KPBS Midday Edition

While San Diego's COVID emergency is ending, pandemic still the reality

By Jade Hindmon / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, Harrison Patiño / Producer, KPBS Midday Edition

Published January 25, 2023 at 1:56 PM PST

This story was published more than 2 years ago.

A COVID-19 testing site at San Diego State University. Jan. 15, 2021.

City council members voted unanimously to end San Diego's COVID-19 state of emergency Tuesday, nearly three years after it was put in place.

The change will take effect on Feb. 28 and will coincide with county and state guidance on the matter.

City leaders also agreed to end San Diego's controversial vaccine mandate for city employees.

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The seal for the City of San Diego is pictured above in this undated photo.

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According to Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Science Institute, the end of the emergency is a good sign. But he said he hopes it won't lead people to let their guards down.

"It does appear, at least right now, that we're in a good state," Topol said. "It's not over by any means, we're going to be facing this virus for the years ahead, but at least right now making it a non-emergency is appropriate."

Topol joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to talk about the latest in COVID-19 research and more.

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Jade Hindmon

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Jade Hindmon is the host of KPBS Midday Edition. She connects San Diego through fearless conversations that inform, inspire and make you think. Prior to Midday Edition Jade was a reporter and fill-in anchor in the KPBS newsroom covering everything from politics to policing and the economy. Her award winning work spans network affiliates across the southeast and midwest. As a very proud Rattler, Jade studied broadcast journalism and political science at Florida A&M University. She takes a special interest in topics about democracy, accountability, racial justice, science and wellness.

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Harrison Patiño

Harrison Patiño is a producer for "KPBS Midday Edition". His primary roles include story development, and is involved in the audio production and coordination of interview subjects. Prior to joining KPBS, Harrison held various positions at Hawaii Public Radio within its news and music departments. While pursuing a double major in journalism and classics at The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Harrison worked at the school's student-run radio station, KTUH. After graduating, Harrison served as a community advisor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Student Media Board.

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