LA County continues to see increase with 5,014 more COVID-19 cases as countdown to new restrictions begins – CBS Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Los Angeles County continued to see an increase in the number of new coronavirus cases on Sunday, according to public health officials, as the county prepares to enact its new Safer-At-Home order.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said there were 5,014 new cases of COVID-19 and 16 new deaths, bringing the county’s total number of confirmed cases to date to 395,843, as the Leading health expert Dr Anthony Fauci issued a terrible warning saying we could see ‘wave upon wave’.

Additionally, public health officials said 2,049 people are currently hospitalized for COVID-19, 24% of whom are in intensive care units.

To date, more than 3,712,000 people have been tested; 10% of all people have tested positive, officials said.

The increase in the number of cases has led the county to pass a stricter health ordinance, which is expected to go into effect on Monday.

The new order, which will last at least December 20, advises residents to stay home as much as possible, always wear a face mask outside the home, and to ban all public and private gatherings, in the exception of religious services protected by the Constitution and protests.

Several businesses will be impacted, including essential retail, which will be limited to 35% maximum capacity.

Non-essential businesses and activities like outdoor playgrounds and playrooms will also be closed.

Non-essential businesses, such as shopping centers, will be maintained at a maximum occupancy rate of 20%; and outdoor operations of fitness centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, gardens, mini-golf, batting cages and kart races will be set at 50% capacity.

Beaches, trails, parks, golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball, skate parks, bike parks and community parks will remain open, but gatherings of mixed households will be prohibited.

All schools and day camps can remain open if they adhere to reopening protocols, but schools with three or more positive COVID-19 cases over 14 days must close for two weeks.

According to experts, best practice is to wear a mask and keep at least six feet of physical distance from others.