San Diego County health officials say six out of every 10 adult San Diegans are at extra risk for severe illness should they contract the coronavirus.
During Wednesday's County briefing. Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten explained that’s because about 57% of San Diego County adults have pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart and lung disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.
San Diegans with underlying chronic conditions are at increased risks of serious outcomes if they contract COVID-19, requiring to be hospitalized, placed in intensive care or worse, dying.
To date, 95% of San Diegans who died from COVID-19 had an underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Wooten also said that while it is true that younger San Diegans with COVID-19 typically don’t need to be hospitalized, that is not the case for older adults. Of the 2,459 people who were hospitalized due to COVID-19, about 52% were 60 years of age or older.
“Some San Diegans think they’re not going to get sick and therefore are not following the public health guidance,” said Wooten. “What they don’t realize is that they could get infected and pass the virus to others who are vulnerable.”
SEE THE LATEST NUMBERS IN THE COUNTY'S DAILY CORONAVIRUS REPORT.
(Photo credit San Diego County Newscenter)