One of the articles I read recently about our current COVID-19 situation described it as a feeling of whiplash. I am not sure I would go that far, but we do seem to find ourselves in new territory yet again. Sure, we have experienced surges before, but this time many people have already been vaccinated, so the guidelines are different. If this has left you a little confused about what rules have changed and how, here is a quick overview:
- Masks required indoors for those not fully vaccinated.
- Masks recommended indoors if you are fully vaccinated.
Other California counties have begun to require masks indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status, as have some companies and organizations. As you go about your business, pay attention to signs about mask wearing to see if it’s required.
Vaccinations increasing
The number of people getting their first shots has increased the last couple of weeks. The county has reached 70% vaccination among those 12 and older.
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Whether or not you work someplace where verification is required, you can sign up for the state’s digital vaccine record on this website. Enter your name and dates of vaccination, and the site will send you a QR code to keep your vaccine verification.
Vaccine approval update
Some organizations have said they will wait to require proof of vaccination until the FDA grants full approval of vaccines. Right now, all three offered in the United States have emergency use authorization. The FDA is reportedly aiming to grant full approval of the Pfizer vaccine by Labor Day, Sept. 6. No word yet on when the other two, Moderna and J&J, could get full approval.
Local case data
The county reports daily case numbers, but many of the other metrics are updated weekly on Wednesdays. The daily count of new cases countywide is now back over 1,000 lately.
The county’s case rate per 100,000 in population was 13.4 as of the last report July 28, and testing positivity was 6.5. As of last week, the county is not exceeding its triggers for health care capacity, but we will see how that looks when this week’s report comes out. Here is the link if you want to look this evening or tomorrow.
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We continue to track Carlsbad case numbers and are seeing significant increases in active cases over the past month. |
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We continue to have the lowest case rate in the region of cities over 50,000 in population, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to continue to be careful.
Delta variant
As anticipated the Delta variant now makes up the majority of COVID-19 infections in the United States. Last week the Washington Post released results of a CDC study about this variant, which confirms what has already been reported. It also shows why the CDC changed is guidance on masks for people who are vaccinated. (“NPIs” refer to “non-pharmaceutical interventions, like wearing masks, maintaining distance and washing hands frequently.)
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While there have been some “breakthrough” cases, where someone fully vaccinated gets COVID-19, you can see by the chart below that vaccines are working as intended.
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Testing capacity increasing
The county is ramping up its testing capacity to keep pace with the increase in cases and new testing requirements put in place by employers. Here is a link to the county’s testing website. Testing is also available at private health care providers and many pharmacies.
Keep in mind that COVID-19 symptoms can seem similar to many other common ailments, like a sinus headache, a “normal” cold and the flu. The county has a good chart (below) showing how to tell if you should be tested.
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I know that’s a lot of COVID-19 related updates today. Even given all these changes, the best way to keep our community safe is to follow the latest health guidance:
California Department of Public Health Guidance
- Get vaccinated if you’re not already.
- Wear a mask when required.
- Stay home and get tested if you feel sick.
- Ventilate indoor spaces.
Now, in other news …
City Council redistricting
Last Thursday our Independent Redistricting Commission held its first meeting, mostly focused on getting established with its meeting schedule and how it will operate. The public input process will kick off later this month with informational webinars. Some of the things we will want to hear from you include:
- What groups, neighborhoods and other "communities of interest" should be kept together for the purpose of electing a City Council member?
- How would you define the geographic boundaries of your neighborhood? This could be streets, the beach, railroad tracks, nearby open space or other physical borders. Would your neighbors agree? Why or why not?
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What do you like about how the current districts are laid out? What don't you like? Why?
- What local groups and organizations could help spread the word about the redistricting process to make sure everyone who wants to be involved knows how?
More information to come on the informational webinars. In the meantime, we are continuing to build out our website with background information about what redistricting is, why we are doing it now and how the public can share input.
Fire prevention officer of the year
You know by now I like to brag about our city team. My common refrain for every single employee is that I want Carlsbad to be the very best run local government, period. Obviously, this looks different in different parts of the city. In our Fire Department, it looks like this: We have the very best Fire Prevention Specialist in the region, right here in Carlsbad!
Medi Maldonado has played a key role in the Fire Prevention Officers Association’s leadership for the past four years serving as president in 2019 and leading a complete makeover and upgrade of the association’s website. Medi has also been an advocate for expanding public education related to fire safety throughout Carlsbad and the San Diego County region. Congrats Medi! Thank you for all you do for the community of Carlsbad.
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Officers recognized for DUI prevention efforts
Our Police Department has also been called out for outstanding work in recent weeks. Police Sergeant Nate Horton and Officers Tyler Hubka and Jeffery Wolf were recognized with MADD California Law Enforcement Recognition Awards for their continued efforts to reduce the occurrences of driving under the influence.
Carlsbad goes to the Olympics
Yesterday and today two Carlsbad residents are competing in Olympic skateboarding competitions in Tokyo. Best of luck to Jordyn Barratt and Heimana Reynolds.
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Here is an article about all the North County skaters taking part.
You may know that Carlsbad is not only the hometown of Tony Hawk, but also had the first skatepark in the Western United States. In fact, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has a chunk of the old park as part of its collection. It’s not on display right now, but here is a photo.
That’s all for this week. Thank you for continuing to help keep our community safe by limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Scott Chadwick
City Manager
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