Authorities Warn Of NYE COVID Spread As Cases Increase In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — As Angelenos prepare to ring in the new year, authorities cautioned of rising COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and flu cases.

The county on Thursday reported 3,968 COVID-19 cases, representing an increase of 1,830 cases since Wednesday. On Friday, the county reported 3,410 cases. Hospitalizations jumped to 1,249 on Friday and the county saw 28 daily COVID-related deaths, according to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department.

Los Angeles County remained at a "medium" risk level Friday based on case rate and hospitalizations. Before Christmas gatherings, cases were slowly dropping in Los Angeles County.

"The 7-day average case count in the county is 2,359, a 9% decrease from one week ago when the 7-day average of 2,595 cases was reported," the department said Friday.

The department on Friday advised caution as residents celebrate the holidays.

"As people prepare for New Year’s celebrations, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) urges everyone to practice three simple steps: testing before gathering, masking while indoors or in very crowded outdoor spaces, and staying home when sick," the department said in a news release.

Public health authorities called for masking with well-fitted masks such as an N95, KN95 or KF94 during the holidays, especially in closed spaces. They also encouraged test-taking before returning to work and school to prevent the spread of COVD.

"To prevent a post-holiday COVID-19 surge, residents are asked to layer protections as they return to work and school. Masking indoors remains an easy and sensible precaution to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions, limit disruptions related to workplace or school outbreaks, and limit additional stress on healthcare providers and hospitals," the department said on Tuesday.

Boosters for Angelenos six months and older are available throughout the county. Find a flu or COVID-19 vaccine at this link.

Calls for masking and careful behavior come as the county sees increased RSV and flu infections. RSV in particular has put many California children in hospitals, stretching the capacity of some Los Angeles County facilities, the Los Angeles Times reported earlier in December.

Residents were also advised to keep wearing masks when returning to work and school in January.

"In order to avoid outbreaks at businesses and schools, Public Health officials ask that everyone wear a mask for at least the first 10 days when returning to work and school after their winter holiday break," the department said.

On New Year's Eve last year, Los Angeles County saw 27,901 new COVID cases after the number of cases nearly doubled in just two days. The county at the time strongly advised against indoor parties for the risk of COVID-19 transmission.