SAN DIEGO–Seventy-nine deaths were reported on January 21, a new record for the region, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Friday.

The newly reported deaths surpass the previous one-day total set Jan. 19, when 65 deaths were reported.

The dates of the deaths reported ranged from Dec. 16 to Jan. 21.

However, 61 one of the newly reported deaths occurred between Jan. 15 and Jan. 21. Add to that the 67 deaths that were previously reported during the same period and the total jumps 128. These are people who likely got sick during the holidays.

County public health reported 56 men and 23 women died between Dec. 16 and Jan. 21.

Of the 79 new deaths reported, 38 people who passed away were 80 years or older, 24 people were in their 70s, 10 people were in their 60s, 5 people were in their 50s, one person was in their 40s and one person was in their 20s. The 73 who died had underlying medical conditions, one did not and 5 had medical history pending.

“It’s very unfortunate to see such a high number of people dying recently. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of all of the people who have died during this pandemic,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “It’s important to remember that our actions can save lives. We must do everything we can to protect those around us, especially people who are at higher risk of having severe consequences and potentially dying.”

There were 2,847 cases reported to the county on Jan. 21. The region’s total is now 222,578.

Approximately 8,673 cases have required hospitalization, and 1,329 had to be admitted to an intensive care unit.

County public health said 49,562 tests were reported to the county on Jan. 21, and the percentage of new positive cases was 6 percent.

The 14-day rolling average percentage of positive cases is 10.7 percent. Target is less than 8 percent. The 7-day, daily average of tests is 22,646.

Six new community outbreaks were confirmed on Jan. 21: Three in business settings, one in a construction setting, one in a community-based organization setting and one in a government setting.