Experts have suggested that BA.2 is at least 30% more contagious than the Omicron variant, which was already substantially more easily spread than the original COVID-19 virus.
"Although most of our metrics continue to improve, the county continues to see substantial transmission," county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. "Along with the increasing circulation of the more- infectious BA.2 subvariant, everyone, especially those who are at elevated risk or live with someone at elevated risk, should wear a high-quality mask and get vaccinated and boosted.
County health officials noted that the growing reach of the BA.2 sub- variant mirrors trends being seen in some East Coast states and in Europe. The county on Thursday reported 27 new COVID-19 deaths, raising the overall death toll from the virus in the county to 31,561.Another 734 infections were also reported, giving the county a cumulative total of 2,827,802 from throughout the pandemic.
According to state figures, there were 351 COVID-positive patients in county hospitals as of Thursday, down from 378 on Wednesday. The number of those patients being treated in intensive care was 52, down from 54 a day earlier.
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