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.

In June, the FDA endorsed the recommendations of its Vaccine and Related Biologic Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) that a monovalent XBB 1.5 variant be used by manufacturers in updating COVID-19 vaccines for Fall 2023. Until an updated COCID-19 vaccine is released, current bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines continue to be recommended for use.

• We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older people stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The current CDC COVID-19 schedule for those 6 month and older, including for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, can be found here: Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule. 
• Adults and Children at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 disease should be assessed for appropriate COVID-19 treatment. Current guidance on the treatment of COVID-19 can be found that the NIH Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines.
• Individuals should assess their risk for COVID-19, and the risk of those have close contact with, and consider non-pharmaceutical interventions (masking social distancing) if they are at increased risk. Masking in crowded indoor spaces has been shown to be an effective intervention at decreasing the risk of acquiring or spreading SARS-CoV-2.
• All individuals should continue to practice good cough and hand hygiene and test for SARS-CoV-2 if they become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 disease.