LA County reports over 6,000 new COVID cases for the first time since February

Los Angeles County reported 6,245 new COVID-19 cases Thursday marking the first time the county has reported over 6,000 cases since February 3.

The 6,245 new infections bring the county's total caseload to 2,955,954.

The county also reported nine additional COVID-related deaths. As of Thursday, there were 429 COVID-positive patients being treated in county hospitals.

Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the county's current rate of virus-related hospital admissions is now 4.5 per 100,000 — double the rate from a month ago — and the rate of staffed beds occupied by COVID patients is currently 2.3%. 

"If we continue on the current trajectory we could find that cases and hospitalizations end up exerting stress on our healthcare system within just a few weeks," she added. 

Over the past seven days, the county has averaged more than 4,200 per day.

With 21 COVID outbreaks at skilled nursing facilities recently registered across the county, staff is now required to wear N95-level masks at all times and undergo twice-weekly testing, while residents must undergo weekly testing. All communal dining has also been halted, Ferrer said.

All non-essential indoor group activities are also being paused, she said. With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, health experts like Dr. Michael Daignault recommended people hold their get-togethers outside. 

"I think it's less likely related to events and holidays and gathers and more so related to how contagious this variant is," he said. "The BA.2.12.1 is more successful at evading our immunity." 

UCLA said it will reinstate its indoor mask mandate beginning Friday, May 27. The school reported 870 cases last week, placing it at a severe level.

"I personally don't mind it as long as the community is safe," said student Karen Garcia.