San Diego County reported 952 new COVID-19 cases and 11 additional deaths associated with the virus in its latest data, as the county announced it is no longer requiring — but is strongly recommending — masks in most indoor settings.
The California Department of Public Health discontinued the mask mandate Tuesday, and the county followed suit. Specific high-risk settings will continue to require that everyone wear face coverings, including health care, long-term care and detention facilities, as well as transit hubs and public transit, cooling centers and emergency shelters.
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According to the county, local businesses have the discretion to follow the new guidance or continue requiring masks indoors regardless of people's vaccination status.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer, reminded residents that even though the mask mandate has been discontinued, vaccinations were still an important step.
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"Get your COVID-19 booster since the vaccine is the best protection we have against the virus," she said. "Getting your booster when you are eligible helps to protect yourself, your family and others."
Wednesday's data increased San Diego County's cumulative totals to 739,176 cases and 5,045 deaths since the pandemic began.
The number of county patients hospitalized with COVID-19 continued to fall, decreasing to 417 from 424, according to Wednesday's state data.
The number of those patients in intensive care decreased by eight to 75. Available ICU beds decreased by 12 to 219.
A total of 1,169,223 — or 54.8% — of San Diego County residents who are fully vaccinated have received a booster shot, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency.
More than 2.93 million — or 93% — of San Diego County residents age 5 and older are at least partially vaccinated and more than 2.57 million, or 81.7%, are fully vaccinated.
The average percentage of COVID-19 tests that returned positive in the last week decreased to 5.2%, from 5.7% Friday. The county reports new COVID- 19 data on Tuesdays and Fridays. An average of 12,602 tests were reported daily in the past week.
