Local cases increase again

Local cases increase again

(April 16) One more case of COVID-19 was reported by the County of San Diego today. Scripps Ranch now has a total of 10. The cases reported are based on the ZIP Code area in which the patients reside.

There were still 37 cases in Mira Mesa; and Poway is holding steady at 19 cases.

County COVID-19 deaths now at 63

By José A. Álvarez
County of San Diego Communications Office

Sixty-three San Diegans have died from COVID-19, and cases increased by 75, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.

Two women – one in her late 30s and another in her late 70s – and a man in his early 50s are the newly reported fatalities. All had existing medical conditions.

“The loss of life is very unfortunate, but COVID-19 can be deadly, especially for the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the friends and loved ones of those who have died from COVID-19.”

The great majority of the people who have died from COVID-19 are 70 and older. The youngest were two people in their 20s. Of those who have died, 35 were men and 28 were women. 

More than 29,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered to San Diegans. Of those, 2,087 have been positive, including 75 new cases announced today.

Of the local cases, 1,047 (50.2 percent) were men and 1,034 (49.5 percent) were women. The gender of six people is unknown. Of the reported cases, 407 (24.3 percent) have required hospitalization and 181 (8.7 percent) of the total number of people who tested positive had to be placed in intensive care. Sixty-three (3 percent) have died.

Priority Groups for COVID-19 Testing
The County continues to work with local hospitals, community clinics and laboratories to expand opportunities for more people to get tested for COVID-19.

The County is following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for testing for COVID-19. They establish the following priority groups:

Priority 1

• Hospitalized patients
• Healthcare facility workers with symptoms

Priority 2

• People 65 years and older and patients in long-term care facilities with symptoms
• Patients with underlying conditions and first responders with symptoms

Priority 3

• Essential workers with symptoms
• Healthcare facility workers and first responders
• People with symptoms who are not in above priority groups
• People with mild symptoms in communities with high numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations