Title: Los Angeles County Healthcare Facilities Reinstate Mask Mandate as Respiratory Illnesses Surge
Los Angeles County, CA – In response to a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, healthcare facilities in Los Angeles County have reinstated a mask mandate. The decision comes as the county experiences an alarming increase in COVID-19 infections, leading to a surge in hospitalizations and deaths.
According to recent data, COVID-related hospital admissions have reached the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “medium level,” indicating a higher impact of serious illness. This concerning trend is attributed to several factors, including holiday gatherings, the emergence of a more contagious variant of the virus, low rates of immunization, and indoor gatherings necessitated by cold weather.
The mandate applies to licensed healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing facilities, emergency medical services, and more. On a distressing note, statistics reveal that nearly one in four residents of L.A. County fell ill in December alone due to a rising triple threat of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.
In light of these developments, health officials are urging the public to take necessary precautions. They advise individuals who feel unwell to stay at home, and for those who have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms to get tested promptly. Additionally, proper hand hygiene, including frequent handwashing, is emphasized, along with the use of well-fitted masks in crowded indoor spaces.
The CDC has also highlighted the presence of high levels of flu-like illnesses in California, including non-flu viruses such as COVID-19. This further underscores the need for vigilance and adherence to preventive measures in the ongoing battle against respiratory illnesses in the county.
For further information or any questions on flu, RSV, and COVID-19, the L.A. County Public Health InfoLine is available to provide assistance and guidance to concerned individuals.
As Los Angeles County healthcare facilities take proactive steps to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses, including the reinstatement of the mask mandate, the community is urged to remain vigilant and prioritize personal and public health in these challenging times.
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