Written by Michael Palomba
As of Monday, the COVID-19 death toll for San Diego County has reached 19.
Cases have been steadily rising, as can be seen in the chart below. As of April 5, the total case count was 1,404 and there were 78 new cases. San Diego’s population is 1.42 million, so under 1,500 infected is a very small fraction of the population, but it’s still uncertain how many have actually had the virus at some point. In addition, with only 19 deaths reported, it appears that most people are recovering from the disease—a very good sign.
The County Health and Human Services Agency announced earlier this week that face masks are strongly recommended for San Diegans who are out in public. COVID-19 has proven to be easy to spread, so face masks will help to flatten the curve.
In addition, businesses are now required to have employees wear face coverings. The new order and guidance went into effect at midnight on April 3.
“We have to take more aggressive measures during the coming weeks to keep people from contracting COVID-19 and to continue flatting the pandemic curve,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “We all have an essential role to play and must take these actions to slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The county has issued several new guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Residents are strongly encouraged to cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential activities, such as grocery shopping, getting gas, visiting convenience stores or pharmacies.
- The cloth facial coverings don’t have to be hospital grade but should cover the nose and mouth. Homemade masks, bandanas, scarves and neck gaiters are acceptable since these items can be washed and reused. Facial coverings don’t need to be used when people are at home.
- Effective, April 4, all employees of essential businesses must wear a facial covering at supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants and pharmacies.
- All public parks and beaches shall close their parking lots.
- Law enforcement agencies throughout the region will be out making sure that people who are in public are conducting essential activities and to keep people from being out in groups, especially if they are not members of the same family or household.
- People who disobey the essential business guideline or who are in groups in public are subject to a misdemeanor ticket. Penalties can be up to a $1,000 fine or 6 months in jail.
Despite the relatively small number of people infected, it’s important we follow the county’s guidance. Practicing social distancing and other preventative measures will help to flatten the curve and reduce the strain on the country’s healthcare system.
Despite the comparatively low mortality rate in San Diego, COVID-19 is far more deadly for individuals with pre-existing conditions, so following the guidance is about more than just protecting your own health. This is a time when we all have to come together and make sacrifices for the greater good. It’s only temporary and we will return to our normal lives soon, hopefully with a renewed sense of gratitude.
