March 2, 2022
Today, Public Health confirmed 80 additional deaths and 1,626 new cases of COVID-19.
Of the 80 newly reported deaths, 58 had underlying health conditions.
Today’s positivity rate is 1.2%.
There are 907 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized.
“Despite the encouraging news, people who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or living in low-resourced communities, continue to be at higher risk and are more likely to become seriously ill and die from COVID-19. Along with the significant protection provided by vaccines and boosters, masks add an important barrier to transmission that protects those most vulnerable from the worst outcomes. Therefore, Public Health, in alignment with the state, strongly recommends that individuals keep their masks on in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status, until there is less risk for those at elevated risk.” – Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health
In anticipation of LA County moving into medium or low risk according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Community Level designation this Thursday, Public Health will issue a modified Health Officer Order which will go into effect on Friday, March 4.
Under this modified order…
- except in high-risk settings where federal and state regulations continue to require masking
- including everyone using public transit and
- all those in emergency shelters,
- health care settings,
- correctional and detention facilities,
- homeless shelters,
- and long-term care facilities.
At all sites where masking indoors is no longer mandatory, employers will be required to offer, for voluntary use, medical grade masks and respirators to employees working indoors in close contact with other workers and/or customers.
Masks are required indoors at schools and childcare facilities until March 11 when masks will be strongly recommended for students, children, teachers, and staff regardless of vaccination status. School districts in LA County may continue to require masking at schools and during school activities, along with other appropriate safety protections for their school community.
Masking is strongly recommended for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public spaces by both the state and county public health departments because transmission remains a significant risk for many across our county and state.
Masking is also still required for those who exit isolation or quarantine early through day 10 of their isolation or quarantine period.
As a reminder, regardless of the community risk level, people can wear a mask based on their personal preference, comfort level, and informed by their personal level of risk.
At every risk level, those who are exposed or symptomatic should be tested and a negative test is required to exit isolation or quarantine between days 6-10.
Two additional community prevention strategies include vaccine verification and ventilation. Vaccine verification in health care and congregate care settings continues to be required across all community risk levels. Vaccine verification also continues to be required for entry to indoor mega events, with a negative test result as a substitute for those not fully vaccinated. Vaccine verification at outdoor mega events and indoor portions of bars, nightclubs and lounges is strongly recommended and no longer required.
Additionally, under Medium and High-risk Levels, visitors at healthcare facilities, including congregate care sites, are still required to verify vaccination status or provide a negative test result.
Regardless of community risk level, proper ventilation throughout indoor spaces should be maintained.
For more information, visit the Los Angeles County Post Surge Response Plan (PDF).