As COVID-19 Cases Rise, Scripps Urges Caution Over July 4 Weekend

As the July 4 holiday weekend approaches and with COVID-19 hospitalizations rising, health care leaders at Scripps Health are urging San Diegans to be cautious as they celebrate in the coming days.

Scripps reports that its number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is up to 96 as of today — more than double compared to the 45 COVID-19 patients at its hospitals a month ago on May 29. Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 patients in its intensive care units is now more than triple from what it was a month ago, increasing from four on May 29 to 13 today.

“Lots of people will be gathering to celebrate this weekend, and we urge them to not let their guard down,” said Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder. “There’s no doubt that COVID-19 is still very much with us. We’ve seen the impact grow since our last holiday, Memorial Day, and we certainly don’t want to see that trend continue after July 4.”

Scripps reports that its number of patients testing positive for COVID-19 has increased by 51% for the 14-day period ending June 29 (1,733 positive tests), compared to the 14-day period ending May 29 (1,141 positive tests). Currently, 69% of its positive COVID-19 tests are breakthrough cases, of which 72% of patients had been boosted once and 16% had been boosted twice. The health system has recorded eight COVID-19 related deaths this month, bringing its total to 1,335 since the pandemic began.

Van Gorder noted that the growing impact of COVID-19 is not limited to Scripps, as there are currently 314 COVID-19 patients admitted at hospitals across San Diego County, up from 186 in late May. Scripps urges people to continue adhering to key safety measures, such as choosing outdoor settings where possible and wearing a mask at large indoor gatherings where people are inside for a long period of time. Scripps also reminds the public to wash hands regularly and to not attend events if feeling sick.