
The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in San Diego County had fallen Thursday to 133, according to state data.
That continues the trend reported Wednesday, as the total COVID-19 patients in county hospitals dropped by 10 to 140. Patients needing to be admitted to ICUs though rose by six, to 32.
Meanwhile, U.S. Senate negotiators neared a deal on a $10 billion COVID-19 bill to help the federal government acquire more vaccines and medical supplies.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said senators were “close to a final agreement” on a bill aiming to shore up stockpiles to be used both domestically and internationally.
If a deal is finalized in coming days, the Senate might be able to pass the bill and send it to the House of Representatives before the start of spring recess at the end of next week.
Republican Senator Roy Blunt told reporters that nearly half the financing for the bill would come from recapturing funding from previous COVID aid laws intended to help performing arts venues and aviation manufacturers.
San Diego County officials did not update COVID-19 numbers Thursday due to the Cesar Chavez holiday.
On Wednesday, the county’s cumulative case totals rose to 750,454, along with 5,178 deaths.
– Staff and wire reports