Monterey County’s risk for Covid-19 rises, following a big surge statewide and across the nation.

For weeks this summer, the number of cases of Covid-19 in California’s large metropolitan areas were quickly increasing, as well as across the country, driven by a group of highly contagious variants dubbed FLiRT. While anecdotal evidence in Monterey County pointed to more cases, it seemed to be lagging behind other regions. Now it appears to be catching up.

On Monday, Aug. 5, the Monterey County Health Department convened a phone call with hospital officials and other providers to confirm that the level of Covid transmission is considered “high,” based on higher numbers of people seeking care for respiratory illnesses at hospitals and clinics and higher levels of the virus being detected at two coastal wastewater treatment plants. (The state no longer requires the reporting of Covid cases.)

Officials also track deaths – there were just under 10 reported in July, about the same as the summer surge in 2023, says MCHD epidemiologist Kristy Michie. There have been outbreaks in local senior facilities, which is serious since people who are elderly or with chronic conditions are more at risk for hospitalization and death.

Data from Monterey One Water’s regional treatment plant north of Marina shows a marked increase of detectable virus beginning in mid-July. Influent tests at the Carmel Area Wastewater District south of Carmel show a slight jump in mid-June, which then lowered, but has been steadily increasing ever since.

Michie advises people to stay home if they’re sick to protect vulnerable people in the community. People can go out in public after symptoms improve and have no fever for 24 hours as long as they wear a well-fitting mask for five days after. Wearing masks in crowded situations is a good idea, as well as improving ventilation or taking gatherings outdoors.

Those at higher risk who did not get last fall’s Covid booster are encouraged to do so; it will not prevent them from receiving the updated booster this fall.