COVID cases hit new record in Stanislaus County as omicron variant spreads
The COVID-19 omicron variant is spreading through communities in Stanislaus County, resulting in record case numbers reported to the county’s public health agency.
The county Health Services Agency updated its online dashboard Monday, showing a total of 2,702 new cases of COVID-19 over a three-day period.
The average of 900 cases per day is the highest reported to the county in a single day, said Kamlesh Kaur, a spokeswoman for Stanislaus County public health.
The number does not reflect test samples collected from infected residents in a single day, Kaur said. “The data reported may have a range of dates depending on how fast the labs are running specimens collected,” she said.
The 2,702 case total was recorded Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The omicron may be four times as transmissible as earlier strains of COVID-19. The virus is infecting unvaccinated and vaccinated people alike. It’s common to hear people tell of family members or friends who have caught the virus, creating everything from a “head cold” to worse symptoms.
The number of COVID-positive patients in local hospitals rose to 166, up from 128 Friday. So far, the hospital count is about half the level of hospitalizations recorded when previous COVID-19 surges were rampant.
Though the omicron variant is believed to cause fewer hospitalizations and intensive-care-unit admissions, the large number of infections threatens to spread COVID-19 to vulnerable people. The latest count Monday was 19 COVID-positive patients in ICUs.
State health officials still express concern the sheer number of cases could exert pressure on hospitals and the overall health care system, even if a smaller percentage of infected people require hospitalization.
The California Department of Public Health created a stir in relaxing guidance for health care workers who test positive for COVID-19. A policy in effect from last Saturday to Feb. 1 allows those health care workers who are not symptomatic to return to work without an isolation period.
Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s Health and Human Services secretary, said Monday it’s not intended to require health workers to return to their jobs but provides flexibility for facilities during the surge “until we see light at the end of the tunnel.”
The county has now recorded 90,626 cases of coronavirus infection since the virus was first detected here in March 2020.
The county’s seven-day case rate climbed to 59.6 per 100,000 population. The case rate ranged well above 80 per 100,000 during the deadly winter surge a year ago.
Omicron symptoms are often reported as nasal congestion, cough, fatigue and body aches. The loss of taste and smell is not reported as often with omicron.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the coronavirus vaccines and booster shots should offer protection against severe illness with the omicron variant. A state mandate through Feb. 15 requires people to wear masks in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status.
Where are booster shots available?
Kaur said the county does not plan to hold additional clinics to provide booster shots to the general public, apart from a standing immunization clinic on Paradise Road in Modesto. Federal, state and local health experts have recommended boosters because of studies showing that immunity from the original vaccination fades in five or six months, or two months with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Kaur said booster shots are available at pharmacies, community clinics and from health care providers. Appointments can be made through the My Turn program.
Testing also has been emphasized to slow the transmission of omicron. With a rapid test, people can find out if they’re infected and make decisions on returning to work or attending school or a public event.
Kaur said the county has not heard if the state will send another supply of home tests to replenish what has been delivered to the public through library handouts, drive-through events or community-based organizations.
The county has distributed 40,470 home test kits it received from the state.
The Stanislaus County Health Services agency has information about vaccinations, booster shots and testing at www.schsa.org.
This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 7:32 AM.
