COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Oakland and have surged in Alameda County in recent weeks. As of July 26, Oakland has 4,156 positive cases. In Alameda County, there are 10,438 cases and 178 deaths, according to the Health Department.
Latinos continue to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with over 5,000 cases throughout the county. African Americans have the highest death rate.
Preexisting conditions of unequal access to health care and concentration in higher risk essential work is driving the racial health inequalities.
East Oakland continues to be hardest hit by COVID-19. The Fruitvale area has 1,187 cases. Other East Oakland neighborhoods like Brookfield, Sobrante Park, and the area around the Coliseum also saw increased cases.
At a press conference Friday, Dr. Noha Aboelata of Roots Community Health Center said some Oakland residents have “put their guard down.” People attending social gatherings or parties have contributed to the surge in cases, East Bay Times reported.
Total hospitalizations in Alameda County peaked last week, with over 200 people hospitalized, and 58 hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICU).
Increased cases and hospitalizations could stress Alameda County’s health system.
Face coverings are still required in Alameda County, which has been under shelter-in-place orders since mid-March.
Every Monday and Thursday, Rasheed Shabazz and Momo Chang produce the Oakland ‘Rona Roundup, COVID-19 related stories impacting the Town.
Rasheed Shabazz is a multimedia storyteller, urban planning historian, and youth development professional based in the Bay Area. He is co-director of Oakland Voices. He recently completed his Masters of City and Regional Planning at UC Berkeley.
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