California broke a daily record for new coronavirus cases with more than 6,000 infections reported Monday, the highest single-day count in the state since the pandemic hit the US. USA
In Los Angeles County, officials reported more than 2,000 new cases for the third time in the past week. In San Diego County, officials reported more than 300 new cases for the second consecutive day after breaking a record with more than 310 cases on Sunday.
The case count is just a metric in tracking the spread of the virus, and while increased testing capacity may explain part of the increase, authorities have said the increase cannot be linked to testing alone.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that they expect transmission rates to rise as more companies reopen and people resume normal activities after orders to stay home for months.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of public health for Los Angeles County, said that while it is impossible to trace the source of the spread in a public setting, it is “highly likely” that the overall increase is related to massive protests that erupted over the death of George Floyd as well as groups of social gatherings in restaurants and private parties.
In Riverside County, which has the second highest number of cases in the state, public health officials have reported 4,001 new cases in 14 days. Although the metric does not meet Governor Gavin Newsom’s standard for reopening, the county voted last month to approve a “Readiness and Reopening Framework” that outlines alternative benchmarks for reopening.
Authorities announced Monday that they will randomly select about 3,500 Riverside County residents for an antibody study to determine if they have been exposed to the virus. The study will assist the county’s planning efforts for the reopening.
“We are asking those contacted to seriously consider participating in the study,” said Kim Saruwatari, the county’s director of public health. “It is important to know the extent of the spread of the virus [and how many] antibodies have been developed. That information is vital as we go.
Statewide, the positivity rate among those examined for coronaviruses increased from 4.5% to 4.8% in the past week, and the number of hospitalizations increased by 16%. In Los Angeles County, the positivity rate increased from 5.8% two weeks ago to 8.4%.
Despite the increase in cases, more cities and counties continue to expand their reopening plans.
In San Francisco, the director of Mayor London Breed and Health, Dr. Grant Colfax, announced this week that the city would move into its next phase of reopening from mid-July to June 29. Hairdressers, beauty salons, hairdressers, museums, zoos, tattoo parlors, massage establishments and open-air bars may reopen, provided they follow safety protocols.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Franciscans to comply with health requirements, use facial covering and practice social distancing, our COVID-19 health indicators are in a good place and we can continue to reopen our city,” said Breed. “We know that many businesses and residents are struggling financially, and this next step will help more San Francisco residents return to work while continuing to balance security.”
Newsom said state health officials are closely watching the numbers, adding that he was confident the state could respond to the virus in the coming weeks and months.
“We have always entered this with our eyes wide open. We have always prepared for a sudden increase, “said the governor. “We are in that band, where I feel we anticipate the probability, as we have reopened, that the number is increasing, and they have.”
However, he said the state may reverse the course if case counts continue to rise.
“We are prepared to do that, if necessary,” he said.
Newsom repeated a request for people to cover their faces, which is now a state mandate, and to denounce companies and restaurants that do not follow security protocols.
“When you go to a restaurant and it is clear that they are not practicing what we are preaching, report them. Give us the tools to enforce, “he said.
Last week, Los Angeles County officials said approximately 1,000 restaurants were found to be violating reopening regulations, with tables placed too close together.
Currently, the state is monitoring 10 counties: Fresno, Imperial, Kings, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Stanislaus, and Tulare, to detect sudden increases in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
In Los Angeles County, Director of Health Services Dr. Christina Ghaly said Monday that while the county currently has enough hospital beds available, the number of intensive care units may be limited in the coming years. weeks if COVID-19 patients have to compete for space with other patients Officials are closely monitoring those numbers.
Additionally, officials estimate that about 1 in 400 Angelenos may be ill without knowing it, as so-called asymptomatic spread remains a risk.
“Angelenos over the course of a typical day will likely interact with people who are infectious,” said Ghaly. “These people may not seem sick.”
Times writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report.
