The COVID-19 situation in Los Angeles County is showing worrying signs with cases continuing on an upward trajectory. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is among those who have contracted the virus, testing positive shortly before her virtual participation in a homelessness press conference, KTLA reports. The county is currently experiencing a summer surge in cases earlier than in previous years, with an average of 215 daily new cases reported for the week ending June 23, according to the Los Angeles Times.
These figures have sparked concerns amidst public health officials, considering, the county typically sees a rise in COVID-19 cases later in the summer months. With the newly emerged FLiRT subvariants (KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1.1) taking the helm over the previous dominant JN.1 strain during the winter, there is an increased risk of transmission. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease expert at UC San Francisco, has noted that the FLiRT variants are approximately 20% more transmissible than JN.1.
Wastewater testing is reinforcing these findings, with high coronavirus levels detected across the state. Despite a somewhat stable reading in L.A. County's wastewater at 17% of last winter's peak, there is an undeniable increase seen in other parts of California. Notably, fourteen states including California have high or very high coronavirus levels in their wastewater, possibly indicative of an uncaptured spread of COVID-19 infections in the community.
Amid this rise, the vaccination efforts remain critical, with only 36.2% of seniors over the age of 65 in California having received at least one dose of the updated vaccine since September, and the numbers are significantly lower in younger demographics. The updated vaccines are crucial, especially since everyone ages 6 months and older should have gotten at least one updated shot since September, as stated by the CDC and covered by the Los Angeles Times. A new 2024-25 version of the vaccine is expected to be released in the fall, aiming to curb the spread of the virus in anticipation of the respiratory virus season.
Despite the rising case numbers, the COVID-19 death rates in the county have remained stable, with an average of less than one death per day. Nevertheless, public health officials are keeping a close eye on the metrics as the situation evolves. As the summer unfolds with increased travel and social gatherings, combined with the relaxed mask-wearing norms, residents are cautioned to stay vigilant and up-to-date with their vaccinations in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
