The Valley Chronicle - State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts

SACRAMENTO – Today, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released the most recent statistics on COVID-19 and updates on the state’s pandemic response. The most up to date data is available on the state’s COVID-19 data dashboard. Statewide COVID-19 Data Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are largely occurring among unvaccinated populations. See the data for unvaccinated and vaccinated cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccinations

• 65,613,968 total vaccines administered.
• 79.8% of the eligible population (5+) has been vaccinated with at least one dose.
• 142,439 people a day are receiving COVID-19 vaccination (average daily dose count over 7 days).

Cases

• California has 5,530,751 confirmed cases to date.
• Today’s average case count is 36,282 (average daily case count over 7 days).

Testing

• The testing positivity rate is 21.4% (average rate over 7 days).

Hospitalizations (*Note: As of January 5, 2022, hospitalized and ICU patients only reflect confirmed COVID-19 cases).

• There are 8,671* hospitalizations statewide.
• There are 1,430* ICU patients statewide.
• Unvaccinated people were 10.1 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 (data from December 13, 2021 to December 19, 2021).

Deaths

• There have been 76,049 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
• COVID-19 claims the lives of 44 Californians each day (average daily death count over 7 days).
• Unvaccinated people were 16.6 times more likely to die from COVID-19 (data from December 6, 2021 to December 12, 2021).

ADDITIONAL UPDATES  Omicron Update Overall, clinical and wastewater data indicate that Omicron cases are present in most regions of the state. The surveillance data and estimates we have are consistent with CDC reports that about 95% of the cases nationwide are Omicron. Data from several sources, including genetic sequencing from COVID-19 patients, wastewater surveillance, and reports from health care partners, indicate that the proportion of cases due to the Omicron variant is increasing rapidly. Additionally, genetic sequencing does not represent real-time data, as sequencing generally occurs several days or more after initial tests are positive for COVID-19. The emergence of the Omicron variant emphasizes the importance of taking prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19, including getting a vaccine or booster. For information on Omicron and other variants, see the CDPH variant webpage. For information on genetic sequencing, see the COVID-19 data chart. Slow the Spread: Get Vaccinated and Boosted for COVID-19 The risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection continues as a number of Californians remain unvaccinated. Real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With the combination of colder weather keeping people indoors, the waning of vaccine and natural immunity, the spread of the Omicron variant, and more mingling among non-household members, public health officials urge Californians to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible in light of the current surge in COVID-19 cases. It is recommended that every vaccinated person 16 years or older should get a booster as long as they received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago or they received their Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. Vaccination appointments can be made by visiting myturn.ca.gov or calling 1-833-422-4255. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those under age 18 to receive a vaccination. Visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available for all Californians 5+. Your Actions Save Lives Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:

• Wear your mask: CDPH is extending the requirement that masks be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status. The mask requirement will be extended by one month, through February 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic.

• Upgrade your mask: Good fit and filtration continue to be the best way to get the most out of your mask. The best masks for preventing COVID-19 include the N95, KN95 and KF94. If you don’t have access to one of these masks, wear a surgical mask or a surgical mask with a cloth mask on top. If you choose a fabric mask, opt for one with three of more cloth layers. No matter what kind of mask you wear, check the fit by avoiding gaps above the nose or on the sides.

• Get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu: It’s your turn now! It’s recommended for everyone over six months of age to be vaccinated for the flu. For COVID-19, Californians age 5+ are eligible to make appointments or go to a walk-in site for vaccination. You can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day.

• My Vaccine Record is an easy way to show vaccination status at venues or businesses that require proof of vaccination. Visit myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov today to get your vaccine record.

• Stay Home & Get Tested if Sick: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches), or believe you have been exposed, get tested, call your health care provider, and stay home and away from others. Free, confidential testing is available statewide.

• Isolation and Quarantine: CDPH updated guidance to align with the recommended isolation and quarantine timeframes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this time of uncertainty due to Omicron, CDPH added additional testing recommendations to exit isolation and quarantine and improved masking measures to protect the health and well-being of all Californians.

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Travel tips: Delay travel (both domestic and international) until you are fully vaccinated. See the CDC’s full travel guidance. If you decide to travel, a recent travel advisory recommends that all travelers arriving in California test for COVID-19 within three to five days after arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.
• Avoid crowded venues or areas when cases are high. CDPH has updated requirements for attending mega events, like concerts and sporting events. Venues covered by the requirement must be in full compliance no later than January 15, 2022. Prior to attending an event, attendees will now be required to provide either proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event.
• Add your phone to the fight: Sign up for COVID-19 exposure notifications from CA Notify.

• Answer the call or text if a contact tracer from the CA COVID Team or your local health department tries to connect.

• Check with your local health department about local conditions. Local health jurisdictions can implement protocols that are stricter than state guidance.

Tracking COVID-19 in California

• Data and Tools – Models and dashboards for researchers, scientists, and the public
• COVID-19 Race & Ethnicity Data – Weekly updated Race & Ethnicity data
• Cases and Deaths by Age Group – Weekly updated Deaths by Age Group data
• Health Equity Dashboard – See how COVID-19 highlights existing inequities in health
• Tracking Variants – Data on the variants California is currently monitoring
• Safe Schools for All Hub – Information about safe in-person instruction

Testing Turnaround Time

• The testing turnaround time dashboard reports how long California patients are waiting for COVID-19 test results. During the week of December 19 to December 25, the average time patients waited for test results was one day. During this same time period, 78% of patients received test results in one day and 95% received them within two days.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

• As of January 3, there have been 779 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) reported statewide. MIS-C is a rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 that can damage multiple organ systems. MIS-C can require hospitalization and be life threatening.