COVID-19’s summer rise continues in Ventura County and could be accelerated by the return of school, public health officials said.
The 30-day rate for COVID emergency room visits more than doubled over where it stood a month ago, according to county public health data posted Friday. Hospitalizations increased at a lower rate.
But the virus still accounted for only about 2% of the emergency room visits across the county even with the increase. Health officials and emergency room doctors say many of the current COVID illnesses are less severe than in previous surges.
Statewide, about 15% of the people taking laboratory COVID tests are coming back positive. Home tests are not included in the calculation.
The rise continues as schools open across Ventura County. Dr. Uldine Castel, interim Ventura County health officer, said it’s possible the start of classes will send COVID numbers even higher over the next few weeks.
Leaders of some school districts said they didn’t have enough data yet to indicate whether absences have increased.
In Ventura Unified School District, parents were reminded in a back-to-school newsletter free tests are available at school sites and the district office. They were told to contact school health offices if a test comes back positive.
Students should be kept home until symptoms are mild and improving. People should be fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of medicine like Tylenol.
The newsletter cited Centers for Disease Control recommendations that people recovering from COVID and returning to public places take precautions such as social distancing and wearing a mask for five days.
District officials also told parents that students who have been exposed to COVID but test negative and show no symptoms can attend school. They should be closely monitored and tested again.
Castel said people across the county should update vaccinations and consider using a mask or social distancing if near someone who has an upper respiratory infection.
Updated vaccines are expected soon with The Washington Post reporting Friday they could be available by Labor Day. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the updated shot whether or not they have been previously vaccinated.
Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com.
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