SAN LUIS OBISPO — The County of San Luis Obispo reported Friday the first death of a SLO County resident in their 30s, bringing the number of COVID-19 deaths in SLO County to 21.

The individual died at a Santa Barbara County hospital last week and was vulnerable to serious COVID-19 illness because of underlying health conditions.

“Our hearts are with the patient’s loved ones as we take this time to remember that COVID-19 can infect anyone at any age,” said County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein. “We have seen more COVID-19 cases in SLO County among people between the ages of 30 and 49 than any other age group.”

As of Friday, 2,665 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in SLO County, most of whom have recovered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 can quickly and easily spread to many people and result in continuous spreading among people as time progresses. Every individual’s actions can either limit or contribute to this spread.

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“Please do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect those around you: Wear a face covering in public, stay six feet away from others, and avoid gatherings,” Dr. Borenstein said. Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is a community effort. People at higher risk should stay home as much as possible.

All residents, regardless of risk factors, should take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 — in part because it travels through the community and, in some cases, reaches the most vulnerable residents.

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at 805-788-2903. A staffed phone assistance center at 805-543-2444 is available Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with questions related to COVID-19.