Santa Cruz sees COVID-19 increase, health officials warn the public to be safe on Mother’s Day – KSBW Monterey

Santa Cruz County is reporting an uptick in COVID-19 infections. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently moved the county’s virus transmission level from “green” to “yellow.” Santa Cruz is only one of three counties in California with an elevated rating.Right now, the current bump in COVID-19 cases is more like a wave than a surge that has kept health care systems busy the last couple of years. “I don’t think we have sneaker waves at this point at this point we do believe there will be a surge in the future but it’s a bit murky right now,” said Santa Cruz County Deputy Health Officer, Dr. Cal Gordon.The current wave is being caused by a subvariant of the omicron variant, BA.2, and a newly discovered descendant of omicron that also appears to be increasing in the Bay Area.”The populations that we’re seeing this is in adolescents and young adults and it may be in part because we have very robust testing in our school systems as well as at our university,” Gordon said.The best indicators for the severity of pandemic waves and surges are in hospitalizations or intensive care unit admissions which currently is very low.”Not many. Not many as before. We have been at zero. We’re not at zero now but we don’t have a very high number in the hospital. Again, I advise people the pandemic isn’t over. The virus is still out there.” said, Dominican Hospital Chief Medical officer, Dr. Greg Whitley.While most businesses and activities have returned the public wants to get out after two years of the pandemic.”… Yeah, so Mother’s Day tends to be the busiest day for a flower shop in comparison to Valentine’s Day. Pretty much everyone has a mom,” said Naida Lindberg with the Flower Shack.Santa Cruz County has posted a reminder when you celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend: protect mom and others when gathering.”Again being aware of who in your gatherings might be at risk’ being respectful of considering masking, considering having our occasion outdoors. We know it’s less likely of transmission. If you’re symptomatic, probably don’t gather,” Gordon said.While there doesn’t appear to be an overwhelming concern at the moment, health officials continue to encourage people to get vaccinated and boosted.