With a rise in COVID-19 cases, Los Angeles County moved into the 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. The County’s case rate is now 258 new cases per 100,000 people, and the COVID-19 hospital admission rate is almost 15 per 100,000 people. Today, Public Health reported 3,756 new positive cases and 17 new deaths due to COVID-19.
Emerging strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely contributing to higher COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations across Los Angeles County. With high prevalence of the new dominant strains BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 (descendant of BA.5), all residents should follow common sense precautions that work to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses, including wearing a high-quality mask that fits well in indoor public spaces and getting the new updated Fall COVID-19 booster.
With mounting evidence that the new bivalent booster, specifically formulated to provide protection against BA.4 and BA.5, provides significant additional protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, increasing the number of people boosted can mitigate the waning immunity of the monovalent doses. Unfortunately, only 16% of eligible LA County residents have received the updated bivalent booster – and six million residents are currently eligible who have not yet taken advantage of this additional defense. Everyone in LA County who is 5 years or older, and received their primary series or last booster more than two months ago, is eligible for the updated bivalent booster.
Within people age 65 and older, who statistically are more likely to have severe outcomes from COVID-19, uptake, while double that of the general population, remains concerningly low. Nearly 70% of older eligible residents, or about 880,000 people, have not yet received the updated booster.
The updated Fall COVID-19 boosters, plus flu vaccines, are readily available at Public Health sites, pharmacies, and other locations across the county. Seniors and residents who can’t easily leave their home can contact Public Health telehealth services at (833) 540-0473, seven days a week, from 8 AM to 8:30 PM to arrange for at-home COVID-19 Fall booster and primary series vaccinations or transportation to a vaccination center.
Residents can also 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.
Top 5 Tips from the California Department of Public Health to Prevent Winter Viruses
In addition to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Los Angeles County is experiencing very high flu levels and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) levels continue to remain high. Building a good defense will help prevent severe illness and hospitalization from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Check out these tips from the California Department of Public Health.
Get Vaccinated, Boosted (and Treated) – Getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to reduce the chances of getting severely ill. If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, speak to a health care provider right away about treatment.
Stay Home if You’re Sick – This is even more important for viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19, which can lead to severe illness.
Wear a Mask – There is no vaccine for RSV, so wearing a mask can slow the spread and protect the most vulnerable, including babies, young children, and older adults.
Wash Your Hands – Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent spreading germs.
Cover Your Cough or Sneeze – Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a disposable tissue. Don’t forget to wash or sanitize your hands and dispose of the tissue afterwards!
If you or someone you know has a non-emergency, non-medical need or question related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and you would like assistance, please email the City or call the City at (310) 253-6000 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, the City is closed every other Friday). COVID-19 related questions should be directed to (310) 253-6000. If you email or leave a message after hours, please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and your need or question. In an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.