COVID-19 cases continue to decline, treatment options expand
Seventeen more deaths reported following winter surge
– San Luis Obispo County’s recent COVID-19 surge is continuing to subside as new cases decline and pressure on the local health care system eases significantly, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department. However, deaths caused by COVID-19 have not yet slowed. Since last week’s report, the Public Health Department has confirmed that seventeen more SLO County residents—ranging in age from their 40s to their 90s—have died from COVID-19.
“SLO County is unfortunately still feeling the painful impact of this winter’s surge,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, county health officer. “Today’s news mirrors what we are seeing across the country, that deaths increase several weeks after a peak in cases. I encourage everyone in our community, especially those at higher risk for severe disease, to protect yourself with the vaccine, wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and get tested right away if you are sick or exposed to COVID-19 so you can access treatment if it’s appropriate for your health situation.”
Access to effective FDA-approved treatment options, including take-at-home pills, has recently expanded nationwide. Treatment is now widely available by prescription for those at higher risk of severe disease, including those who have certain medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or obesity) or are age 65 or older. Treatment is most effective when started in the first days of illness, so it is important for those who are at high risk to test early and notify their doctor of a positive test.
“Lifesaving treatment for those who are sick is now more widely available than at any time during the pandemic, but it must be started early,” said Dr. Borenstein. “Vaccines are still the best tool we have to prevent severe illness and death and are key to ending the pandemic.”
Since last week’s report, 302 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in SLO County, bringing the 14-day average to 46, down from 339 one month ago. Twelve residents are currently hospitalized for severe COVID-19. A total of 4,664 cases were reported in February, compared to 14,659 in January and 2,618 in December. Case counts do not include at-home or rapid antigen tests. Hospital counts do not include those who have COVID-19 but are primarily receiving care for another condition.
Click here to view detailed county COVID-19 statistics.
To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit slopublichealth.org/vaccines or call (833) 422-4255. To schedule a testing appointment, visit slopublichealth.org/testing or call (888) 634-1123. To order free at-home tests, visit CovidTests.gov. For COVID-19 updates in SLO County, visit slopublichealth.org/COVID19 or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903.
Phone assistance is available at (805) 781-5500 Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Follow all Paso Robles COVID-19 coronavirus news updates
- San Luis Obispo County COVID-19 website – readyslo.org
