July 15, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Los Angeles County Sees Sixth Week of Rising COVID-19 Transmission; Urges Vigilance

Increasing Hospitalizations and Variant Concerns Prompt Heightened Safety Measures

By Dolores Quintana

Los Angeles County is currently grappling with a sixth consecutive week of rising COVID-19 transmission rates. Health officials emphasize simple yet effective measures to enhance protection against the virus. These measures include opting for outdoor events when feasible, ensuring adequate ventilation indoors by opening windows, and encouraging individuals to undergo testing before congregating.

According to the Los Angeles Times, there were 128 outbreaks being investigated as of August 28, and as of September 4, 168 outbreaks are being investigated. Currently, there are outbreaks at United Talent Agency, Sony Pictures at Television City, National Car Rental/Enterprise Rent-A-Car LAX, City of LA City Attorney’s Office, Floor 5, and ABM Parking Garage. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also recommends testing for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 or who exhibit potential symptoms, such as coughing, fever, headaches, or unusual fatigue. To access free COVID-19 testing within Los Angeles County, residents can visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/covidtests.

Presently, mask-wearing is a matter of personal preference, except in situations where it is mandated during outbreaks or at specific sites. Individuals at a higher risk of severe illness are advised to consider wearing high-quality, well-fitting masks in crowded or inadequately ventilated indoor spaces. For all individuals, the use of masks is strongly recommended on public transit and in healthcare settings. 

Additionally, individuals exposed to COVID-19 should continue masking around others for ten days, and those recovering from COVID-19 should wear masks from day 6 to day 10 after isolation.

Los Angeles County is currently reporting an average of 521 daily COVID-positive hospitalizations, representing a 20 percent increase from the previous week and a twofold increase from four weeks ago. This week, COVID-19-related emergency department visits account for 5.1 percent of total visits, up from 3.2 percent on August 2.

Historically, new variants and sub-variants have contributed to increased transmission. Therefore, Los Angeles County conducts regular sequencing of local COVID-19 specimens to monitor circulating strains and prepare for potential impacts on COVID-19 dynamics.

According to the latest local sequencing data for the two-week period ending August 5, the predominant strain in Los Angeles County was EG.5, constituting 22 percent of sequenced specimens. This marks the first time a strain has accounted for over 20 percent of sequenced specimens since early July. The second most prevalent strain is XBB.1.5, making up nearly 14 percent of sequenced specimens.

While the sequencing of positive specimens requires time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes modeling to estimate the proportion of circulating strains. As of September 1, EG.5 is estimated to remain dominant, accounting for 29 percent of current cases in the U.S. region encompassing California and neighboring states.

Individuals who contract COVID-19 are urged to consult their healthcare providers for potential treatments like Paxlovid as soon as symptoms appear. Treatment must commence within five days of symptom onset. To access free telehealth services for treatment inquiries, individuals can contact the Public Health Call Center at 1-833-540-0473, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Los Angeles County’s status in the CDC’s Low Hospital Admission Level category is based on 6.3 weekly COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people, reported on August 28 for the seven-day period ending August 19. This figure reflects an increase from 5.2 hospital admissions reported the previous week.

in News
Related Posts

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

UCLA Student Researchers Face Funding Uncertainty, Student Newspaper Reports

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The Trump administration’s plan to slash $4.7 billion from the National Science Foundation, eliminate the National Endowment for the Humanities...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Home of Douglas Emmett Realty Co-Founder Becomes Brentwood’s Priciest on Market: REPORT

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The new listing surpasses Brentwood’s previous top-priced property at 11740 Crescenda Street, which is listed at $54.9 million A Brentwood...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...