Los Angeles County health officials on Monday offered a serious warning about an “alarming” increase in coronavirus cases as the pandemic continues to worsen in the region weeks after a gradual reopening.
The county announced 2,903 new COVID-19 cases, the highest ever reported, and 22 new deaths. About 1,710 coronavirus patients are hospitalized, Barbara Ferrer, the county’s director of public health, said at a news conference.
Of these, 26 percent are being treated in intensive care units and 17 percent are using a ventilator.
Across the county, infections have increased to more than 100,750 cases and more than 3,320 deaths.
“There is so much at stake, as these continued increases will result in many more people becoming seriously ill and many more COVID-19 deaths,” Ferrer said, later warning that the dire situation “may be a runaway train if you don’t. we put the brakes on. “
LOS ANGELES PROPOSES A BUDGET TO APPLY THE APPLICATION ACT, INCLUDING ELIMINATION OF THE SPECIAL VICTIMS OFFICE
In the weeks following the reopening of the county, the number of new COVID-19 cases remained stable, said Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of county health services. However, she said things have taken “a turn for the worse” in the past week.
“We are seeing an increase in transmission. We are seeing more people get sick and go to the hospital,” he said. “This is very much a change in the trajectory of the epidemic in recent days. It is a change for the worse and a cause for concern.”
More than 1 million residents of the country have been tested for COVID-19, and the county’s positivity rate increased to 9 percent, Ferrer said.
County health officials said last week that about one in 400 residents had been infected. That number has risen sharply to one in 140, as many people give up wearing facial covering and ignore patterns of social distancing, Ghaly said. Some may not know they are infected, he said.
CORONAVIRUS INFECTS 60 STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ON A SPRING TRIP TO MEXICO
“The more people ignore the guide on wearing face masks and cloth covers, physically distance themselves when possible, exercise discretion about how often and when and where you will leave your home, the longer this virus will continue to spread throughout the world. county and Ultimately, more lives will be put at risk, “he said.
Ferrer urged residents to follow security protocols and stay home if possible. She strongly recommended that he not attend the meetings over the weekend of July 4, saying, “This will be a different summer.”
Following the briefing, the county Board of Supervisors announced the closure of beaches, piers, bikeways, and beach access points beginning Friday, July 6.
Ferrer also pointed out that many restaurants and bars do not comply with the mandatory security measures for the operation. Earlier this month, he said as many as 2,000 restaurants were not meeting health guidelines.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Immediate action is needed,” said Ferrer. “All of us, businesses and individuals need to discover how we are going to personally help turn things around, otherwise we are moving rapidly to overwhelm our healthcare system and see even more devastating diseases and deaths.”
On Sunday, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom ordered bars to be closed in seven counties, including Los Angeles County, for the second time as cases continue to escalate. Orange County was added to a watch list of 19 counties that could see a second round of closing orders, it said Monday.
