The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is on the rise again across San Diego County.
As summer turns to fall, more people are being infected, with some public events being canceled due to small, localized outbreaks.
"With much love and gratitude to Chris Mueller and Michael Moore" reads an inscription on the wall of tiles at the Stepping Stone of San Diego, a residential treatment center in City Heights. The men listed are a former program director and long-time board chairman. The organization is one of the nation's only alcohol and drug treatment programs specializing in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
"Stepping Stone is a nonprofit that focuses on our most vulnerable communities," said Andrew Picard, the organization's executive director, "the LGBT community, immigrants and, most important, people who are immunocompromised."
There was supposed to be an unveiling ceremony on Saturday of new tiles on the wall in the main courtyard that will honor volunteers and donors, but it's been postponed. Recovering clients live close together in the residential facility, and they also participate in outside public activities. This week, multiple people on the property tested positive for COVID.
"I had COVID last week because it was here on site," said James Roy, a staff peer support specialist who himself is in recovery, and clean and sober for seven years.
"We have to be realistic about it, and make sure everybody takes care of themselves," Roy told NBC 7 on Friday while sitting in the center's Serenity Garden. "We keep people safe, putting them in different rooms, and test regularly."
Most of the group sessions at Stepping Stone have been moved outdoors to prevent spread of the virus.
Small outbreaks like the one at Stepping Stone are becoming more frequent: The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency continues to count infections, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID, which have trended up since early summer. The agency reports positive COVID cases increasing almost weekly. The latest available numbers, show that there were 537 cases the week of Aug. 7, and then, a week later, 648 cases.
A county communications officer provided a written statement to NBC 7:
"The COVID-19 vaccine has been and continues to be an important part of preventing severe disease and deaths. The county of San Diego is continuing to follow COVID vaccine recommendations set by the California Department of Public Health. We encourage people to talk to their health care provider if they have questions about the COVID vaccine."
People can find a vaccine near them by contacting their doctor or health care provider, local pharmacy or by visiting myturn.ca.gov.
County health officials are closely monitoring updates to vaccine recommendations as part of the new West Coast Health Alliance.
The well-known practices to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 are still effective, including covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often, wearing a mask, and staying home and away from others when sick with any respiratory virus.