(ICU capacity continues to drop)...State officials issued the warning Monday.

They say that Intensive Care Unit bed capacity for the Southern Region, including Imperial County, continues to drop dangerously low. They say currently ICU bed availability for the Southern Region is now at 2.7%. A Regional Stay at Home Order was implemented for the Southern Region counties one week ago. ICU capacity at that time was 10.9%. County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday says COVID 19 continues to spread and is creating dire situations throughout the State. Munday says he cannot emphasize enough the need for everyone to do their part to curb the spread of the virus. He said a completely overwhelmed healthcare system would be worst case scenario that will result in unnecessary loss of life. The public is strongly urged to stay at home except for essential activies, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water is not available, use an approved hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wear face coverings at all times in public spaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Maintain a safe social distance of 6 feet from others that are not in your immediate household. Avoid gatherings of any size that involve mixing outside of your household