COVID Rates Increase In Contra Costa According To CA Health Officials

State health officials urge vaccinations and other precautions as COVID-19 infections increase across California again.

By Angela Woodall, Patch Staff

Aug 25, 2026 9:00 AM PDT

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — COVID-19 infections are on the rise in Contra Costa County, according to data.

Contra Costa Health data show COVID-19 increasing sharply in wastewater across the county, including a more than 250% increase in West Contra Costa during the latest 21-day reporting period, as California health officials warn that infections are rising statewide.

The California Department of Public Health said summer and fall increases in COVID-19 activity have occurred every year since 2020, creating an expected rise in infections during this time of year.

For the past two years, California has recorded higher peaks in COVID-19 activity in late summer than during winter, according to CDPH.

However officials urged residents on Monday to get vaccinated and take other precautions against spreading the virus.

"As COVID-19 activity rises each summer, and our kids are getting back to school, getting vaccinated is one of the strongest ways we can protect our families and keep our communities thriving," CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said.

Rates rose by 64% in central Contra Costa. In Pittsburg, Antioch, and Bay Point saw a 92% increase. The Bay Area as a whole registered a 37% increase.

The increase in West Contra Costa was a " very strong increase," according to health officials.

CDPH recommends that Californians 6 months and older have access to, and the choice to receive, available COVID-19 vaccines, with particular emphasis on protecting people at higher risk, including infants, toddlers, pregnant people, and others at risk of serious disease.

The department recommends that people who have not received a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine dose, or who are due for a second dose, get vaccinated now as infections increase.

People 65 and older and people who are immunocompromised are recommended to receive two available doses six months apart. Some young children and immunocompromised people may need multiple doses.