L.A. County strongly recommends indoor masking as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations jump in California
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an alert warning of increased numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations in and around Los Angeles County. The county’s health commission said there were more than 400 new cases, bringing the county’s total to over 3,000, with 20 deaths.
“The majority among them, 85%, were admitted to hospital. A majority of them required oxygen. A third of them had additional complications. There were five deaths,” a spokesman said.
In addition, as of Wednesday morning, “1,700 people are still hospitalized. An additional 100 people have been released,” the spokesman said. “Our health providers are working around the clock to provide the best care possible for our patients, but we do not have answers about the number of cases because we do not have a national test to determine the COVID-19 status.
“The more we learn about our cases, the better our understanding of the severity of the situation. We will continue to share information as it becomes available with our patients, families, and the public,” spokesman Dr. Andy Ngo said.
The health department is now recommending that everyone try to avoid close contact with others. This means people are strongly encouraged to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. It is also recommended that everyone practicing social distancing, avoid touching their faces, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or other material that is in good condition and doesn’t easily transmit droplets.
The health department has also provided the following advice:
— For children: If there is a high risk of being exposed to COVID-19, it is recommended that they not attend daycare or preschool. Instead, children should stay home until school closure. During this time, public schools should ensure their campuses are locked down as needed.
— For residents and business establishments: All residents, businesses and public safety officials are encouraged to practice face coverings whenever they are leaving the premises. Face coverings are a crucial tool to slow the spread of the virus by reducing the number of droplets produced when people cough or sneeze. For those with special needs, masks should be made available.
— For individuals: Everyone should take the following steps to protect themselves: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after using the bathroom, after