By Robert Haugh

County Health officials say that a wastewater monitoring program has detected a sharp increase in COVID-19 levels this past month. 

According to County data, only 25 percent of residents have the bivalent booster shot.

Health officials also report high levels of flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) within the County,

“Unfortunately, we have seen COVID-19 surge during the holidays the previous two years so this is not unexpected,” said Dr. Sara Cody, the County’s top health official.

“Thankfully, there are actions each of us can take to live as safely as possible with COVID-19.  For those that haven’t already, now is the time to get your flu vaccine and bivalent COVID-19 booster, and we continue to strongly recommend testing before gathering and wearing a mask indoors in public settings.”

For the last three years, the County’s wastewater monitoring program has reliably predicted COVID-19 levels in the community.

Residents are urged to check with their primary physician about receiving the flu and bivalent Omicron booster vaccines. 

People without healthcare or who are having difficulty finding an appointment can go through www.sccfreevax.org for an appointment. 

At the County locations, there is no cost to be vaccinated or questions regarding immigration status.