Imperial County sees highest case spike yet

Health officials confirm 300+ new cases of coronavirus

EL CENTRO, Calif (KYMA, KECY) - Imperial County has once again seen it's highest spike in new coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) confirmed another 319 cases on Friday, bringing the countywide total to more than 3,700.

Health officials report no new deaths from the illness, but they also only report six new recoveries.

Here are the latest statistics from ICPHD:

Coronavirus in Imperial County - Friday, June 11, 2020

The spike comes on the same day as Imperial Country reminded its residents that it hasn't moved into the next phase of the state's reopening plan. At this point in time, health officials say, social distancing remains critical.

"It's important for the public to remember that Imperial County residents need to continue practicing social distancing because we continue to experience widespread transmission of COVID-19.  Although other California counties have started to open more business and services, Imperial County is unable to allow more businesses to open onsite such as restaurants because they require prolonged close interaction between the workers and the clients. The Public Health Department is committed to prioritizing the public's health and safety as we respond to the pandemic." said Dr. Stephen Munday, the county's chief health officer.

Imperial County cannot even begin to open bars, restaurants, gyms, and salons until it lowers it's positive test rate to 8%. The County must also maintain that rate for 7 consecutive days. Right now, more than 18% of Valley residents' tests come back positive.

California now has more than 143,000 cases of coronavirus. The illness is blamed for nearly 5,000 deaths, including 43 in Imperial County.

[Related story: California Coronavirus Cases]