Channel 1 Los Angeles
11/15/2020
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 28 new deaths and 2,481 new cases of confirmed COVID-19. To date, Public Health has identified 332,865 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 7,246 deaths. There are 942 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, up 15 percent from last week Friday (11/6), and 28% of these people are in the ICU.
Today the state issued a travel advisory in advance of the holiday season. As COVID-19 transmission is increasing in many states and countries, those arriving, or returning to California, from other states or countries should self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. During this time, people should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel. All Californians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries.
As the holiday season approaches and COVID-19 spread is increasing, it is critically important that everyone follow the simple public health safety measures that provide protection from COVID-19 and minimizes spreading it to friends and family. There is a high level of risk associated with gatherings of any kind, especially when people are inside, not keeping physical distance of at least 6 feet and not wearing face coverings.
Residents that gather with up to two other households should do so only outdoors, wearing face coverings and keeping six feet of distance the entire time.
Because COVID-19 spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, face coverings combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing and physical distancing, provides the best protection. If you are planning to get together with others, it is important that your plan follows the Public Health protocols on small private gatherings. It is critically important that residents not attend any private gatherings or leave their home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness, have tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have been exposed or likely have been exposed to someone who is positive.
“Many residents are experiencing sadness and despair as they cope with losing a loved one who passed away from COVID-19. We wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “The current surge in COVID-19 transmission in L.A. County is alarming. If we act now, we can prevent increasing rates of illness and death, stressing our health care system, and further stalling our recovery. If we agree that our collective priority is to reduce transmission of COVID-19 so we can move forward with recovery, then it is clear what needs to be done. We will need to modify holiday plans, change up our routines and take care of each other.”
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