SLO County reports 6 new coronavirus deaths

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. - The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department reported six new coronavirus deaths on Tuesday.

It's the deadliest day in San Luis Obispo County since the coronavirus pandemic began.

According to the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department, one person was in their 40s, four were in their 80s and one was in their 90s. They were considered vulnerable to severe illness due to underlying health conditions.

“This is a very serious disease and SLO County is starting to experience the painful impact we have seen in other parts of the nation,” said San Luis Obispo County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein. “We send our condolences to those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19. And I implore you, everyone in SLO County, to take all precautions to slow the spread of disease. Now is the time we must act.”

These latest deaths bring the county's COVID-19 death toll to 52.

A death is considered to be coronavirus-related when a death certificate is processed that lists COVID-19 as the cause of death or a significant contributing factor in the death. The process can take several days to weeks to confirm.

Residents are urged to continue social distancing, wear face coverings and clean hands regularly to help protect the most vulnerable from this virus.

“This surge is the direct result of our collective actions several weeks ago,” Borenstein said. “As we do our best to respond to outbreaks, trace contacts and care for those who are ill, we must also do all we can to prevent a continuing surge. We are at the point where the actions we take today can very literally protect or cost lives in the weeks ahead.”

For updates and a breakdown of current COVID-19 cases in SLO County, click here.