SD County Reports 1,720 New COVID-19 Cases – Record ICU Patients

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego County public health officials reported 1,720 new COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths Wednesday, while the number of patients in regional intensive care units set a record.

Wednesday marked the 51st consecutive day with more than 1,000 cases. It is just the fourth time in the last past 30 days with fewer than 2,000 new cases of the virus. Of the 18,359 tests reported Wednesday, 9% returned positive, dropping the 14-day rolling average to 11.8% from Tuesday's 12.1%.

The number of hospitalizations related to COVID-19 decreased to 1,706, the fewest in two weeks. A record 1,804 patients was set Jan. 12. However, the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units reached a record 430, while another 242 patients are in the ICU for other reasons. A total of 39 staffed ICU beds are available throughout the county.

The region's total hospitalizations increased slightly to 4,759, just 42 beds below the 80% occupancy threshold beyond which only COVID-19 patients will be admitted.

The county's cumulative case total increased to 218,555 and the number of deaths to 2,174.
Seven new community outbreaks were confirmed Wednesday, tied to 197 cases.

According to the county's Health and Human Services Administration, there has been a 24% increase in hospitalizations and a 29% increase in ICU patients over the past 30 days.

— By City News Service