While San Joaquin County retained its red tier status this week, not moving back to the more restrictive purple, officials said hospitalizations due to the coronavirus remain on the rise.

Hospitals in San Joaquin County report having 63 COVID positive patients admitted for care. Demand for intensive care services remains steady with adult intensive care units (ICU) operating at 112 percent of licensed bed capacity. San Joaquin County hospitals did not report any patient deaths due to COVID in the 24-hour period ending Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10.

Residents are reminded that they can help fight the pandemic by taking some simple steps.

Avoid people outside your household; wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; wear a face mask when out in public; cover your cough or sneeze; frequently clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces. Also, maintain physical distance of six feet whenever outside of the house; stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.

San Joaquin County Public Health officials did remind people to not delay seeking care if they are sick or experiencing a medical emergency.

“We are all in this together,” the update from the county’s public health officials noted. “Every person has a role to play. Your actions save lives.”