City News Service

With the Delta variant of the coronavirus continuing to surge, San Diego County's latest COVID-19 numbers show 979 new cases and seven more hospitalizations but no additional deaths.

As the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to surge, San Diego County health officials Friday reported another 1,495 COVID-19 cases, seven deaths and 75 hospitalizations.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a recall election on Sept. 14 which could have political ramifications both in the state and across the nation, the off-cycle nature of the election could lead to low voter turnout, which may favor recall, according to UC San Diego research announced Friday.

Scripps Health announced Friday that it is facing "significant" workforce shortages amid a surge of COVID-19 cases, with more open positions available than before the beginning of the pandemic.

Phase 1 of the city's Pure Water program started Friday, intended to provide nearly 50% of the city's drinking water by 2035 and reduce the need for imported water.

The unemployment rate in San Diego County decreased to 6.9% in July, up from a revised 7% in June but still well below the year-ago estimate of 12.3% — according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

There were no reports of any damage or public threats related to the quake.

The plan calls for a permanent center that migrants and asylum seekers can use while they finalize travel arrangements to other parts of the country.

There have been 16 earthquakes reported near El Centro and Imperial since midnight.