SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — New numbers show almost 40% of people who test positive for COVID-19 in San Diego County are between the ages of 20 and 39.
As more businesses begin to open up, more Californians are testing positive for the coronavirus.
"It really is an alarming trend," Dr. Abisola Olulade, family medicine doctor at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, said.
It is a trend affecting everyone, but most noticeably for younger adults between 20 and 39.
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"We are seeing an increase in the total number of cases with people that are getting younger and younger," Governor Gavin Newsom said in his daily address Wednesday.
At the early onset of the pandemic, health officials stressed the importance of the elderly population to take heed. But new numbers show the virus does not discriminate.
"There is a sense that a lot of young people are, well, you're young, and so you feel a little bit more invincible. But respectfully, often that can be a selfish mindset," the Governor added.
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"We are not invincible," Dr. Olulade said. "We are not immune to the effects of this virus."
Younger folks are often the first to venture out to newly reopened businesses or have participated in recent large gatherings like the protests. This is in comparison to older folks, who often continue to stay indoors.
The problem is this. Young people who feel no symptoms likely will not be hospitalized. But they still can carry and spread the virus.
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"Even though you are okay, you can certainly spread it to someone, even at the grocery store, that is older or has a chronic illness and chronic condition," Dr. Olulade said.
That is why the doctor says it is essential to stay vigilant, no matter your age or health condition.
"We all have to remember the 3W's: WEAR a mask. WASH your hands. And WATCH your distance," Dr. Olulade said. "We all have a social and moral obligation to protect the health of others, so I hope that everyone takes that on as a personal responsibility."
Dr. Olulade also adds that there is an increasing number of cases of young people who never knew they had underlying conditions until they got tested for COVID-19, and now they're fighting for their lives. So it is vital that everyone continues to follow the health guidelines.