COVID-19 Data (Archive)

This dashboard was last updated on March 1, 2024. See the current SLO County COVID-19 dashboard. 

 Wastewater Additional Data FAQs  

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Wastewater

Wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is a meaningful way to show community-level infection trends over time. Several watershed sites throughout SLO County currently perform wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 at regular intervals. We are grateful to these sites for their work and partnership in understanding SARS-CoV-2 trends in SLO County. ​Wastewater data for each site is typically updated weekly on Fridays; however, individual sites may experience occasional reporting delays. Learn more about how wastewater monitoring works.

Data will likely continue to be limited in the weeks ahead due to laboratory transitions that affect local wastewater surveillance sites. Sites in South County, Los Osos and Cambria are currently paused in reporting. Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo sites use different laboratories and methodologies and expect to continue providing consistent data. Stay tuned for updates. 

Variants, Vaccinations & Respiratory Virus Dashboard

Find data on COVID-19 hospitalizations, deaths, variants and vaccinations via the links below.

The California Department of Public Health dashboard that provided data on COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths has been re-launched to focus on state-level data for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. This dashboard offers a wealth of meaningful information at the link below. Stay tuned for updates to our local dashboard in light of this State transition.

Data FAQs

Can I request different or other data?

The data we have the capacity to provide is currently shown on this page. Due to limited resources, our County Public Health team does not have the capacity to provide additional data either on an ongoing basis or via individual request. That said, we are working very hard to provide the best data available to the public, so feel free to forward any suggestions to [email protected]. We will update the information we provide as resources allow. Thank you!

What underlying health conditions can lead to severe COVID-19 illness?

Individuals with familiar or pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, chronic lung disease, pregnancy and heart disease, are especially vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness. It's estimated that more than half of American adults have a condition that makes them especially vulnerable. As COVID-19 is surging in our community, we must be especially vigilant to protect these individuals and remember the disease can also affect people who have been previously healthy. Visit the CDC's website on this topic for more details: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.

Where can I find the amount of testing in our county?

The County Public Health Department does not have the total number of tests conducted at private labs.  State officials have access to more complete testing data than we do at the local level. Find more data on the State dashboard. 

What explains the disparity in the Cases by Race/Ethnicity chart? 

Just as in many areas across the State and Country, Hispanic/Latino members of the SLO County community are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.  Case investigations have noted many of these individuals serve as essential workers, often in roles where physical distancing is difficult.  In addition, multi-generational households have made isolation in some circumstances difficult. The County Public Health Department is working with local community groups to increase outreach and address the needs of the Hispanic/Latino members of our community.

What do you consider an “active” case?

Active cases include those who are isolating or currently hospitalized (including ICU).

I just heard about a COVID-related death.  Why is it not yet listed on your page?
Currently in our COVID-19 statistics, we are only counting those deaths where COVID-19 is listed as an Underlying Cause of Death by the attending physician on the death certificate. Because of this, new deaths will only be reported when a death certificate has been filed and the underlying cause of death has been finalized. In very rare instances, a death certificate may be amended by the physician, coroner, or public health officer after further investigation. Depending on the results of the investigation, the case could be reclassified and the total number of deaths listed here will change to reflect that new information.

What labs are included in these stats?

The County Public Health Lab, State Lab, and numerous private labs (e.g., WestPac Labs, Quest Diagnostics, Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories, LabCorp) are testing for COVID-19 in our community. 

Can you tell me more about where people are getting or spreading the disease? Is it at stores, parties, protests, churches, restaurants? What do you know?

While this may change over time, most cases with a known source in SLO County are currently related to contact with a known case, often at social or family gatherings. For more information on how COVID-19 is spreading in our community, see our latest news and updates.