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LA Region's COVID Cases Are Up As New Variant Sweeps The US
The California company iHealth is one of 12 U.S. manufacturers getting an investment from the federal government to provide free tests by mail to people ahead of the winter COVID season.
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Justin Sullivan
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Topline:
Testing wastewater for coronavirus is the best metric we have to estimate how much virus is circulating. The level of coronavirus in Los Angeles County’s wastewater has risen to about half of last winter’s peak — that’s up 13% from three weeks ago.
Why it matters: Orange County pediatrician Eric Ball, who has seen an uptick in COVID-19 patients at his practice, worries that the return to school and daycare will see more children infected in the coming weeks.
“We really have no medications to treat COVID for children, so we do worry a little bit more when kids get COVID, especially kids who have not been vaccinated, because some of them do get quite ill,” Ball said.
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Why now: The newly dominant JN.1 variant is sweeping across the nation. The uptick in patients pushed L.A. County into the CDC's medium tier, triggering a temporary mask mandate in health facilities.
What's next: Public health officials advise using rapid tests if you feel sick before returning to work and school, as cases are expected to rise.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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