With Halloween just around the corner, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health emphasizes the need for safety measures to combat illness spread during celebrations. These precautions include vaccination, mask usage, and respect for general health measures, as mentioned in the news release.
Despite the recent low levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in Los Angeles County, November is typically a time for an uptick in respiratory virus transmission. Hence, it is now an opportune time to get updated COVID-19, flu, and if recommended, RSV vaccines, to stay home and test for COVID-19 when respiratory illness symptoms appear, and to wear masks indoors in public spaces.
For trick-or-treaters, the Department of Public Health encourages sidewalk usage, flashlights, crosswalks, and adult supervision. Further safety can be achieved by properly lighting houses and walkways, and by inspecting as well as discarding any unwrapped or opened candies that have been received.
Since more social gatherings are expected during the Halloween season, pre-gathering COVID-19 testing is advisable, particularly if higher risk individuals or recent exposures are involved. Free COVID-19 tests are available at numerous locations in Los Angeles County, including libraries, vaccination sites, and local organizations. Free home test kits are also accessible to households via mail, and additional tests may be obtained at local pharmacies under defined health plans.
Testing for COVID-19 is a necessity for both adults and children, and positive cases should abide by isolation guidelines, as per the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Those who test negative but continue to display symptoms should consider using masks indoors around people to prevent potential spread of other respiratory diseases.
Children six months and older are recommended to receive at least one dose of the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines this autumn. Younger children or inexperienced vaccine recipients should consult health care providers for additional doses or about optional RSV immunization.
If Los Angeles County residents need guidance on COVID-19 matters, the Public Health Call Center is ready to provide assistance seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Simultaneously, the county continues to monitor COVID-19 data, including case numbers, hospitalizations, and death rates, and disseminates this information via their website and other official platforms.
