Los Angeles County COVID-19 Updates

Travel Safe! Don’t Let COVID-19 Interrupt Your Summer Plans

June 12, 2023

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is urging residents to be cautious and take preventive measures during their summer travel plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Although COVID-19 transmission rates are currently low in Los Angeles County, historical data shows that cases tend to rise between June and August due to increased travel, celebrations, and gatherings.

To minimize the risks associated with travel, Public Health advises individuals to follow some basic precautions. These include staying at home if feeling unwell, wearing masks when using public transportation, and getting tested for COVID-19 if experiencing respiratory symptoms or coming into contact with someone infected. Additionally, it is recommended that travel companions ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for added protection.

Los Angeles County COVID-19 Response Plan Updated to Align with Current Phase of the Pandemic

June 01, 2023

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has updated its COVID-19 Response Plan to adapt to the new phase of the pandemic. Although the county is no longer under a Public Health Emergency, preparations are ongoing to protect vulnerable populations and remain ready for potential future increases in COVID-19 transmission.

The Response Plan incorporates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 hospital admission levels as a framework. Currently, Los Angeles County is classified as having a Low Hospital Admission Level, with a 7-day total of 3.0 COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people.

Recommendations and requirements to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 will be guided by the local CDC Hospital Admission Level. The county’s COVID-19 Early Alert Metrics, which include various monitoring factors, are currently at low levels.

Public Health also monitors 12 preparedness metrics, with two areas identified as needing improvement: the number of sequenced positive case specimens and the bivalent booster vaccination rate among residents aged 65 and older.

Increasing sequencing can provide more information about potential new variants, while higher booster rates can reduce severe illness and death among the elderly.

Currently, only 40% of eligible residents aged 65 and older have received the bivalent booster, below the desired threshold of 60% for adequacy. For more detailed information, you can read the full article here.

Despite Low COVID-19 Transmission in Los Angeles County, Data Reflects Ongoing Inequities in Health Outcomes – Communities of Higher Poverty, People of Color Face Disproportionate Impacts of Virus

May 25, 2023

The COVID-19 transmission in Los Angeles County remains low overall, but data reveals a disproportionate impact on communities with higher poverty rates and among people of color. Factors such as increased exposure, limited access to resources, overcrowding, and differences in health status contribute to higher rates of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in these communities.

Neighborhoods with over 30% of households living in poverty have significantly higher hospitalization and death rates compared to areas with less poverty. Black and Latinx residents also experience higher hospitalization and death rates compared to white residents.

To mitigate these disparities, targeted strategies and investments in community-level infection control, access to life-saving tools, and improved working and living conditions are essential.

Efforts to improve ventilation are crucial in reducing the spread and impact of COVID-19. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health emphasizes the importance of proper indoor air movement and ventilation. Recommendations include achieving a total changeover of air at least five times per hour and using filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13.

Simple actions like opening windows, using fans, and adjusting HVAC systems can also improve ventilation. Residents are encouraged to utilize available COVID-19 resources, including vaccines, testing, and treatment, while community-level infection control measures and improved ventilation play a vital role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

For more details, you can read the full article here.

Newer COVID-19 Strain XBB.1.5 Emerges as Dominant in Los Angeles County

A newer COVID-19 Omicron strain, XBB.1.5, has emerged as dominant in Los Angeles County according to the most recent analysis of local COVID samples from Public Health.

XBB.1.5 accounts for 32.8% of sequenced specimens in LA County as of Jan. 21, outcompeting BQ.1.1, the previously dominant strain. While new emergent strains have the potential to drive surges in transmission, the county is reporting a steady number of cases and hospitalizations compared to the week prior.

Other parts of the country with significant transmission of XBB.1.5 also have not seen significant increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths. Because the new dominant strain has more potential to cause infection, Public Health officials are asking residents, especially those who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes, to consider using common-sense protections, such as getting the bivalent booster, testing before large gatherings and seeking immediate treatment, if sick.

People over 50 and those with common health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, kidney or liver disease, or being overweight, are at greater risk of having severe illness or death from a COVID-19 infection. They and the people around them should take extra precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Free vaccines, boosters, testing and treatment remain widely available throughout Los Angeles County. Visit a community-based test to treat site or access telehealth services by calling 1-833-540-0473.

Health services for homebound residents also are available.

You can find this article and more information at County of Los Angeles Public Health website.

Accessible COVID-19 Tools Remain in Los Angeles County as Emergency Orders End

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is urging residents to continue taking sensible steps to protect themselves and others against severe illness and help keep hospitalization and death rates low, even with the end of federal, state and local emergency orders related to COVID-19.

They are committed to ensuring easy access to free lifesaving preventative services, including testing, vaccinations and boosters, and treatment.

The updated bivalent booster has been shown to offer boosted individuals increased protection against hospitalizations and deaths compared to individuals who were vaccinated but had not received the updated booster.

Unvaccinated people were found to be five times more likely to be hospitalized and over six times more likely to die from a COVID-19 infection compared to those who had received the bivalent booster.

To keep the community in the Low COVID-19 Level, residents, workers and businesses are asked to continue taking sensible steps to protect themselves and those most vulnerable, including staying up-to-date on vaccines and boosters, testing before gatherings, seeking therapeutics, and staying home when sick.

LA County residents who have not had a COVID-19 booster since August 2022 or earlier are encouraged to get up-to-date as soon as possible, especially those who may be at higher risk.

To read the full article, visit the original article here: Article Link