SAN DIEGO–A record number of cases and 58 more COVID-19 deaths were reported Dec. 31, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
With 4,478 COVID-19 cases reported, the region’s total is now 160,073. This is the first time the daily total surpasses 4,000 cases in a single day and eclipses the previous record set Dec. 17, 2020 when 3,611 cases were reported.
Furthermore, 58 additional deaths were reported Dec. 31, and the total now stands at 1,592. This is the second-highest daily total reported after a record 62 deaths were registered Dec. 30.
“The record number of cases and high death totals we are seeing means we must do better with following the public health guidelines, especially avoiding all unnecessary contacts with those outside our immediate households,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of the County Epidemiology and Immunizations Services branch. “With vaccines becoming more available, we anticipate turning the corner in our fight against COVID-19 in 2021, but it appears it’s going to be a very difficult January.”
With the recent local detections of the B.1.1.7. novel coronavirus strain first found in the United Kingdom, San Diegans should follow the public health guidelines.
