Los Angeles reinstates mask use in health care settings as Covid cases rise

Los Angeles County has reinstated a mask requirement for staff and visitors at all licensed health care facilities in light of rising Covid cases, officials said Saturday.

Recently entered the district “average” level of hospitalizations for COVID-19, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Over the past week, Los Angeles County has experienced a noticeable, although not unexpected, increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement.

“While the recent rise is significant, it is still well below last winter’s peak, and common sense practices are strongly recommended to help limit transmission and serious illness as we start the new year,” the report said.

The CDC’s average threshold is 10 to 19.9 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents over a seven-day period.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 10.5 new COVID hospitalizations per 100,000 people in Los Angeles County during the week ending December 23rd.

“Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Health Officer’s Order issued on December 27, 2023, when COVID-19 hospitalization rates in Los Angeles County reach or exceed the CDC average, all health care providers, regardless of COVID-19 status, will flu status, in licensed health care facilities providing care to inpatients, a mask must be worn when interacting with patients or working in patient care areas,” the department said in a statement.

“In addition, anyone visiting a licensed health care facility providing hospital care must wear a mask while around patients and in patient care areas. “This will remain in effect until Los Angeles County’s COVID-19 hospitalization rate has been below the CDC average for at least 14 consecutive days.”

Official data shows rise in Covid cases

There were 621 Covid patients in Los Angeles County hospitals as of Dec. 28, according to state data.

This is an increase from the 259 cases recorded on November 1. but less than last year, when their number exceeded 1,200.

Some of these patients were hospitalized for other reasons and discovered they had Covid after being tested at hospitals.

Since last week The county’s average daily number of reported COVID-19 cases rose more than 25%, from 495 to 621. According to the Department of Health.

Officials have said that figure is an underestimate because of the large number of at-home COVID-19 test results that are not reported.

The department also reported average daily 4.9 Covid-related deaths an increase of 2 compared to the average registered on December 6.

Precautions to protect yourself from Covid

To protect yourself from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating this holiday season, health experts recommend the following common sense precautions:

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often, especially before eating, after sneezing or coughing, and in public places.

• Consider wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces, tourist centers, or poorly ventilated areas.

• Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness, such as coughing, sneezing, fever or sore throat, and consider talking to friends and family so they know to be careful when gathering if you have they will show signs of infection.

Keep reading:

– The more times you get Covid, the more likely you are to suffer long-term consequences: study
– The number of respiratory viruses continues to rise in the United States.
– The new Covid variant JN.1 is spreading rapidly in the US.

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