Briefs

LA County Residents Returning to School, Work After Winter Break Urged to Test for COVID-19 and Mask

LOS ANGELES As schools prepare to reopen after winter break and more people go back to work, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health strongly recommends that returning students and workers test for COVID-19 and wear a mask for at least 10 days to prevent a spike in transmission. 

Public Health officials are asking for the community’s help in reducing the chances of another post-holiday surge and limiting the spread of new COVID-19 strains that could gain dominance in Los Angeles County. An increase in infection rates would disproportionately affect people over 50 and people with preexisting medical conditions or who are immunocompromised. All three groups are at higher risk for serious illness and death from COVID-19. 

Los Angeles County now remains in the medium community level, based on its case and hospitalization rates. As people return to school and work after the winter holiday, they may unintentionally expose others to the disease, increasing outbreaks. It can take up to 10 days for a person who has COVID-19 to test positive or display symptoms of infection. 

To limit the post-holiday spread of infection, county residents should test before going back to school or work and upon returning, wear a well-fitting, high-filtration mask indoors for at least 10 days, in addition to continuing to mask in indoor public spaces. 

Wearing a mask during the 10-day incubation period for COVID-19 can slow transmission of the virus, minimize disruptions to work and learning, protect the people who are most vulnerable, and help make sure hospitals do not become overwhelmed. 

Details: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov 

RLn

Recent Posts

Ports Briefs: POLB Cargo Slows as Clean Truck Study and Air Quality Report Highlight Progress

The Final 2024 Class 8 Drayage Truck Feasibility Assessment Report focuses on battery electric and…

3 hours ago

Public Health Investigating Possible Local Spread of Clade I Mpox; Third Case Confirmed in Los Angeles County

So far in 2025, Public Health has reported 118 cases of clade II mpox.

1 day ago

County Public Health Confirms Its First Case of Clade I Mpox

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed its first case of clade…

5 days ago

Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for 2025 Statewide Special Election

Register by Oct. 20 to Receive a vote by mail ballot; In-person Voting Begins Oct.…

5 days ago

Padilla, Peters File Amicus Brief Opposing Trump Administration’s Illegal Ploy to Purge Voter Rolls

The Senators warned that the requests for statewide voter registration files seek personally identifying and…

5 days ago

Governors Briefs: California to See New Homes for Veterans and State Reduces Cost of Prescription Drugs

The bill reforms the revenue generating abilities of PBMs, including prohibiting the practice of spread…

5 days ago