Outbreak Investigations Increasing in L.A. County; Vaccinations And Masks Advised For Workers

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health is investigating 140 ongoing outbreaks; a 155% increase from the 55 ongoing outbreak investigations reported the week of July 12. Of the outbreak investigations reported today, 40% are related to outbreaks in non-healthcare and non-residential workplaces. Outbreaks in non-residential settings have seen a 5-fold increase since July 12. Non-residential settings include workplaces, food and retail stores, and places of worship.

While the increase in outbreak investigations is concerning, Public Health noted the number of outbreaks is still much lower than the 1,130 outbreak investigations that were reported in mid-February.

Since the Health Officer Order requiring indoor masking went into effect July 17, Public Health inspectors visited businesses to ensure they are following safety protocols and masking guidelines and offer technical assistance. Between July 17 and 23, inspectors visited 1,013 restaurants, 9 bars, 222 food markets, 22 hotels, 5 gyms and fitness centers, 11 hair salons or barbershops, 38 food manufacturing plants, 25 personal care businesses, and 10 shopping malls, among other businesses. Overall, compliance with the Health Officer Order is good; the most common violation is face masks not provided by employers and employees not wearing a face mask. Another common violation is businesses not posting signage instructing customers to wear a face mask.

To date, Public Health has identified 1,290,226 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 24,658 deaths. Testing results are available for over 7,279,000 individuals with 16% of people testing positive. The July 28 daily test positivity rate was 6.05%. This is the first time since early February that the daily test positivity rate surpassed 6%.

The L.A. County Health Officer Order requires that all employees wear a face mask while working indoors or in shared vehicles regardless of vaccination status. Masks need not be worn indoors if the employee is alone in a room or actively eating or drinking. Public Health recommends that all employees who are eating or drinking indoors be spaced at least 6 feet from other persons. Face masks help prevent workers who do not know they have the COVID-19 virus from spreading it to others and they provide protection to the wearer as well. Upon request, employers are required to provide unvaccinated employees with the correct-size respirator along with basic instructions on how to use the respirator.

To find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).

Details: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.