The County confirmed that COVID-19 infections are declining in the region but stated that actual case may be higher due to the increased popularity and access to home antigen tests which results are not reported to the County. As of Feb. 14, the County reported 3.615 new cases with a 7-day average of 2,147. This brings the County to more than 774,000 reported cases and 4,934 deaths, with 40,273 total cases from Feb. 1-14.
As of Jan. 18, every residential address in the United States was eligible to order four at-home COVID-19 test kits at no-cost. Tests can be ordered online at COVIDtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
“It’s important to note that lab-confirmed cases currently only make up a portion of the actual cases in the region, as more and more people rely on home antigen tests,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer in a Feb. 2 press release. “Virus activity in the region is likely a lot higher than confirmed cases reflect, so people should continue to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Wooten stated that there is also a common misconception that the Omicron variant is not as deadly as prior strains of COVID-19.
“The latest data show that since the Omicron variant was first identified, COVID-19 deaths are on the rise, both here in San Diego and across the country. While you can still get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated and boosted, the vaccine keeps most people out of the hospital and reduces the risk of virus-related deaths,” she stated.
Reporting a positive self-test is not required, but the tests do have instructions on how to report their results. Sharing self-test results with your primary health provider is recommended.
In email exchange, County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency Group Communications Officer Sarah Sweeney said the county does not have an estimate but knows there was an increase in the use of home tests and conclude that it means an increase in those testing positive.
“Vaccinations, including boosters are still the best protection against contracting and spreading COVID-19,” she stated. “In addition to vaccinations, wearing a mask, distancing when possible and staying home if you are sick are vital in containing the spread.”
In a report dated Feb. 9, the County shows the prominent variant in the County is still the Delta variant with the most cases and hospitalizations, with the Omicron variant coming in second.
