COVID-19

EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM FACEBOOK JOURNALISM PROJECT

 

COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund aids over 200 newsrooms nationwide

By Miriam Raftery

East County Magazine has been selected to receive $100,000 through the Facebook Journalism Project COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund Grant Program.  Facebook announced that more than 200 news organizations will receive nearly $16 million in grants through the program as part of Facebook’s $100 million global investment in news.

Read more about our grant project here.  View an index of our grant works to date, organized by topic. 


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THESE PARENTS FOUGHT CALIFORNIA'S PANDEMIC SCHOOLING AND WON. NOW WHAT?

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo: Mario Ramirez Garcia, 10, attends online class in the bedroom he shares with his sister on April 23, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

February 17, 2024 (Sacramento) -- At the height of the pandemic, in spring 2020, Maria O. her husband and four children were quarantined in their one-bedroom apartment in South Los Angeles, each vying for privacy, quiet and adequate technology to work and attend school remotely.

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RAMONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS $40K TO LOCAL NONPROFITS TO BUILD COMMUNITY & POST-PANDEMIC RECOVERY

East County News Service

December 8, 2023 (Ramona) - Ramona Community Foundation (RCF), a regional affiliate of San Diego Foundation, has awarded $40,000 to seven local nonprofit programs that demonstrate the power to build a more vibrant community and recover from the pandemic.


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NEW COVID VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS FREE COVID TESTS

By Miriam Raftery

September 25, 2023 (San Diego) – A new COVID-19 vaccine designed to target the latest variants is now available.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends it for everyone six months and older, as long as it's been at least two months since your last vaccine. The new vaccine is available free for adults.

This is the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations – COVID-19, RSV, and flu.

With COVID surging, the federal government is once again offering free at-home COVID-19 tests.  Each U.S. household can order four free rapid tests delivered to your residence.   

Order Free At-Home Tests online.  Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?

Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).


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STATE AND COUNTY TO END COVID-19 EMERGENCY FEB. 28, THOUGH OUTBREAKS REMAIN

 

As federal emergency also ends, Medicaid recipients could lose benefits if they don’t re-enroll by March 31

Federal funds for free COVID testing and vaccines will also come to an end

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2023 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego will end the nearly 3-year-old COVID-19 emergency on February 28, the same date that the state of California’s emergency declaration ends. The federal government will halt the national public health emergency on May 11.

But outbreaks remain a threat locally and elsewhere. While vaccines and treatments have sharply reduced the death rate from the early days of the pandemic, 12 people died locally in the week ending February 2, when more than 1,800 cases were confirmed and 300 people were hospitalized from the coronavirus.

Over the past three years, more than 976,000 San Diegans have laboratory confirmed positive tests for COVID-19, more than 38,500 have been hospitalized and 5,728 died.

Local health officials urge residents to get the new booster vaccines for protection against recent variants. Nearly 2.7 million San Diegans have received the primary series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines and more than 560,000 have received a bivalent booster vaccine.


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SCORECARD CA SHOWS KIDS STILL STRUGGLING, POST-PANDEMIC

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

January 30, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Many of California's 13.5 million children and teens have not bounced back after the pandemic, especially children of color, according to the just-released 2023 California County Scorecard of Children's Well-Being. The report showcases data from all 58 counties and shows wide disparities in indicators of health, education and more.


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BIVALENT COVID BOOSTERS APPROVED, AVAILABLE FOR SIX MONTHS AND OLDER

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

December 17, 2022 (San Diego) - Bivalent COVID-19 vaccination boosters are now approved and available in San Diego County for children as young as six months of age. The County Health and Human Services Agency is urging parents to protect their children, and themselves, by getting vaccinated with the new booster.


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FEDERAL COURT STRIKES DOWN TITLE 42, RULING RESTORES ACCESS FOR MANY ASYLUM SEEKERS IN TIME FOR HOLIDAYS

Update November 16, 2022: The judge has granted an extension until Dec. 21 for this ruling to take effect, though if an appeal is filed, that deadline could be put on hold.

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: migrants in Mexico: CC by SA via Bing

November 15, 2022 (Washington D.C.) -- A federal court today struck down Title 42, which was used by the federal government to expel asylum seekers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling applies to families and single adults.


