SAN DIEGO–Nearly 4,000 COVID-19 tests were reported May 13, the highest daily total since testing began to be conducted in the region.
At the same time, the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases has been going down, a sign that the region is moving in the right direction in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The number of positive cases in comparison to the number of tests administered daily is important because that is one of the federal metrics the County is using to determine when to further ease restrictions in the local Health Officer Order.
The 14-day, rolling percentage has been trending downward and has decreased from 6.2% to 4.6% over the past two weeks.
“This percentage is significant because it shows that fewer people are getting infected with COVID-19,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “If this downward trajectory continues, we’ll be able to move forward with additional reopening steps and give people a greater sense of normalcy.”
County health officials expect that as more local residents are being tested for COVID-19 – the goal is to test about 5,200 people daily – the percentage of positive cases will go down because testing now includes a wider sampling and not just people exhibiting symptoms who are more likely to be infected with the virus.
In light of the trends, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will discuss asking the state to let the County develop a plan to accelerate the reopening local businesses in a safe manner. The goal is for the county to submit alternative data that supports a faster reopening that protects both workers and the public.
Employees from some county departments will return to work from their respective offices starting May 15, although most people who have been working at home or remotely will initially continue to do it.
Starting May 26, some County libraries will be providing door-side service to residents. People can reserve library materials through the County Library online catalog. Library staff will contact patrons to schedule a pick-up date. Beginning June 6, six more libraries will be providing the same service. You can find the list of branches on the Library website.
