vaccinated and boosted, or whether you were not vaccinated, it doesnt matter, you can still come in and get treatment, Campbell said.

Overall, daily new-case totals have remained over 1,000 in six of the past seven days, according to county records, falling from the 1,578 new cases reported on Tuesday, May 18, to only 917 Tuesday before jumping back up to 1,897 Wednesday.

Total local hospitalizations fell below 100 on May 1 but have gradually risen over the past month, reaching 180 Wednesday.

Go here to read the rest:

COVID-19 numbers 26 times higher than going into last Memorial Day weekend - The San Diego Union-Tribune