California is seeing a late-summer COVID surge, with rising case numbers, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates. Health officials are urging people to take precautions as wastewater data shows high virus levels across the state.
The CDC has reported that infections are “growing” or “likely growing” in at least 30 states, including California.
Yolo County Health Officer Warns of Summer COVID Wave
Dr. Aimee Sisson, health officer for Yolo County, described the surge as a “summer COVID wave.” She urged West Sacramento residents to wear masks indoors, pointing to high concentrations of the virus in sewage.
COVID Positivity Rates Climb Sharply
Test positivity has more than doubled across California in one month:
- Statewide: 12.07% (week ending Aug. 23) vs. 6.03% in late July
- LA County: 8.11% → 13.44%
- Orange County: 9.4% → 18.1%
- San Francisco: 7.1% → 8.7%
Dr. Elizabeth Hudson of Kaiser Permanente Southern California confirmed: “There was definitely an uptick in COVID cases, and inpatient cases were still few and far between.” She also warned: “Wastewater levels are still rising in Los Angeles, so we have not reached the top of this current wave.”
Hospitalizations Rising but Still Low
Hospital admissions are still classified as “low,” but the numbers are increasing:
- 3.62 admissions per 100,000 residents (week ending Aug. 23), nearly double the previous month
- ER visits for COVID-like illness are climbing in Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Clara counties
Orange County health officials cautioned that the “current percentage of COVID-19 positivity is higher than at any point last winter.”
Masking and Vaccination Guidance
Yolo County issued new masking advice:
- Masks for everyone over age two when sewage levels are “high”
- Masks for seniors, immunocompromised, and high-risk groups when levels are “medium”
Dr. Sisson recommended high-quality masks such as N95, KN95, or KF94 for the best protection.
The COVID surge comes as the new 2025–26 vaccines are about to be released at major pharmacies. However, new federal rules require people under 65 without health conditions to consult a healthcare provider before vaccination, raising concerns about access.
Dr. Jerome Adams, former US Surgeon General, criticized the policy, calling it “a real access barrier.”
Dr. Sisson stressed: “Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe disease and death from COVID-19.”
