San Diego is seeing an increase in the number of positive COVID numbers being reported by the county since May. According to Live Well San Diego, San Diego County is now in the CDC’s highest level of community transmission, and the agency predicts COVID-related hospital admissions in California will rise in the coming weeks.
The CDC says the new Omicron variant – BA.5 is now the new dominant strain and highly transmissible. The Food and Drug Administration says new booster shots specifically targeting omicron could roll out as soon as this fall and should be helpful in preventing serious illness and deaths.
The CDC suggests the best way to protect yourself & others:
- Get vaccinated and stay-up-to date on your COVID 19 vaccines
- Wear a mask
- Social distance – stay 6 feet away from others
- Avoid poorly ventilated spaces and crowds
- Test to prevent the spread to others
- Wash your hands often – use soap and water for at least 20 seconds (use a hand sanitizers that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly or as needed and after you have visitors in your home
- Monitor your health daily – watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow recommendations for quarantine and isolation
- Take precautions when you travel