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Coronavirus Hospitalizations Are On The Rise Again In LA, California
Screenshot courtesy L.A. County via YouTube
State health officials warn the coronavirus is on the rise across California, with daily case numbers hitting back-to-back records this week. Hospitalization rates are also climbing in parts of the state, including L.A. County.
Dr. Kimberley Shriner — an infectious disease specialist at Pasadena's Huntington Hospital — says their intensive care unit is recording a dramatic uptick in COVID-19 patients.
"We have, for a few days, been able to close down one of our overflow ICU's, but we're back up to a fairly large number of patients. And I think this is a reflection of what's going on throughout the county, and, unfortunately, throughout the state."
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in L.A. County. (L.A. County Department of Public Health)
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer also noted, with alarm, that the percentage of people testing positive for the coroanvirus is on the rise — with over 8.5% of people testing positive in the last five days. Ferrer reported a positivity rate of 8% just over a week ago.
On the upside, daily deaths due to COVID-19 have fallen significantly in recent weeks.
COVID-19 deaths in LA County, June 25, 2020 (L.A. County Department of Public Health)
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Ferrer also said public health officials have been able to follow up with 99% of people who have tested positive to find out who they might have exposed, what's known as contact tracing.
MOST RESTAURANTS/BARS NOT IN COMPLIANCE
Ferrer said L.A. County health department inspectors visited more than 3,700 restaurants and bars over the past three weekends to check on their compliance with county protocols for reopening safely during the pandemic. They found that more than 80% of those establishments were not in compliance.
Ferrer also said the majority of complaints received by the county about business reopenings mentioned not sharing safety protocols with employees and/or the public, and failing to wear or require face coverings.
COVID-19-related complaints about L.A. County businesses. (L.A. Department of Public Health)
OVERALL LOOK AT LA COUNTY NUMBERS:
Here's a look at longer-term trends in the county. To see more, visit our California COVID-19 Tracker and choose L.A. County or any other California county that interests you. These numbers are current as of Wednesday, June 24:
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READ MORE:
- Why Coronavirus Cases Are On The Rise In California And What To Do About It
- Your No-Panic Guide To All The Changing Rules In LA
- Your No-Panic Guide To Mental Health Help During The Pandemic
- Have A Question? We Will Answer It
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