COVID-19 deaths nearly double
By José A. Álvarez
County of San Diego Communications Office
(Sept. 1, 2021) A total of 49 COVID-19 deaths were reported in the San Diego region in the past seven days (Aug. 25-31), nearly double the 25 reported the week before (Aug. 18-24), the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
Scripps Ranch is not exempt
According to figures which San Diego County has been updating since the beginning of the pandemic, two more local residents succumbed to COVID-19. The fatalities caused by COVID-19 in the 92131 ZIP Code area of Scripps Ranch held steady at nine for several months, but the latest update from the County shows that the number of deaths now stands at 11.
The total number of cases recorded in the 92131 ZIP Code area of Scripps Ranch is 1,662. That’s an increase of 173 cases since Aug. 11. Meanwhile, a total of 27,372 residents of Scripps Ranch have been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the County of San Diego. That’s an increase of 482 since Aug. 11.
Deaths in San Diego County
Of the 49 deaths, 12 were 80 years of age or older, 13 were in their 70s, 12 were in their 60s, seven were in their 50s and five were in their 40s.
Most of the deaths being reported now have been San Diegans who were not vaccinated.
“These deaths are very tragic because they could have been prevented,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “We now have very safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19. These deaths should not have occurred.”
Public health officials expected that more people would get vaccinated after the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine on Aug. 23. The region has seen a slight uptick in vaccinations.
An average of 3,749 San Diegans got their first doses daily between Aug. 23 and Aug. 28. In comparison, an average of 3,651 people received their first shot between Aug. 17 and Aug. 22.
“Unvaccinated San Diegans are primarily the ones ending up in the hospital and, unfortunately, dying,” Wooten said.
No-cost COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in the region. They can be found at medical providers, retail pharmacies, community clinics and County public health centers for people who do not have a medical provider. For a list of locations and more information, visit www.coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine.