(COVID 19 numbers continue to increase)...The new Omicron variant is much more contagious than the original virus.

Reports are the virus is not as severe as it once was, but now it is far more contagious. Community testing for COVID 19 is still available. OptumServe is operating testing sites in Brawley, at the Del Rio Branch of the Public Library and at Stark Field in El Centro. To schedule an appointment, go to lhi/covidtesting. Walk-ins are accepted but they are based on availability.

As of Tuesday morning, the Imperial County Public Health Department reported 1,071 active cases of the COVID-19 virus in Imperial County. The last update from July 7th had 911 active cases. The number of deaths attributed to the virus remains at 941.