Omicron Variant Detected in Monterey County

On Thursday, December 23 the Monterey County Health Department received confirmation of the first 6 cases of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant among Monterey County residents. The Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory identified Omicron by whole genome sequencing of surveillance specimens submitted by the local medical community. Monterey County Health Department is not releasing personal information such as health status, age or gender to protect the identity of these community members. The specimens were collected from mid-December to date, indicating the variant has been present in Monterey County for at least a week. Based on data from other areas where Omicron has been active, Monterey County Health Department cautions residents that a surge in local cases may be likely in the coming weeks. While Delta is currently the predominant variant, preliminary information about Omicron indicates it spreads more quickly than other variants. More data is needed to know if Omicron causes more or less severe disease than other variants. However, evidence is growing that a booster of COVID-19 vaccine may be needed after the primary series is completed to effectively prevent infection with the Omicron variant. Individuals interested in scheduling a booster appointment can visit www.vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy offering boosters, visit Monterey County Health Department’s vaccine website to find a community-based clinic: www.montereycountycovid19.org, or call 2-1-1. The Monterey County Health Department recommends that all residents continue COVID-19 risk reduction activities throughout the holiday season including: Get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 if you have not already been vaccinated. Get a COVID-19 booster if you are 16 years or older and it has been 2 months since your first dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine or 6 months since your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Wear a well-fitting face covering in indoor public settings and on public transportation. Do not go to work, school, shopping, and holiday parties if you are ill. Consider getting tested for COVID-19 before and after traveling and before and after attending gatherings with people outside of your household. Testing locations can be found on the Monterey County Health Department’s website: www.montereycountycovid19.org Monterey County Health Department will continue to update the number of COVID-19 cases caused by variants on its COVID-19 website weekly: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-local-data-10219. For more information: CDC Omicron website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html CDPH Omicron website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Omicron-Variant-Fact-Sheet.aspx CDPH Getting the Most Out of Masking: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Get-the-Most-out-of-Masking.aspx

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Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered. The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

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