A total of 56 San Diegans lost their lives to COVID-19 for the reporting period ending Jan. 4, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced. The 56 deaths follow the record 62 deaths set last Dec. 30 and the 58 deaths reported on New Year's Day.

County health officials are attributing the increasing number in deaths to gatherings over the holidays and the presence in the community of the new coronavirus variant that recently emerged in the United Kingdom, which is more contagious than the previous strain.

"Each of the 56 people who lost their lives to COVID-19 during this reporting period was someone's parent, sibling, friend, or spouse, as well as a valued member of our community," said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. "These deaths are a sobering reminder that we must all do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Due to the steady increase in case numbers and new strain being detected in the region, County health officials are reminding San Diegans to:

• Keep your distance from others and leave your household only for essential activities
• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands
• If you're sick, get tested, and then stay home and isolate yourself