Rising COVID-19 Levels Concern Health Officials

A recent surge in COVID infection rates and hospitalizations are giving health officials cause for concern. While not the massive spike in cases seen back in January, the current 6.6 rolling seven-day percentage of positive tests is significantly higher than the 1.0 average measured at this time last year.

Health officers from the 12 Bay Area counties issued a statement this week pointing the finger at a combination of the highly contagious Omicron subvariants and lax masking practices. 

“Daily reported cases in Alameda County have reached levels seen during the Delta wave. If you’ve chosen not to wear a mask indoors recently, now is a good time to start masking again,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss. 

Actual case rates are likely higher than those reported because of the widespread use of home tests, Dr. Moss added. The data collected from local wastewater processing plants have shown increased levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This means data from wastewater analysis can be used as an indicator of the level of transmission of COVID-19 in the community.

The news comes as the US recently hit the grim milestone of 1 million deaths from COVID.

“Fortunately, cases remain far below what we observed during the Omicron surge, and hospitalizations have shown only modest increases so far.  A little caution can help keep it that way,” Dr. Moss said.

Although not required, masking is strongly recommended by the California Department of Public Health for most public indoor settings, and health officials recommend wearing higher-quality masks (N95/KN95 or snug-fitting surgical masks) indoors. Vaccines remain the best protection against severe disease and death from COVID.

Hoping to prevent further spread, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors last week approved a contract to continue expanding the County’s COVID-19 vaccine access in East Oakland and unincorporated areas of Alameda County (Ashland/Cherryland and San Lorenzo), where vaccination gaps remain in populations hardest hit.

Rates of full vaccination in these areas of Alameda County range from 60 to 71 percent for Black/African American residents, 67 to 70 percent for Hispanic/Latino residents, and 63 to 77 percent for Pacific Islander residents. Forty-three to 64 percent of fully vaccinated residents in these areas have received a booster. Eighty-four percent of all Alameda County residents are fully vaccinated, and of those residents, 63 percent have received a booster.  

Health officials say people should also stay home if they feel sick and get tested right away. Officials also encourage getting tested after potential exposure and limiting large gatherings to well-ventilated spaces or outdoors.