On the same day Los Angeles County recorded its 300,000th coronavirus case and its 7,000th COVID-19 death, County Health Officer Muntu Davis issued a health advisory for private gatherings and public celebrations.
Citing the high risk of COVID-19 infection at such events given the increasing rate of COVID-19 community transmission, Davis said that “it is critical that we all take action to slow the spread” as we close in on Halloween, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.
“There have been too many instances of people unknowingly spreading the virus at these types of gatherings, which, sadly, has led to new infections, serious illness and death,” continued Davis.
Health Advisory: High Risk of #COVID19 Transmission at Gatherings and Public Celebrations.
Public Health Department statement, recent contact tracing interviews over the course of 3 weeks showed that 55% of the people who knew of a possible exposure had attended an event or gathering where 2 or more people were sick.
As a consequence, cautioned Davis, Angelenos should “not participating in public celebrations of any kind.” If they do, the health department issued protocols that must be adhered to (see below).
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said that the recent spike in cases is the result of “decisions we collectively made two to three weeks ago.
This is the perfect setting for transmitting the virus,” Ferrer said.
Asked to expand on the issue, Ferrer said gatherings of sports fans could be “contributing the most” to the recent case increases.
The case increases “do correspond with gatherings happening more frequently as people come together with non-household members to watch games,” she said.
Ferrer also issued an early warning for people to celebrate Halloween safely on Saturday!
To prevent future spread of COVID-19, Davis reminded Angelenos that it is best to celebrate at home with your household
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