Merle Hombrebueno, left, and Gerlie Pelagio, right, are wearing a face mask in Union Station on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. COVID-19 making a comeback in California. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Mayor Karen Bass is among those who have tested positive for COVID-19 as cases continue to climb in Los Angeles County.
The mayor’s office disclosed the results Friday morning, shortly before she spoke virtually at a press conference regarding the Greater L.A. homeless count, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The most current data available from the L.A. County Public Health Department reported an average of 215 cases per day, an increase from 112 a month prior.
The recent uptick in COVID cases isn’t just countywide but statewide as the state’s wastewater levels remain high, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In May, the FLiRT subvariants, officially known as KP.2, KP.3 and KP.1, overtook the dominant winter variant, known as JN.1.
Here’s a rundown of what you can do to keep yourself protected
Vaccines
Doctors continue to urge people to consider getting up-to-date vaccinations, especially if they are in higher-risk groups.
In California, only 36% of seniors aged 65 and older have received an updated vaccination, which first became available in September.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged everyone 6 months and older to get one dose of the updated vaccine. A second dose is also recommended for those ages 65 and older, as long as at least four months have passed since their last shot, according to the L.A. Times.
Testing
COVID tests should be able to detect the FLiRT strains, according to Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist Scott Roberts.
Experts recommend that people who are feeling sick take a test daily. People should consider taking a rapid COVID test once a day for three to five consecutive days after experiencing symptoms. It’s important to note that it could take longer for a COVID-19 rapid test to show a positive after an onset of illness.
What to do If you get sick
Health officials still recommend that people who test positive for COVID-19 wear a mask, avoid contact with those with a higher risk of catching severe COVID-19 and, if needed, seek medical treatment, according to the updated guidelines released in January.
As of Jan. 9, people who test positive for COVID-19 but have mild symptoms and have been fever-free without the help of medication may return to school or work after one day of isolation.
More COVID-19 guidelines can be found here.
Dr. Debi Johnson is a medical expert and health journalist dedicated to promoting well-being. With a background in medicine, she offers evidence-based insights into health trends and wellness practices. Beyond her reporting, Dr. Debi enjoys hiking, yoga, and empowering others to lead healthier lives.
