The rapid increase in covid cases – 19, fueled by the highly contagious Omicron variant, has prompted county health authorities to Los Angeles sounds the alarms, as infections had reached this Thursday, 8, 633.
“This strong increase, one of the steepest we have seen in the course of the pandemic, reflects the rise in the circulation of Ómicron and the rapid acceleration of transmission associated with this variant ”, report the health authorities.
The rate of positive cases increased in one week from 1.9% to 4.5%. At the same time, until 22 December were reported 162 cases of the new Omicron strain.
In total they have died 27, 512 people since the pandemic began in March 2021, of those deaths 13, 793 are Latino.
“If our numbers continue to increase at a rapid pace over the next week, we could be facing never-before-seen numbers, more than 20, 000 cases per day by the end of this year ”, said Dr. Bárbara Ferrer, director of l Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
He noted that although hospitalizations and deaths remain relatively stable at this time, both are known to be lagging indicators because most people do not experience serious illness until a few days after testing positive.
Although, he indicated that many will be protected against Ómicron because they are completely vaccinated and have received the booster vaccine, a very high number of cases can easily cause significant stress to the health care system if a small percentage of those infected require hospital care.
According to the health authorities, the booster vaccine helps restore high levels of covid protection – 19, similar to levels offered two weeks after the second dose .
And between the 5th and the 11 December people fully vaccinated with the booster were 20 times more protected from infection compared to only 4 times more for those fully vaccinated, but without the booster vaccine, in comparison with the unvaccinated.
Among Latinos, up to 19 December, on 54. 4% were vaccinated with the first two doses. This means that 2, 548, 656 Latinos over 5 years are vaccinated against covid – 12.
Recommendations
Gema Morales-Meyer, Director of Clinical Services for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said that we are not living the same last year’s situation, because now we have vaccines.
“It is very important that people receive the booster vaccine because they give us 70% protection, and We also ask you not to go to parties with many people; and it is better to enjoy the events outdoors. ”
Since Omicron spreads rapidly, Public Health recommends considering the possibility of having a mask of medical, surgical or KN grade 95, when they are in close contact with other people.
Morales-Meyer said that they are recommending using a double mask, the surgical one and the one made of cloth.
And he also advised to get tested for covid before meeting with family members to make sure everything is good. “And if they feel a little bad, with a headache, it is best not to go to meetings.”
He pointed out that unlike Other variants, Ómicron is more contagious and that is why we are seeing a regrowth.
“It is better not to risk and get vaccinated or get the reinforcement so as not to get sick and pass the disease to others now that it is getting colder weather. Those who are most exposed to this variant are the elderly, children, those who suffer from chronic diseases and the unvaccinated. ”
The Department of Public Health also reminded residents to stay home and stay away from others if they are sick because it keeps everyone safe, including loved ones and essential workers who will continue to attend work throughout the Christmas season.
The mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti joined the voices that call on Angelenos to get vaccinated and get the booster vaccine, since he said we are facing a critical moment, and he has no doubt that the rebound of cases from New York and the United Kingdom will reach the city.
“Ómicron doubles from every day and a half to 3 days, and we have seen how Los Angeles County has gone from about 1 , 000 cases a few weeks ago to 3, 000 cases a day at the moment, tripling in very po co time even before Ómicron was here, ”said the mayor.
To find a vaccination site near you, or make an appointment visit:
www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).
You can also call 1 – 833 – 540 – 0473 to make an appointment, connect with transportation to a vaccination site, or schedule an appointment at your home if you are unable to leave.