The reports from the Imperial County Public Health Department show that the COVID-19 pandemic has a grip on the Imperial Valley.

The numbers released on Saturday show that there are 6,041 individuals who have tested positive for the virus. As of Saturday there were 1,064 active cases and 81 deaths associated with the disease. 4,896 patients have been deemed recovered. 

The numbers show a marked increase from Saturday , June 20 , when there were 4,800 positive cases. One week ago there were 839 active cases and 64 deaths had been reported. The number of people tested has increased significantly with 24,074 a week ago to 30,605 as of June 27. 

Testing is available at no cost at two OptumServe sites in the Valley. One at the Imperial Veteran's Hall in Imperial and the second site is now located at the Brawley Senior Center. No physician referral is necessary but appointments must be made. Individuals can make an appointment through the Imperial County Public Health Department. Testing is also available through the Health Department and various private health care providers.