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Central, South Coasts Could Hit Grim COVID-19 Milestone Thursday: 50,000 Cases

The Central and South Coasts are expected to hit a grim COVID-19 threshold Thursday, topping the 50,000 case mark.

We have been seeing the largest new case count in the region since the start of the pandemic.  888 cases were reported Wednesday, with 497 in Ventura County, 196 in Santa Barbara County, and 195 in San Luis Obispo County.

The total since the start of the pandemic stands at 49,958.  At the current pace, it’s almost certain we’ll top the 50,000 mark Thursday.

Eight additional deaths were reported Wednesday, pushing the total death toll for the three counties past the 400 mark, to 403.

The available ICU capacity for the 11 county Southern California region which includes Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties is down to .05%.  When it dropped below 15% a few weeks ago, it triggered the latest round of stay at home and shutdown orders.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral. 
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