As Los Angeles County sees higher levels of COVID-19 post-holidays, the Department of Public Health is urging residents showing symptoms to get tested to help curb the spread of the virus. With schools and workplaces filling up again, free at-home COVID-19 tests are being provided across the county to ensure that testing is accessible to everyone.
Those feeling under the weather can grab a test at local libraries, various community organizations, and senior centers, among other locations. Expired tests might not be a cause for concern, as most can still be used beyond the printed expiration date, the health department advises. For those who test positive, especially individuals with other health risks, the recommendation is to consult with a healthcare provider about potential treatments like Paxlovid, which, the county notes, needs to be commenced within five days of a positive test result or the onset of symptoms.
Even with a negative COVID-19 result, the public is asked to wear masks indoors if respiratory symptoms are present to prevent transmitting other ailments like the flu or RSV. And, if symptoms persist, Public Health suggests re-testing after 48 hours. High-risk individuals who test negative for COVID-19 are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about the possibility of getting tested and treated for influenza.
As reported by the health department, Los Angeles County's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level has hit Medium Level according to the CDC’s standards. This status necessitates a response as outlined in the Health Officer Order from December last year. Healthcare personnel and visitors in various in-patient care facilities are now instructed to mask up, this applies to everyone regardless of their vaccination status against COVID-19 and influenza. Following the currently reported new COVID-19 hospital admission rate of 10.5 per 100,000 people, these masking protocols could be in place for at least two weeks or until the county sees a sustained decrease in hospital admissions.
Wastewater surveillance, a more comprehensive gauge of COVID-19's hold on the community, shows levels at 49% of last year's winter peak – a sharp rise from previous weeks. Meanwhile, the county is tallying an average of 542 new cases per day, a decrease from the previous week, but possibly hampered by a dip in testing due to the holiday period. Nevertheless, the number of COVID-positive hospitalizations has risen, climbing from 690 to 783 on a daily average. Amidst these statistics, Public Health continues its push for vaccination, touting the updated shot rolled out in September 2023 as a potent shield against the virus.
The Department routinely updates its cache of data on COVID-19, spanning cases, wastewater, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities. All this information and more, including a detailed COVID-19 Response Plan and available vaccination sites, can be found on their website or by contacting the Public Health InfoLine.
