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-Editorial
Too many San Diegans are failing to take sufficient measures to protect themselves from getting or passing COVID-19.
That’s the explanation County health officials gave for the record number of COVID-19 cases that have been reported recently.
Over the last seven days, the number of COVID-19 cases skyrocketed, reaching a record 1,087 cases Nov. 14 and followed by 833 cases Nov. 15. More than 600 cases have been reported every single day in the past week. In the last seven days, 5,031 cases were reported, compared to 3,161 the previous week.
“Exactly a month ago, we sounded the alarm about the possibility of entering the purple tier, and last Tuesday we confirmed that we had moved to the most restrictive tier. I had hoped those warnings would lead to a new trend in our personal and collective behavior,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer “Over the last weeks, we have seen the results of what can happen when we relax our personal behaviors and let down our guard.”
COVID-19 cases have been drastically increasing across the region, the state, and the nation. California is now a sea of purple with 41 counties being in the most restrictive Purple Tier.
That’s why County health officials are strongly urging San Diegans to follow public health guidance. That includes:
- Wearing a face covering
- Staying six feet apart from others outside your household
- Washing your hands frequently
- Avoiding crowds, gatherings or groups
- Staying home if you are sick
“Understand that you are taking action not because I ask you, but because the different entities that comprise the vital fabric of our community need you to take action. It’s that simple,” Wooten pleaded. “COVID-19 stops with you. Please do your part to ensure we slow the spread of COVID-19. We cannot afford to waste another minute.”
The County is stepping up its enforcement efforts to make sure businesses and other entities are following the local health order.
The County will be issuing more cease and desist orders to local businesses for failure to comply. If businesses continue to ignore the public health order, the County will issue closure orders. A list of cease and desist orders now available at www.coronavirus-sd.com.
Additionally, letters were issued to all local law enforcement agencies asking them to help enforce the local health order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and drive the number of cases down.
San Diegans may report, anonymously, businesses or entities that are not following the local health order.
You can do it by calling (858) 694-2900 or emailing at SafeReopeningComplianceTeam@sdcounty.ca.gov
