Over the last month, the percentage of positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests among Orange County residents has been increasing. This is in line with previous seasons where an increase in disease activity during both the summer and winter months was observed. Molecular data tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants shows a range of Omicron, XBB, and other variants co-circulating without one strain clearly driving the current increase. The age distribution of recent cases continues to follow the pattern seen over the last year with the highest rates among those 0-3 years of age and those 75 years and older. We are not currently seeing evidence of an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The proportion of deaths due to respiratory illness, including pneumonia, influenza, & COVID-19 over the last 6 months has remained at levels comparable to that before the start of the pandemic. More info...
