Public health authorities reported an increase in COVID-19 infections this summer, and although this new wave of infections has not caused alarm among the scientific community, there are those who wonder if the risk is enough to return to the sanitary protocols that many have dropped out.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the most populous in the country, reports a slight increase in hospitalizations for COVID-19 in recent weeks. Yet despite the infections, the death rate continues to decline.
Public health experts warn that COVID-19 infections have increased considerably 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 Keck Medicine at USC.
In Los Angeles County, the death rate from COVID-19 continues to decline, despite a slight increase in infections. However, wastewater studies from last week indicate a 12% increase in the presence of the virus in the region.
And according to Jones-Lopez, COVID-19 cases will likely continue to increase in cases in the coming weeks or months.
Starting August 1, thousands of renters in Los Angeles who owe rent in arrears due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have to pay what is owed or face an eviction order.
The 80-year-old mother of Marta Torres and her ten-year-old daughter are part of this new wave of COVID-19 cases.
“Three days ago she also had a fever and a sore throat, and I tested her and it came back positive, but my mom went to the emergency room,” said Marta Torres, her family member fell ill with COVID-19.
Despite the risk that the coronavirus and the mutation of variants continue to represent, most people have stopped wearing masks and following other health protocols.
“I personally do not use it, but I am evaluating doing it again,” said Daniel Morales, considering the use of the mask.
For the infectologist at the USC Keck Medicine 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 up, there’s a long list of diabetes, organ transplants and HIV,” Jones-Lopez said.
Public transport is one of many closed spaces considered high risk and where the mask is recommended.
Airplanes are less of a danger once the ventilation system is on, unless you are sitting next to a sick person, where according to the expert, the greatest risk is at airports.
Another recommendation from the 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.
