Los Angeles County has re-entered the federal government’s “high” COVID-19 community activity category.
On its website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised residents to be aware of vaccines, get tested if they have symptoms and wear face masks indoors when in public.
The Los Angeles County Health Department reported 3,450 new positive cases and 17 new deaths on Thursday, but the number of cases is believed to be higher because people are not reporting results or tests at all.
In a briefing, the director of the department, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, said that during the day, the incidence rate was 258 per 100,000 people and was increasing by 6% every day.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY MAY BRING BACK FACE MASKS IF COVID OUTBREAK IS HIGHER.
A sign reminds people of the requirement to cover their faces as pedestrians wear face masks due to the coronavirus in Los Angeles, California, on November 12, 2020. – European and world leaders have said they should when the Covid-19 vaccines are launched on November 12, 2020. Opened to the public as part of an international project that needs $28 billion in funding. (Photo by Frederick J. BROWN/AFP)
(Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images))
“And because it’s affecting our health care system and our vulnerable population, it’s a layer of time when it comes to reasonable protection,” he said in a PowerPoint presentation, urging all residents age 2 and older to wear masks at home.
He noted that millions of county residents are at high risk, especially given the circulation of three respiratory viruses: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.
“When you wear your mask for a few weeks during this growth, it’s about the people of L.A. County,” Ferrer added.
Eagle Rock, CA – August 30: Dr. Barbara Ferrer, center, director of the Los Angeles County Health Department, Monday, August 30, 2021, in Eagle Rock, CA.
((Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images))
However, it is unclear whether the mandate will return.
“We’re not sure we’ll get there,” Ferrer said in response to a reporter’s question.
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He clarified that the department needs to increase the percentage of cases of COVID-19 to 10 percent before issuing such an order.
Also, this only happens after two weeks in a row at a high level.
Palm trees stand behind artist Pony Wave’s street art of two people kissing while wearing face masks on March 21, 2020 in Venice Beach, Venice, California.
((Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images))
According to Fox 11, the daily hospitalization rate is over 10 per 100,000 residents, accounting for 6.9% of hospital beds.
Ferrer said while the county has not yet reached that dangerous threshold, there is still a lot of spread of COVID-19 and it’s time to reduce the risk.
Masks are still required in health and medical facilities, for anyone exposed to the virus in the past 10 days, and in businesses where the owner requires it.