San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park told the Board of Supervisors yesterday that COVID-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths are starting to slowly increase. COVID-19 case rates have risen from 6.5 per 100,000 on April 18th to 22 per 100,000 on May 23rd. This is likely due to the latest Omicron variant, BA.2.12.1, which is more transmissible than its predecessors.

San Joaquin County COVID-19 latest statistics as of May 23, 2022:

• 171,099 total COVID-19 cases; 2,233 deaths; 28 people hospitalized; 5 patients in ICU.

• 64.4% of San Joaquin County’s total population are fully vaccinated.

To view weekly updates of the County’s COVID-19 statistics, visit: San Joaquin County Public COVID Dashboard 

Dr. Park gave an update on the latest Omicron variant stating, “The most recent dominant variant is more contagious than previous versions resulting in an uptick in COVID-19 cases over the past month. However, the current number of cases is most likely much higher because of under reporting by people who are taking rapid antigen tests at home and not sharing the results. We are currently in a surge with rising case rates and hospitalizations, but our hope is that deaths will remain minimal.”

Dr. Park reported that the County’s two OptumServe sites in Lodi and Stockton continue to provide free rapid antigen

and PCR tests but are now offering new “test to treat” services at no cost. This means people who visit one of the sites and test positive for COVID-19 would be seen by a nurse or medical assistant, consult with a telehealth doctor who could assess their condition and then prescribe and dispense a COVID-19 treatment. Dr. Park said that a third test to treat site will open at the Larch Clover Community Center in Tracy beginning May 26th and will be open Thursday – Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition:

• The County will soon distribute free at-home rapid antigen tests to cities and community-based organizations for countywide distribution. Future sites will open soon where additional free at-home tests will be distributed.

• Up to 8 free at-home COVID-19 tests are available through www.COVIDtests.gov.

• Residents are encouraged to check www.MyTurn.ca.gov or www.SJReady.org for information about testing and vaccine locations and hours of operation.

Dr. Park shared details regarding second COVID-19 booster doses. She said that the CDC recommends the following individuals should get their second booster dose:

• People 12 and older who are immunocompromised and anyone 50 and older at least 4 months after their first.

• People ages 18 and older who received their primary and booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

• Children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.