Public health authorities have reported an increase in COVID-19 infections this summer, and while this new wave of infections has not caused alarm in the scientific community, there are those who question whether the risk is enough to return to the sanitary protocols that many have abandoned. outside.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the nation’s most populous, is reporting a slight increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 in recent weeks. However, despite infections, the death rate continues to decline.
Public health experts are warning that cases of COVID-19 infections have increased significantly in recent weeks, and the worst is yet to come in the coming months until we reach the peak of this new wave of infections.
“You’re going to see ups and downs in the number of cases, the number of hospitalizations, and unfortunately also the number of deaths,” said Edward Jones-Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at USC’s Keck Medicine.
In Los Angeles County, COVID-19 deaths continue to decline despite a small increase in infections. However, last week’s sewage surveys indicate a 12% increase in the presence of the virus in the region.
And according to Jones-Lopez, the number of COVID-19 cases will likely continue to increase in the coming weeks or months.
As of August 1, thousands of Los Angeles tenants who are in rent arrears due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have to pay their dues or face an eviction order.
Martha Torres’ mother, 80, and her ten-year-old daughter are part of this new wave of COVID-19 cases.
“She also had a fever and a sore throat three days ago and I tested her and it was positive, but my mom went to the emergency room,” said Martha Torres, a family member who had COVID-19.
Despite the risk that the coronavirus and the mutation of variants continue to pose, most people have stopped wearing masks and following other health protocols.
“Personally, I don’t use it, but I’m thinking of doing it again,” Daniel Morales said as he considered using the mask.
For an infectious disease specialist at USC Keck Medical Center, vaccine boosters and masks continue to be key tools to prevent hospitalizations and deaths, primarily for people considered at high risk.
“Even with vaccines, some of them are patients of a certain age, say 65 and older, there is a long list of diabetes, organ transplants and HIV,” Jones-Lopez said.
Public transport is one of the many enclosed spaces that are considered high risk and where it is recommended to wear a mask.
Airplanes pose less of a risk with the ventilation system on, unless you’re sitting next to a sick person, where an expert says the greatest risk occurs at airports.
Another recommendation from health authorities is to isolate yourself for five days if you are infected with COVID-19 and wear a mask for ten days to protect the most vulnerable.
