LVMC Community Update, February 18, 2022

This week our CEO updates the community on COVID hospitalizations, Vaccination Clinics, Boosters, Case Rate/Positivity Rate, and some statistics for California.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

What happened on this date in history?

• 1879 – Sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi was awarded a patent for his design for the Statue of Liberty.
• 1972 – California Supreme Court abolished the death penalty.
• 2014 – Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 began as protesters, riot police, and unknown shooters, took part in violent events in the capital, Kiev, culminating after five days in the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych.

Quote of the week

“By succeeding at something hard, we gain the courage and confidence to try again and again.” --Unknown

COVID Comments

Hospitalizations

• As of yesterday, within Santa Barbara County, there were 63 Covid hospitalized patients, with 13 of those receiving ICU care. Two weeks ago, there were approximately 108 Covid hospitalized patients, with 15 in ICU. This represents a 42% decrease in Covid hospitalized patients. Of the 63 Covid hospitalized patients, 5 were at LVMC, with 1 of those receiving ICU care.

Vaccination Clinics

• We continue holding vaccination clinics for children 5-11 at the hospital every Wednesday, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. For community members ages 12 and older, we are holding vaccination clinics at the hospital every Friday from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm. For all vaccination clinics, appointments may be scheduled at ca.gov and walk-ins are welcome.

Vaccinations/Boosters

• The percentage of the Santa Barbara County population that is vaccinated continues to creep up. Each of the following figures represents approximately a 0.7 percentage point increase from two weeks prior: 7% of Santa Barbara County residents ages 5+ have had at least one vaccine dose. 71.6% of residents ages 5+ have been fully vaccinated. 75% of all county residents (all ages) have had at least one dose. 67.3% of the entire county population has been fully vaccinated. (Keep in mind that “fully vaccinated” does not mean boosted.)
• Approximately 7,150 county residents received a booster dose during the past two weeks, increasing the total number to 151,153. This equates to about 34% of the entire county population, and about 50% of the county population that is fully vaccinated. The pace of booster administration is slowing. As mentioned above, there were 7,150 booster doses administered during the past two weeks, compared to 12,000 doses administered during the previous two-week period.
• According to Santa Barbara County Public Health Department data, the county’s central region, which includes Lompoc, has a lower percentage of fully vaccinated residents than the other two regions. 2% of central region residents are fully vaccinated, compared to 63.5% for the north region, and 72.5% for the south region.

Case Rate/Positivity Rate

• During the Omicron surge, the number of Covid cases per 100,000 county population peaked on January 10, at 258 cases per 100k population. As of February 13 (the latest date reported), the number of cases was at an Omicron surge low of 31.9 cases per 100k population. The peak of 258 cases per 100k population is by far the highest rate of the entire pandemic. The highest rate before the Omicron surge was 96 cases per 100k back on January 10,
• According to Santa Barbara Public Health Department data, New Covid Cases have declined 53% from its previous two-week average, and Active Covid Cases have declined 47% from its previous two-week average.
• The Covid positivity rate in the county peaked at 21.1% on January 30. Since then, the rate has continuously declined and is at 11%, as of February 13 (the latest date reported). The rate of 21.1% is the highest of the entire pandemic. The peak rates during the two previous surges were 16.5% on January 10, 2021, and 16.1% on March 31,

California Statistics

• Among the 50 states, California ranks tied for 18th best for Covid hospitalization rate, at 21 per 100k population.
• California ranks 13th best for Covid death rate, at 0.49 per 100k population.
• California ranks 13th best for percentage of population fully vaccinated, at 70%.
• California ranks 18th best for percentage of fully vaccinated population receiving a booster, at 47.3%

Thank you for your continued support, it is very much appreciated. As always, please feel free to contact me at popkins@lompocvmc.com or (805) 737-3301. Until next time, be well and stay safe!

Steve Popkin
Chief Executive Officer