The delta variant of COVID-19 is rapidly spreading through the United States, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. With just over half of the U.S. population vaccinated, the virus is finding ample opportunities to proliferate. California is now facing a significant spike in cases, and Los Angeles is particularly hard-hit, witnessing a staggering 40 percent rise in cases in just one day.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 2,551 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, marking a notable increase from 1,821 cases the previous day. Alarmingly, this figure represents a 2,000 percent rise compared to a month ago, when only 124 new cases were recorded on June 21. Health officials noted that 83 percent of the new cases involve individuals aged 50 and younger. Among the seven new deaths reported, only two were over the age of 65, indicating that younger individuals are increasingly affected by the current wave of infections. This trend strongly suggests that the delta variant, known for its heightened transmissibility, is a significant contributing factor.
California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that approximately 60 percent of tested samples in the state are now identified as delta variant cases. In Los Angeles, the positivity rate for COVID-19 tests rose to 5.2 percent on Wednesday, up from 4.8 percent the day before. This metric is generally viewed as a more reliable indicator of community transmission than raw case counts, as it remains consistent regardless of testing volume.
Hospitalizations in LA have also surged dramatically over the past month. On Wednesday, 585 individuals were hospitalized due to COVID-19, with 23 percent of those in intensive care units. This is a significant increase from just 213 hospitalizations reported on June 21. As hospitalizations and fatalities typically lag behind spikes in case numbers, the full impact of this recent surge may still be unfolding.
In response to the rising cases, LA’s Health Officer has mandated masks in all indoor public spaces. While Governor Newsom has refrained from reinstating a statewide mandate, nearly half of California’s 58 counties have issued some form of indoor masking guidance. Santa Barbara, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Ventura, Lake, and San Joaquin are among the latest counties to require masks indoors.
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