Los Angeles County Reinstates Mask Mandate Amid Rising COVID-19 Hospitalizations
LOS ANGELES – In response to a surge in respiratory illnesses, all healthcare facilities in Los Angeles County have reinstated a mask mandate. The decision comes as COVID-19 infections continue to increase, leading to a rise in hospitalizations and deaths.
On Friday, December 29, the county’s COVID hospital admissions reached the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s “medium level.” This threshold is defined as having between 10 and 19.9 new COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 population over a seven-day period.
Several factors contribute to the spike in hospital admissions. Holiday gatherings, the presence of a more contagious variant, low immunization rates, and cold weather have all played a role in exacerbating the situation. Health officials warn that nearly one in four L.A. County residents fell ill in December alone due to what they are calling a rising “tripledemic.”
The mask mandate applies to a range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and primary care clinics. It will only be lifted once hospital admission levels decline into the CDC’s low threshold for 14 consecutive days.
To combat the spread of illnesses, health officials recommend several measures to the public. First and foremost, individuals are urged to stay home if they are feeling sick or displaying symptoms. Testing for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable individuals is also strongly advised.
In addition, practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently and thoroughly is crucial in preventing the spread of respiratory diseases. Wearing high-quality masks, especially in crowded indoor spaces, is also highly encouraged.
The CDC has reported a high level of flu-like illnesses across the state, including non-flu viruses like coronavirus. To provide further assistance and answer questions, the L.A. County Public Health InfoLine is readily available for inquiries related to the flu, RSV, or COVID-19.
The reinstatement of the mask mandate serves as a proactive measure to protect the health and safety of the community. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can contribute to the mitigation of respiratory illnesses, ultimately reducing the strain on healthcare systems and saving lives.
