San Diego County's Health and Human Services Agency reported 870 new COVID-19 infections and two additional deaths today.
Thursday's data increased the county's cumulative totals to 735,522 cases and 5,004 deaths. The county's death toll topped 5,000 in Wednesday's data.
"Every death is tragic, and our condolences go out to the family and friends of all of the San Diegans who have lost their lives during this pandemic," said Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer. "Vaccination continues to be our best defense against COVID-19 and associated hospitalizations. I urge anyone who is not up to date with their shots to get vaccinated."
Related: CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday
The number of San Diego County patients hospitalized with COVID-19 continued to fall, decreasing to 532 Thursday — down from 562 on Wednesday — according to the latest state data. The number of those patients in intensive care decreased by four to 96. Available ICU beds decreased by two to 209.
An average of 17,995 COVID-19 tests were recorded each day for the past week. Of those, 6.5% returned positive — down from 9.9% on Friday.
A total of 1,151,574 — or 54.3% — of San Diego County residents who are fully vaccinated have received a booster shot, according to the HHSA.
More than 2.9 million — or 92.6% — of San Diego County residents age 5 and older are at least partially vaccinated and more than 2.56 million, or 81.4%, are fully vaccinated.
