Imperial County sees a dramatic decrease in COVID-19 cases

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-Imperial County has the lowest coronavirus cases since the pandemic.

According to the Imperial County COVID-19 dashboard, there are currently 450 active cases with 22 cases pending.

Although there may be a delay in reported cases, this is the lowest number of cases Imperial County has seen since May 5th. At the time, there were 400 positive cases in the county.

One metric that still needs improvement is Imperial County's positive testing percentage.

“Now to move forward the county must meet the next criteria for two consecutive weeks. Now the metrics that currently guide the movement from tier to tier is the case rate and the testing positivity percent," said Jeanette Angulo, ICPHD.

California currently has Imperial County's positive testing at 10.9% that number must go down between 5-8% for at least two weeks in order to move forward.

The health department says it’s a community effort.

Counties like San Diego that have moved forward with reopening are now at risk of dropping down a tier, while Imperial County hopes to move forward and not scale back.

“A lot of things can change. It’s going to go back to prevention, and responsibility. We don't want to go back and have a June and July situation," said Angulo.

Free COVID-19 testing is still being offered in Imperial County.

“Testing through the Optumserve sites are still available in Calexico and Brawley. Those sites are operating Tuesday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the test is at no cost," said Angulo.