Shasta County reported a death from COVID-19 for the 2nd straight day. A man in his 60’s brings the total number of fatalities to 66. Another 121 cases were confirmed for a total of 7,121. There are an estimated 544 people carrying the virus right now, with 70 in the hospital and 12 in the ICU. The regional ICU capacity has dropped to 21%. A capacity of 15% would bring the stay at home order already imposed on most of the state.
Local healthcare leaders are pleading with the public to slow the spread through the practices that have been recommended for months: stay home and away from other people as much as possible and wear face coverings when going out. Traveling to visit friends and family for the holidays is highly discouraged and likely to contribute to another deadly surge.
Butte County has had a total of 5,906 cases and 78 deaths.
Tehama County has had 2,688 cases and 32 deaths.
Trinity County has had 2 deaths among 251 cases.
There have been 1,001 in Siskiyou County with 8 deaths.
Glenn County has had 1,273 cases and 12 deaths.
Humboldt County has had 1,387 cases and 15 deaths.
Lassen County has had 6 deaths among their 1122 cases in the community and one death among the 2,739 cases in prison.
Modoc County has reached 267 cases.
The state’s death toll meanwhile topped 22,000 Friday with no end in sight. Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley have zero ICU beds available.
California’s exposure notification system uses Bluetooth technology to alert a subscriber if they come in close contact with another subscriber who has tested positive for COVID-19. The program ensures privacy and does not share identities. Details are at canotify.ca.gov
Public health is strongly urging everyone to get tested. It’s free and convenient with sites in Shasta Lake, Anderson, South Redding, Enterprise and Shasta College. Testing is by appointment only at lhi.care/covidtesting or visit shastaready.org.