Kern County Public Health reported another day with more than 200 new COVID-19 cases. The county's dashboard showing 263 new infections.
Kern County's case total since the pandemic started now sits at more than 114,000. One new death was reported and there were no new cases of the delta variant. That number is currently sitting at 39 locally.
It's important to note though that the state is only testing 14-percent of all positive COVID-19 tests for variants. Public health says the majority of COVID-19 cases in California have been identified as the delta variant.
Meanwhile, local hospitals in kern county are working to meet the deadline for the state's new COVID-19 mandates for their staff.
Last week the California Department of Public Health announced it will require state employees and some healthcare workers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or face mandatory weekly testing.
A release from state health officials says the new policy for healthcare workers takes effect on August 9th, and healthcare facilities will have to be in full compliance by August 23rd.
Some Kern County health care providers released statements about the new regulations.
Adventist Health said: "... Due to the recent COVID-19 surge, highly contagious variants and the number of people who remain unvaccinated, we are carefully considering the policies and resources that would need to be in place to require that all of our California associates be vaccinated as well. We continue to ask those that are unvaccinated in our community to schedule an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine."
Dignity Health said: "Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals we will be complying with the state health care worker vaccination mandate and we are currently in the process of finalizing the testing and vaccination procedures"
Kern Medical said: "... Kern Medical’s leadership team is currently evaluating the order to determine how best to comply with the requirements. Further details will be communicated to the Kern Medical staff in coming days as we work to meet the State’s implementation date of Aug. 9th."
23ABC asked the hospitals how many of their employees are vaccinated and they did not respond.
