Health experts concerned about an imminent winter surge as COVID-19 cases increase

In recent days, there has been an increase in the number of people being treated for coronavirus in Los Angeles hospitals. This has public health experts worried about an imminent winter surge.

According to the most recent information from the state, there are now 453 COVID patients being treated in the county’s hospitals. 44 of these patients are being treated in intensive care units.

The Director of Public Health for Los Angeles County, Barbara Ferrer, stated on Friday that there are signs the county could be headed toward a COVID surge this fall and winter.

Ferrer, who urged residents to get vaccinated, said that it continues to be important to follow simple steps to prevent respiratory illness and COVID-19 at a time when families are about to start their holiday travel and get-togethers. Ferrer also asked residents to get vaccinated against the flu and to take precautions against infection, such as washing their hands often, using masks, and remaining indoors if they were exhibiting symptoms.

The seven-day average daily number of infections has increased by 10% over the previous week, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, going from 988 new cases per day to 1,083 new cases per day.