New COVID-19 cases in San Joaquin County appear to be leveling off.

There were 83 new cases reported in Manteca from test results gleaned between Monday and Wednesday. There were 25 new cases in Lathrop, 12 new cases in Ripon, 4 new cases in Escalon, 97 new cases in Tracy, 307 new cases in Stockton and 66 new cases in Lodi.

Those levels are fairly consistent with those reported in previous three-day stretches.

Manteca recorded its first additional deaths since the start of the month with two more people passing from COVID-19 complications. Deaths since the start of the pandemic are now at 197 in Manteca, 35 in Lathrop, and 32 in Ripon.

The COVID-19 death toll has topped 2,000 people in San Joaquin County since the pandemic started in March 2020.

County health officials emphasized the need to continue following the modified state mask mandate requirements that took effect Wednesday:

*Masks strongly recommended for public indoor (vaccinated).

*Masks are required for public indoor (unvaccinated), health care (vaccinated & unvaccinated), schools & childcare (vaccinated & unvaccinated), public transit (vaccinated & unvaccinated), long-term care (vaccinated & unvaccinated), as well as jobs & prisons (vaccinated & unvaccinated).

 Residents are encouraged to check www.SJReady.org to find information about mask requirements as well as or www.MyTurn.ca.gov for information about testing and vaccine locations.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com