Another Shasta County coronavirus death brings the total to 217. The latest to die was a man in his 60s. An additional 26 cases have been reported, as well as 999 negative tests. There have been 11,677 cases so far. An estimated 136 people have the virus right now, 6 people are hospitalized and no one is in intensive care.
An uncommon variant of coronavirus that originated in South Africa has shown up in 6 patients in Shasta County. It’s the fourth variant found in the county, and all of them are more contagious than the original COVID-19. Vaccine is still showing to be effective in protecting against the variants. Vaccine is free of charge and any Shasta County resident 16 and older is eligible. Appointments can be made through myturn.ca.gov or other options at shastaready.org.
Walk-in testing is free, easy and available at many locations listed under “Get Tested” at shastaready.org.