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SAN DIEGO MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR AWARDED PANDEMIC CIVILIAN SERVICE MEDAL

By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 15, 2022 (San Diego) - During a major disaster, a county, city or state medical system may become overwhelmed with patients or, unfortunately, casualties of the disaster. The national government trains and sends out special teams such as the National Disaster Medical System Mortuary Operational Response Team, to assist in areas where their skills are needed.


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FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEADERS URGE PROTECTION AGAINST VIRUS TRIO

 

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by James Kecskes

November 3, 2022 (San Diego) - The County, with local and federal partners, hosted a joint press conference today to remind San Diegans they can take charge of protecting themselves and their families against a trio of respiratory illnesses that are circulating in the community this season.


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COUNTY LAUNCHES RESPIRATORY VIRUS SURVEILLANCE REPORT

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 21, 2022 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is introducing a new combined Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report that will provide San Diegans with a detailed snapshot of common respiratory illness activity in the region on a weekly basis.


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CALIFORNIA TO END THE COVID STATE OF EMERGENCY

By Kristen Hwang and Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

October 21, 2022 (Sacramento) - California’s COVID-19 state of emergency will end Feb. 28, 2023, nearly three years from its initiation, officials from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced today. 


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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NEW HHS REPORT: COVID-19 VACCINATIONS IN 2021 LINKED TO OVER 650,000 FEWER COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS AND 300,000 FEWER DEATHS AMONG MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES, UNDERSCORING IMPORTANCE OF GETTING UPDATED VACCINES THIS FALL

Source:  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

October 7, 2022 (San Diego) - A  new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that the Biden Administration’s historic vaccination program, which has gotten over 90 percent of seniors fully vaccinated and over 70 percent of seniors a booster shot, is linked to more than 650,000 fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations and more than 300,000 fewer deaths among seniors and other Americans enrolled in Medicare. The study, which was conducted by researchers with HHS's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), underscores the importance of Americans – particularly seniors and others at high-risk of serious outcomes – getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall.


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NEW COVID-19 BOOSTERS THAT TARGET NEW VARIANTS ARRIVE THIS WEEK

New vaccines available for everyone age 12 and up

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 5, 2022 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego anticipates receiving the new COVID-19 bivalent boosters early this week and beginning vaccinations shortly thereafter.


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NEW NOVAVAX VACCINE FOR COVID-19 IS NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR REGION

By Miriam Raftery

August 17, 2022 (San Diego) - The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the Novavax vaccine for prevention of COVID-19. The new Novavax vaccine is now available in San Diego County.


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CDC STUDY SHOWS UNVACCINATED PEOPLE OVER AGE 50 ARE 29 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE OF COVID THAN VACCINATED AND DOUBLE BOOSTED PEOPLE

By Miriam Raftery

August 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Would you risk an action that increase your risk of dying 29-fold? 

New data from the Centers for Disease Control reveals that among people over age 50, those who are unvaccinated are:

  • 29 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than people the same age who are vaccinated and have had two booster shots, and
  • 4 times more likely to die than people the same age who are vaccinated with just one booster shot.


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BIDEN TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID, HAS MILD SYMPTOMS, WHITE HOUSE PHYSICIAN SAYS

By Miriam Raftery

July 21, 2022 This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19.  According to a White House briefing, he is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms.    The 79-year-old President has begun taking Paxlovid, an anti-viral medication effective during the first several days after symptoms appear.

According to the White House physician Kevin O’Connor’s letter, those symptoms include a runny nose, fatigue and a dry cough.

The President’s last negative test was Tuesday; the positive result was found during routine testing for the President. All contacts since Tuesday will be notified, per the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

“Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.  He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence,” the release states.


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HIGH RISK FOR COVID-19 IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

July 14, 2022 (San Diego) - The continued increase in local coronavirus cases has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to move San Diego County to its high-risk level for COVID-19.


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COVID HOSPITALIZATIONS, ICU ADMISSIONS UP BY TWO-THIRDS

East County News Service

July 8, 2022 (San Diego) - Hospitalizations for COVID-related illness are on the rise, up 66 percent in the last 30 days, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reports. New ICU admissions rose 68 percent during that same time frame.

The County has also seen an increase in reinfections, San Diegans who have tested positive for COVID-19 several times throughout the pandemic. National data shows that prior infection does not necessarily prevent reinfection with some of the newer virus variants.

Dr. Cameron Kaiser, M.D., the County’s deputy public health officer offers this advice.

