Marin County's Public Health Director Dr. Matt Willis urges everyone eligible to get boosted and says the fall surge means masks could make a return in schools and indoor public spaces.
[Ads /]
RELATED: California's official state of emergency for COVID to end in February, Newsom says
"In recent weeks, we've been seeing 25 cases per day, that's now crept up to 30 cases per day," said Dr. Willis.
Dr. Willis says he's concerned about the rise in local cases and hospitalizations, he believes the number will continue to rise with increased case rates in the Northeast and in Europe. He says your best defense is the new bivalent booster shot.
"We are going to see more cases and the best way to protect yourself is the new booster available," said Dr. Willis.
But the number of people receiving the new booster remains low, only 8.6 percent across the Bay Area.
VIDEO: New research sheds light on an emerging parallel COVID epidemic
New research sheds light on an emerging parallel COVID epidemic
"Flu season and COVID, they say it's even harder on the elderly," said Susi Banuells.
Banuells was worried about COVID coming around again. She says, for now, eating outside at restaurants like Lavier, is her only option.
Restaurant manager Sebastian Vertiz says he expected a another COVID surge and his sidewalk parklet isn't going anywhere.
"We want to upgrade outdoor seating, not take it out," Vertiz said.
[Ads /]
RELATED: Americans may need yearly shots to protect against coronavirus
Marin County Office of Education Assistant Superintendent Mike Grant says if another COVID wave happens, the goal will be to keep kids in class, while urging those who are sick to stay home. The return of masking is possible.
"Masking has been a personal preference at low transmission, if it goes to medium, masks are recommended, high means highly recommended masking," said Grant.
Dr. Willis says the sixth COVID surge could also see the return of facemasks at indoor public spaces.
"We will be watching this and offering recommendations as things go," said Willis.
CDC COVID-19 Transmission Categories by California County
Map not displaying correctly? Click here to open in a new window.
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Omicron BA.5 strain may shorten COVID immunity from 3 months to 28 days, research shows
- Doctors explain 5 reasons why omicron's BA.5 will be the 'worst' subvariant yet
- Study shows people are recovering from COVID in a week but testing positive for over 10 days
- Never had COVID? Expert explains chances of getting it now
- EXCLUSIVE: Here's how COVID is detected in wastewater throughout CA
- Map shows COVID-19 community levels in your area, where masks are recommended indoors
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- Here's how to take a rapid COVID-19 test accurately at home
- Data tracker: Coronavirus cases, deaths, hospitalizations in every Bay Area county
- Get the latest updates on California EDD, stimulus checks, unemployment benefits
[Ads /]