COVID-19 Introduction

Like the rest of the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted San Joaquin County residents and businesses in terms of sicknesses, hospitalizations and deaths from the pandemic and the loss of jobs and income. Since March 2020, there has been an increase in identified cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Public health officials have asked people to practice social distancing, wear masks and to shelter at home.  In addition to restrictions on people’s movements, there has been restrictions placed on businesses such as restaurants, retail stores and fitness centers that has resulted in reductions in staff and in some cases, permanent closing of businesses.

The following will show that the effects of COVID-19 on the region are not equally distributed among the County’s residents and businesses. Some communities, demographic groups and employment sectors have been affected by COVID-19 much more than others.