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*Newer COVID-19 Strain XBB.1.5 Emerges as Dominant in Los Angeles County *
A newer COVID-19 Omicron strain, XBB.1.5, has emerged as dominant in Los Angeles County according to the most recent analysis of local COVID samples from Public Health. XBB.1.5 accounts for 32.8% of sequenced specimens in LA County as of Jan. 21, outcompeting BQ.1.1, the previously dominant strain.
While new emergent strains have the potential to drive surges in transmission, the county is reporting a steady number of cases and hospitalizations compared to the week prior. Other parts of the country with significant transmission of XBB.1.5 also have not seen significant increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths.
Because the new dominant strain has more potential to cause infection, Public Health officials are asking residents, especially those who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes, to consider using common-sense protections, such as getting the bivalent booster, testing before large gatherings and seeking immediate treatment, if sick.
People over 50 and those with common health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, kidney or liver disease, or being overweight, are at greater risk of having severe illness or death from a COVID-19 infection. They and the people around them should take extra precautions to stay safe and healthy.
Free vaccines, boosters, testing and treatment remain widely available throughout Los Angeles County. Visit a community-based test to treat site or access telehealth services by calling 1-833-540-0473. Health services for homebound residents also are available.?
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*New CDC Report Shows Bivalent Boosters Offer Robust Protection*
A new CDC report has found people aged 12 years and older who got an updated bivalent booster were significantly less likely to get infected or die from COVID-19 compared with those who did not get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
cdcgraphic [ [link removed] ]
Bivalent boosters offer significant protection even against the newer COVID strains circulating now.
The bivalent booster is free and available to adults and children ages 6 months or older two months after their last COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
Find a location to get boosted at VaccinateLACounty.com [ [link removed] ], VacunateLosAngeles.com [ [link removed] ] (en espa?ol) or call 833-540-0473 (8:00 a.m. ? 8:30 p.m.; 7 days a week).
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*New Podcast: Elder Care and COVID-19*
On the latest Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Podcast, we chat with Public Health physicians Dr. Das and Dr. Nie about elderly care and the realities of older adults being at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Listen here [ [link removed] ].
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Additional Resources
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:*
* Vaccines [ [link removed] ], including?in-home vaccination [ [link removed] ]?????
* Masks [ [link removed] ]
* Travel [ [link removed] ]
* Reducing risk [ [link removed] ]
* Testing [ [link removed] ]
* What to do if sick [ [link removed] ]?or?exposed [ [link removed] ]
* Treatment [ [link removed] ]
* Workers? rights [ [link removed] ]
*For Businesses:*
* Best practices [ [link removed] ]
* COVID-19 in the workplace [ [link removed] ]
* Request a mobile vaccination clinic [ [link removed] ]
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It is recommended you follow @lapublichealth on?Facebook [ [link removed] ],?Twitter [ [link removed] ]?or?Instagram [ [link removed] ]?the latest updates about Los Angeles County.
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
* Los Angeles County Department of Public Health?[link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* California Department of Public Health?[link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?[link removed]- ncov/index.html [ [link removed] ]?Spanish?[link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* World Health Organization?[link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* LA County residents can also call 2-1-1
facebook [ [link removed] ]twitter [ [link removed] ]instagram [ [link removed] ]youtube [ [link removed] ]
The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County.
Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit?www.publichealth .lacounty.gov [ [link removed] ].
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