LA County is now in High Community Transmission Level for COVID-19, LA County Department of Public Health Asks County Residents to Wear Facemasks Indoors, Get Vaccinated, Get Boosted. 

See the press release: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubdetail.cfm?unit=media&ou=ph&prog=media&cur=cur&prid=4185&row=25&start=1 

With a rise in COVID-19 cases, Los Angeles County moved into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) High Community Level this week, prompting Public Health officials to ask all residents to layer in sensible health protections including indoor masking and getting vaccinated and boosted.

With the COVID-19 case rate reaching 258 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people this week, and almost 15 hospital admissions per 100,000 people, the CDC High Community Level designation reflects both high transmission and increased stress on hospitals. The stress on the healthcare system is compounded by high rates of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

Data shows that people over 65 and people living in areas with the highest poverty rate are more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID in Los Angeles County, regardless of vaccination status, and historically we have seen how a COVID surge can deepen these disparities. Many factors, including inadequate access to health-affirming resources and racism, contribute to these gaps. While COVID vaccines are not an equalizer, the rates of hospitalization and deaths are far higher for those unvaccinated, serving as a stark reminder of how powerful the vaccines continue to be.

Increased transmission of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County means there is a higher likelihood of catching COVID during routine activities, such as grocery shopping, eating out at restaurants, running errands, or attending a concert or large holiday party. At the current case rate, if you attend a party with 200 people, the chance that at least one person at the party is infected with COVID, is between 80-90%. If the case rate climbs to 350, that chance increases to almost 100%. And for the millions of people in the higher risk categories -- elderly family members and friends, those with underlying health conditions, and those who are immunocompromised -- increased chances of being exposed can have a devastating impact.

Higher transmission also leads to higher workplace absences and wider disruptions to everyday life, whether at healthcare facilities, retail stores, restaurants, delivery services, and even family gatherings.

One of the most effective ways to reduce COVID-19 transmission, along with transmission of other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV, is to wear well-fitted, high-filtration masks indoors. Everyone ages 2 and older is asked to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, such as transit, retail, event venues, schools, and worksites when around others.

Protecting against severe illness is equally important and the new, bivalent booster and therapeutics provide protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19.  There are also vaccines and anti-viral medications to prevent severe illness from influenza.  Vaccines, boosters, and therapeutics are readily available at Public Health sites, pharmacies, and other locations across the county.

In addition, simple actions such as frequent handwashing and staying home when you are sick can help to further limit transmission. The same precautions that help limit the spread of COVID will also provide protection against RSV and flu.

Seniors and residents who can’t easily leave their home may contact the Public Health call center to arrange for at-home vaccinations and, if eligible, oral therapeutics by calling (833) 540-0473, seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm. Residents also may go to VaccinateLACounty.com to find nearby vaccination sites, request a mobile vaccination team for your worksite or community event, or an in-home visit if you or someone you know is homebound.

LA County residents also should take a COVID-19 test after a known exposure, if symptomatic, and before gatherings. Rapid tests are readily available and are likely to be covered by health insurance. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate until day 10, or day 5 if you have a negative test.

For more details, see the press release: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubdetail.cfm?unit=media&ou=ph&prog=media&cur=cur&prid=4185&row=25&start=1 

For information about testing, treatments, vaccinations and more, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/.