Public Health Maintains Robust COVID-19 Monitoring in Los Angeles County
Amid changes in federal COVID-19 data reporting, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) will maintain robust collection and monitoring of local COVID-19 information as part of its continuing commitment to pandemic preparedness, with the goal of providing residents and businesses with up-to-date information to guide appropriate protective strategies.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF TRACKING COVID-19 DATA?
While the emergency phase of the pandemic has ended, Public Health remains focused on protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring the county remains prepared for future potential changes in transmission due to the constantly evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus.
HOW WILL THIS DATA BE USED?
Timely local data will be used to identify trends and provide appropriate guidance and resources, giving residents the tools to make informed decisions about personal and community risk when needed. Public Health will utilize both the CDC?s hospital admission levels and guidance to inform Los Angeles County?s local public health response.
PUBLIC HEALTH WILL ALIGN WITH CDC IN TRACKING HOSPITALIZATION DATA
In alignment with CDC, Public Health views hospitalization data as an important metric to track severity of illness and capacity of the health care system. Because hospitalization data is a lagging indicator, meaning it may take a few weeks of increased transmission for the count of hospitalized patients to increase, Public Health will also monitor other measures that reflect transmission levels.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONTINUES COMPREHENSIVE MONITORING OF COVID-19
To help detect increases in transmissions as early as possible, Public Health monitors and reports weekly on COVID-19 case counts, wastewater levels, and the percent of COVID-related emergency department visits.
In addition, Public Health?s COVID-19 monitoring will include tracking an additional seven Early Alert Signals that indicate the possibility of increases in rates of transmission and/or increased illness severity. These Early Alert Signals include metrics on outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities and settings serving people experiencing homelessness, underscoring the importance of continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 outcomes in vulnerable and higher-risk populations. The public can follow this information at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDresponseplan.
COVID-19 Vaccines Remain Free and Available
Vaccines remain one of the best tools individuals can use to protect themselves from severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Vaccines remain free and easily accessible in Los Angeles County. Everyone ages six months and older should have at least one dose of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine which provides substantial protection against newer Omicron strains. Residents can visit?VaccinateLACounty.com?or?VacunateLosAngeles.com?(en espa?ol) to find a vaccination location near them.
For residents who have difficulties leaving their home, Public Health offers free in-home COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments. Appointments may be booked at?ph.lacounty.gov/vaxathome,?ph.lacounty.gov/vacunacionencasa?(en espa?ol) or by calling the Public Health COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-540-0473.
Public Health?s Call Center also connects eligible residents to free telehealth to get COVID-19 medications, information, and other resources. Residents are encouraged to call 1-833-540-0473, available daily between 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., to access these services.
Upcoming Farmers Market Vaccine Pop-Ups
Headed to the Farmers Market? You can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at one of these locations this week! Public Health and partners offer hundreds of COVID-19 pop-up locations. To find one visit VaccinateLACounty.com?or?VacunateLosAngeles.com?(en espa?ol).
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has developed a wide array of documents, guidance documents, and resources for the workers, businesses, partners, and the general public on a variety of topics related to COVID-19, including:
For the Public:
For Businesses:
It is recommended you follow @lapublichealth on?Facebook,?Twitter?or?Instagram?the latest updates about Los Angeles County.
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
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