Local pandemic death rate lower locally than nationwide
San Diego County passed a disheartening milestone Wednesday as the number of COVID-19 related deaths exceeded 5,000, according to the county health department’s weekly report.Each loss rippled through the community, leaving holes in the collective social fabric that can never be mended. And yet, statistics show that San Diego County, despite the 55 additional deaths added to the list this week, has done better than most places in preserving life as the pandemic enters its third year.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County’s public health officer, marked the milestone in her weekly written COVID-19 statement. Health care workers, especially those who have now spent a full two years working on units that serve COVID-19 patients, carry that burden to work daily, and it has already pushed many out of their chosen professions. Counselors will be treating the post-traumatic stress in these workers, whether they’re nurses, doctors or the people who have cleaned the rooms, for many years to come.