Kern County Public Health announces latest COVID-19 facts

March 8, 2022 /

There are 162 newly reported confirmed cases in Kern County bringing the total confirmed cases to date to 240,461.

There are nine new deaths being reported today and a total of 2,167 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic. The 7-day case rate is 11.3 per 100,000.

 As of yesterday, 1,161,058 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Kern County residents.  55.3% of Kern’s eligible population and 51.4% of Kern’s total population have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Kern County had 78 COVID-19 related hospitalizations and 15 are in the ICU.

“Our community has been greatly impacted by this disease, and together we have overcome many challenges,” says Brynn Carrigan, Director of Kern County Public Health. “Public Health remains steadfast in our efforts to educate our residents on the latest tools and resources available to protect against COVID-19 and we stand ready to respond to any future variants.”

According to the Kern County Public Health Services Department, last week, the state announced changes to the masking mandate for both the general public and in school and childcare settings. Public indoor masking for unvaccinated individuals is no longer required but is strongly recommended. After March 11, masks will no longer be required, but will be strongly recommended in schools and childcare settings.  Masking remains required in healthcare settings, correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, emergency shelters, homeless shelters, and public transportation. Learn more on the CDPH website.

A new program called Our Know Your Numbers starts today, March 8 at the Shafter Youth Center, 455 E. Euclid Avenue.  This is a traveling free program that offers two health screenings. These programs will be informing participants of their body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels both before and after six weeks of nutrition coaching from our Public Health Nutritionist and fitness classes provided by our partners at In-Shape Health Clubs.  Services will be every Tuesday from 10am to 11am, starting March 8 through April 19.

“Public Health is traveling throughout the County to bring free health screenings and fitness and nutrition coaching to families in their neighborhoods,” says David Couch, Kern County District 4 Supervisor.  “I strongly encourage our residents take advantage of this opportunity.”

Additionally, Kern County Public Health continues to coordinate mobile COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites throughout the county and more information can be found at their website.

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