(Stockton, CA) - San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park told the Board of Supervisors yesterday that COVID19 case rates, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions are at an all-time low. In addition, COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations in San Joaquin County are below the statewide case rate of 6.5 per 100,000 and continue to decrease. She said while this is very good news, case rates could be much higher because many people are taking rapid antigen tests which aren’t reported or calculated into the current case count.

San Joaquin County COVID-19 latest statistics as of April 18, 2022:

• 167,742 total COVID-19 cases; 2,217 deaths; 9 people hospitalized.
• 77.6% of San Joaquin County’s total population are fully vaccinated. An additional 193,550 residents have received a booster or extra dose.

To view weekly updates of the County’s COVID-19 statistics, visit: http://www.sjcphs.org/Disease/Epidemiology.aspx

Dr. Park gave an update on the Omicron variant stating, “Omicron continues to be the dominant COVID-19 variant with the BA.2 sub-lineage comprising 85.9 percent of all cases in the United States. Even though BA.2 is more transmissible than its predecessor, the mild to moderate symptoms are similar which should keep many people out of the hospital. Data suggests that people who have been previously infected with BA.1 have some protection against reinfection with BA.2. Vaccines also appear to be effective with BA.2. However, due to the increased transmissibility, case rates will most likely trend upward and will need to be closely monitored.”

Dr. Park said that vaccinations and boosters for people ages five and older are still the most effective way to fight COVID-19. She said there are still many free testing and vaccination opportunities occurring throughout the County which include:

• Two OptumServe sites in Lodi and Stockton providing free rapid antigen and PCR tests.
• Nine HR Support sites in Lodi, Stockton, Manteca, and Tracy. Rapid antigen and PCR tests are available. Those without insurance can have a rapid antigen test done at no cost.
• Free mobile testing/vaccination events occurring throughout the County provided by the State SNAPNurse program and San Joaquin County Clinics.
• Free at-home COVID-19 tests through www.COVIDtests.gov.
• Residents are encouraged to check www.MyTurn.ca.gov or SJReady.org for information about testing and vaccine locations and hours of operation.

Dr. Park told the Board that the State of California will not initiate the regulatory process for a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for the 2022-2023 school year. Any COVID-19 vaccine requirement would not take effect until after the full FDA approval and no sooner than July 1, 2023. Dr. Park also reported that she rescinded the local Quarantine Order for people who have been exposed to COVID-19 in alignment with quarantine instructions by the California Department of Public Health. While the Quarantine Order has been lifted, the following precautions have been recommended for people who have been exposed to the virus:

• Test within 3-5 days after last exposure
• Close contacts should wear a mask for 10 days
• Get vaccinated or boosted
• If symptoms develop, test and stay home
• If you have a positive test result, stay home for 10 days (Isolation can end after 5 days if symptoms are not present, are improving, and a negative test collected on Day 5)
• People in high-risk settings are advised to quarantine for at least 5 days if exposed (High-risk settings include healthcare settings, shelters, correctional facilities and detention centers, long-term care settings and adult and senior care facilities)

Supervisor Chuck Winn, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors stated, “While COVID-19 appears to be diminishing to some of the lowest levels in our county, it is still among us. It is important to continue protecting ourselves through vaccinations, testing and taking extra precautions if we know we’ve been exposed to the virus. The County has made it easier to find free testing and vaccinations to help safeguard residents, businesses and the overall community from a possible resurgence of future COVID-19 variants.”

Consent Items

• Approved termination of food and beverage concession agreement (A-20-231), lease and permit for commercial activities with Coffee Bytes, LLC.

###