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Citrus Heights COVID-19 cases surpass 100; related deaths remain at 8

A screenshot taken June 11 shows new COVID-19 cases reported per day in Sacramento County. // SCPH

Sentinel staff report–
Latest numbers updated by county health officials on Thursday show Citrus Heights has now had a total of 101 confirmed cases of COVID-19, up from 79 cases two weeks ago. Associated deaths have remained at eight since May 14.

The increase in COVID-19 cases, averaging more than one confirmed case per day over the past two weeks, represents a reversal of the slow-down trend seen in May. The county has also seen a similar increase, but the rate of new cases in the region remains well below the statewide average.

During the two-week period ending June 8, the Sacramento region saw 19 new cases per 100,000, compared to the statewide rate of 92 new cases per 100,000 during the same period, according to a June 10 article in The Sacramento Bee.

While some increase is expected as testing becomes more readily available and businesses reopen, Sacramento County health officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye attributes the increase in the Sacramento region to indoor family gatherings and people generally becoming more lax in following social distancing recommendations. Others note mass protests following the killing of George Floyd could contribute to the increase.

Hospitalizations and ICU cases involving COVID-19 patients are also on the rise in Sacramento County. As of June 10, the Sacramento County Public Health department reported 37 hospitalized cases and 13 ICU cases, up from a low point of just two ICU cases on May 25 and seven hospitalizations on May 21.

Countywide there have now been 1,670 cases of COVID-19, with 1,262 listed as “likely recovered,” according to the county’s online coronavirus dashboard. A total of 63 deaths have been attributed to the disease in Sacramento County, all involving patients who were age 65 or over, or who had underlying health conditions.

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