LA County Coronavirus Hospitalizations Reach Highest Yet

VENICE, CA — There are 2,439 people hospitalized in Los Angeles County, the highest level of the entire pandemic, health officials said Wednesday.

Los Angeles County reported another 5,987 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the cumulative total to 414,185.

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Los Angeles County reported 7,593 newly confirmed cases Tuesday, shattering records set during the worst days of the pandemic. The county also reported another 46 people dead from COVID-19 Tuesday. The chilling numbers herald a holiday season marked by funerals for hundreds of Los Angeles families.

Health officials stressed that increased testing is not the cause of the spike, noting that the average daily rate of people testing positive for the coronavirus is now nearly 12%, up from 7% a week ago and about 4% a month ago.

Experts have warned that increased hospitalizations put additional pressure on health care workers as they continue to battle the virus and surging cases.

A new stay-at-home order and ban on gatherings and outdoor dining was enacted for three weeks in the county and started Monday.

While we have adequate capacity at our hospitals, a continued surge in cases is not sustainable because as hospitalizations increase sharply healthcare for everyone is affected. Please do your part, stay home as much as possible.
— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 2, 2020

The stay-home orders will remain in effect through Dec. 20, according to Los Angeles County Public Health. The measures aim to control the coronavirus, which has skyrocketed to levels yet unseen in Los Angeles. But don't expect the same empty roadways seen in March. The new orders are less restrictive.

Residents are advised to stay home as much as possible and always wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when outside of their household and around others. Gatherings with people from other households are barred with the exception of church services and protests, which are constitutionally protected rights.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.

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