Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

Contact tracing programs around the country have been struggling to keep up with demand during the last several coronavirus surges. Here, contact tracer Cherie Hunter puts works from her home in Tinley Park, Ill., to reach people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

National

If you tested positive and the contact tracer never called, here's why

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Swamped by thousands of calls a day, contact tracing programs have been forced to adapt. Even though they can't call everyone, experts say it's too early to give up on this pillar of disease control.

A sign reads "face mask required" in front of the McGill School of Success in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego, Calif. Oct. 13, 2021.

Local

County reports 1,313 COVID-19 cases, 25 deaths as mask mandate gets end date

City News Service

San Diego County on Monday reported 1,313 new COVID-19 cases and 25 additional virus-related deaths.

Democratic Assemblyman Chris Holden, right, receivers congratulations from fellow Democratic Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, after his fast food employee measure was approved by the Assembly in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.

Local

California votes to require paid sick leave for virus cases

The Associated Press

The California Legislature has approved a bill requiring workers receive up to two weeks of paid time off if they get sick from the coronavirus.

In this July 1, 2021, file photo visitors wear masks as they walk in a shopping district, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

Local

California will lift mask mandate as omicron cases fall

The Associated Press

California's indoor masking requirement will end next week for vaccinated people but masks still are the rule for schoolchildren.

American evacuees arriving at MCAS Miramar from Wuhan, China on Feb. 7, 2020.

Local

It's been two years since COVID-19 came to San Diego

Matt Hoffman

Two years ago, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was drafted for a unique mission involving more than 200 Americans evacuated from Wuhan, China.

International

Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers in 2 weeks

Rachel Treisman

Doubly vaccinated travelers will be welcomed starting Feb. 21, nearly two years after it first closed its border. The move is seen as relief for its tourism industry.

Shoppers at Fashion Valley Mall on Nov. 28, 2020.

Health

CDC study says wearing masks puts Californians at lower risk of COVID infection

Thomas Fudge

A new study from the CDC that was done in California has confirmed what we have known about wearing masks inside public places.

Lincoln High School seniors Ariana Moreno, 17, and Rondale Crowder,17, join San Diego Unified Student School Board Trustee Zachary Patterson at a Friday press conference, February 4, 2022

Education

Law proposed to keep schools open and safe from COVID-19

M.G. Perez

The proposal would infuse the California Immunization Registry with COVID-19 data from across the state.

A San Diego health care worker prepares a flu vaccine in this undated photo.

Local

Study released on a COVID and flu combo vaccine

Tania Thorne

One jab instead of two. A flu and COVID-19 vaccine combo could be in the near future.

People stand in line to receive their COVID-19 test at Cal State San Marcos, Jan. 2, 2022.

Local

San Diego County reports 2,736 COVID-19 cases, 29 deaths as omicron declines

City News Service

San Diego County's Health and Human Services Agency reported 2,736 new COVID-19 infections and 29 deaths Friday as hospitalizations dropped by 91 patients.