“Due to the increased level of community transmission, including reinfections, we strongly recommend masking, especially in crowded spaces or around family, friends and colleagues who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19,” Dr. Kaiser says. “Our best bet in preventing hospitalizations and deaths is to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and isolating from others when sick.”


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VACCINES FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN APPROVED, APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE LOCALLY

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2022 (San Diego) -- COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as six months of age have been approved the federal regulators. The vaccines will be available locally within days at medical facilities including Rady Children’s Hospital, which is now scheduling appointments, as well as at community clinics, pediatricians’ offices, and some pharmacies.


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COUNTY MOVES TO MEDIUM RISK IN CDC'S COVID-19 COMMUNITY LEVEL

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Photo:  a woman readies herself to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Educational Cultural Complex site in Mountain View.
 
May 26, 2022 (San Diego) - Due to high levels of virus spread in the community, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has moved San Diego County to its medium-risk level for COVID-19.

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FDA CLEARS COVID BOOSTER SHOT FOR HEALTHY KIDS AGES 5 TO 11

By Pennell Paugh

May 23, 2022 (San Diego) – On May 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a single booster shot for children ages 5 through 11 years old, at least five months after completion of a primary series with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.


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COUNTY ANNOUNCES NEW PREVENTION MEDICATION, EVUSHELD, FOR THOSE AT HIGHEST RISK FROM COVID

New treatments also available, but have been under-utilized, county says

Source: County of San Diego

May 11, 2022 (San Diego) – If you have moderate or severe immunosuppression, or if you’d have a severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine, Evusheld can reduce your risk of getting COVID by up to 77%.  Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody injection. Eligible people locally include:


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PROMS, GRADUATIONS RAISE NEED FOR COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS, COUNTY SAYS AS COVID CASES CLIMB

East County News Service

Photo: CC by SA via Bing

May 5, 2022 (San Diego) – With a new Omicron subvariant circulating and cases climbing across the nation as prom and graduation season approaches, the County Health and Human Services Department is urging parents to make sure children are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and to take other preventive measures.


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COUNTY OFFERS COVID TEST KITS TO COMMUNITY GROUPS AND AGENCIES IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES

Source: County of San Diego Health and Human Services

May 5, 2022 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has received COVID-19 self-test kits from the state. Distribution criteria and a distribution plan have been developed to ensure that those at highest risk of illness and death from COVID-19 infection and those in low income and underserved communities receive these kits.   


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CALIFORNIA BACKS AWAY FROM COVID VACCINE MANDATES FOR KIDS

By Elizabeth Aguilera, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Amaya Palestino, 6, receives a COVID-19 vaccine at one of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center mobile health clinics in Los Angeles on March 16, 2022. California is backing away from COVID vaccine mandates for kids. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

April 15, 2022 (Sacramento) - Although more than three-quarters of California adults are vaccinated against COVID-19, opinions are more divided when it comes to vaccinating children. That sentiment played out Thursday when first, the author of a bill that would have mandated vaccines for all children pulled the legislation, and then again when state health officials pushed back the date of their student vaccine mandate.


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SAN DIEGANS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN COVID-19 ANTIBODY STUDY

Source: San Diego County News Service

April 13, 2022 (San Diego) - San Diego County is one of seven California counties participating in CalScope, a study that will help public health professionals better understand how many people in California have antibodies against COVID-19.


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TEEN GIRL IS SECOND SAN DIEGO YOUTH TO DIE OF COVID-19

96 children locally have been stricken by Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome caused by COVID

East County News Service

April 13, 2022 (San Diego) - A 15-year-old girl died from COVID-19 and is the second death of someone under the age of 18 in the region during the pandemic, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.


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MIGRANT EXPULSIONS UNDER TITLE 42 COVID RESTRICTIONS TO END MAY 23 AS HEALTH CRISIS EASES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Border fence, cc by ND

Update April 23, 2022: A federal judge has temporarily blocked the lifting of Title 42 restrictions.

April 9, 2022 (San Diego) – At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Trump administration began expelling migrants without access to asylum hearings under Title 42.  Now, after lifting of most other pandemic mandates, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control director has announced that suspending migrants’ rights is “no longer necessary” after “considering current public health conditions and an increased availability of tools to fight COVID-19, such as highly effective vaccines and therapeutics,” the CDC announced in a statement.


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