California reports rise in COVID-19 test positivity and hospital indicators this summer

California health officials said the share of positive COVID-19 tests rose to 3.4% for the week ending July 18, up from just over 1% a month earlier, indicating broader community spread. The increase coincides with higher emergency-room visits linked to the virus, a trend also observed in other states such as Texas, Florida, Missouri and Utah, according to CDC data.

"We have for the past few summers seen COVID peak in the late summer. We test a set number of specimens every week to get a sense of what's trending in the community," said Dr. Sharon Balter of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

State monitors are also tracking wastewater signals and hospital admissions for changes in transmission patterns. Balter noted modest rises in both wastewater measurements and hospitalizations.

"We are seeing a small increase in the wastewater. We're also seeing a small increase in hospital admissions," she added.

The department continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone six months and older. While a single dose is sufficient for most, two doses are advised for seniors, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant people and very young children.

"I always tell people I am a mom and my kid gets a vaccine every year," Balter said, emphasizing ongoing vaccine recommendations for children.

Officials hope the summer uptick remains less severe than previous years but warned that serious illness is still possible, urging individuals to assess personal risk and consider vaccination.

"Some people will still get very ill so for an individual person, it's good to consider your risk and it's good to get vaccinated," Balter said.

Booster shots are slated for October, and pharmacies expect a new vaccine formulation similar to annual flu updates to become available next month.