Cases Surge Across LA County With One Day Totals Topping More Than 20,000

Today’s positive case count of 20,198 is more than triple the number of cases reported last week. Numerous major COVID-19 metrics are surging across L.A. County, including cases, hospitalizations, outbreaks, and positivity rate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates L.A. County’s weekly case rate is up nearly fourfold to 724 new cases per 100,000 residents, with continued very high transmission countywide.

There are 1,251 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, a 67% increase from one week ago when 801 people were hospitalized with COVID-19.

There are currently 494 open outbreak investigations at residential congregate settings and non-residential settings with at least 1 confirmed case of COVID-19. This is a ten-fold increase over the number of investigations we had open at this time last week.

The daily positivity rate has also doubled in the last week, increasing from 10.9% to 20.4%.

Public Health would like to remind residents that getting vaccinated or boosted remains critical as holiday traveling and gatherings begin. Additionally, all residents across LA County should continue:

• Getting tested to help reduce the spread, especially if you traveled for the holidays, have had a possible exposure, or have symptoms, or are gathering with people not in your household

• Adhering to masking requirements when indoors or at large outdoor mega events, regardless of vaccination status

Residents are also reminded that they are legally required to be isolated if they have a positive COVID test result and that vaccinated close contacts with symptoms and unvaccinated close contacts need to be quarantined.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are recommended for everyone 5 years old and older to help protect against COVID-19. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites and many community sites where first, second, and third doses are available.

To find a vaccination site near you, or to make an appointment, please visit:

www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).

If you need assistance, you can also call 1-833-540-0473 for help:

Finding an appointment

Connect to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or

Schedule a home visit if you are homebound.

For more information regarding COVID-19 in LA County you can also visit the Public Health website at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov here you will find information on.