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COVID omicron variant surfaces in SJ County
Covid testing Ceres
Medical personnel have been setting up COVID testing in the Ceres Community Center parking lot since last month. - photo by Jeff Benziger

The first two cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant have surfaced in San Joaquin County.

Both individuals that tested positive were fully vaccinated although they did not have a booster shot.

Deaths now stand at 169 in Manteca, up 12 from a month ago. There have also been more deaths in Lathrop and Ripon since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The toll in Lathrop is 31 and in Ripon 29.

Countywide, 1,919 have died from COVID-19.

“With its fast transmission rates, we anticipated the omicron variant appearing locally,” said Dr. Maggie Park, San Joaquin County Public Health. “That’s why we continue to encourage anyone who’s eligible to get vaccinated and get a booster— especially as people consider gathering for New Year’s. As we start 2022, let’s do our best to protect ourselves and those around us through testing and vaccination.”

There are currently 99 people that are positive in Manteca, 36 in Lathrop, and 24 in Ripon.

As of Tuesday, 71.9 percent of the targeted population in Manteca has been fully vaccinated while 9.4 percent are partially vaccinated. The vaccinated rates for Lathrop are 85.8 percent fully vaccinated and 11.8 partially vaccinated. Ripon is at 64.5 percent fully vaccinated and 8 percent partially vaccinated.

Just over 71 percent of eligible San Joaquin County residents are fully or partially vaccinated.

Parks said the best way to reduce the risk of becoming exposed or spreading COVID-19 include the following:

*Stay home if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, which often resembles cold or flu symptoms

*Get a COVID-19 test if symptoms develop or before traveling or gathering with people you don’t live with

*Test three to five days after traveling or gathering

*Wear masks or face coverings in indoor public spaces COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best chance to avoid serious illness and hospitalization for all age groups.

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, appointments are available for anyone ages 5 and older. Learn more about local COVID-19 vaccination and testing at www.sjready.org and check locations and schedule appointments at myturn.ca.gov .

 

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com