Federal health regulators say an experimental COVID-19 pill from Merck is effective against the virus, but they will seek input from outside experts on risks of birth defects and other potential problems during pregnancy.
South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.
The number of coronavirus patients in Los Angeles County hospitals increased slightly, rising from 565 Saturday to 568, according to the latest state figures. The number of those patients in intensive care rose from 155 to 157.
Los Angeles today began enforcing its law requiring Angelenos patronizing indoor restaurants, gyms, entertainment and recreational facilities, personal care establishments and some city buildings to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order allowing out-of-state healthcare workers to supplement staffing at healthcare facilities across California.
A judge today denied an application by the Los Angeles city firefighters’ union for a temporary restraining order preventing enforcement of a mandate requiring its employees to be vaccinated against COVID- 19, saying there was no evidence of immediate harm.
Los Angeles County health inspectors continue to find high levels of compliance by bars and nightclubs with COVID-19 vaccination- verification requirements, but some other businesses are still falling short in enforcing mask-wearing requirements, officials said today.
As Los Angeles’ deadline of Dec. 18 approaches for municipal employees to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, Los Angeles Police said today that 73% of the LAPD is fully vaccinated, and another 5% is partially vaccinated.
COVID-19 cases have decreased nationally among healthcare workers from 257 at the beginning of October to 166 towards the end of the month. Out of the more recent cases, 78 cases were reported among vaccinated healthcare workers and 88 among unvaccinated workers.
Los Angeles County health officials made another push for residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and for those who have already been vaccinated to receive a booster shot prior to the winter months.
The number of coronavirus patients in Los Angeles County hospitals spiked for two days in a row, increasing to 672 from 659 on Saturday and 630 on Friday, according to the latest state figures. Of those patients, 162 were being treated in intensive care, down from 172 the previous day. The latest numbers come as the county reported 1,118 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 additional deaths, bringing its cumulative totals to 1,493,170 cases and 26,637 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The number of cases and deaths likely reflect reporting delays
Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.
Black Californians have joined Black Americans around the country in closing the COVID-19 vaccine equity gap.
Los Angeles County reached a settlement with one of two restaurants sued earlier this year for allegedly disregarding the outdoor dining ban put in place last November to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Students at View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter High School were expected to undergo a new round of COVID-19 testing today, after a sudden spike in cases among students last week prompted the school to return to remote learning — the first known virus-related campus closure in the county since schools welcomed students back.