COVID viral activity at ‘very high’ level in California, CDC wastewater data shows; Los Angeles County cases and hospitalizations have doubled in past month

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — COVID-19 continues to mutate, making us all more vulnerable, and new data shows just that.

California’s wastewater has reached a “very high” level of COVID viral activity for the first time since last winter, according to the CDC. Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon and Texas have also recorded “very high” levels.

Los Angeles County Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer says Los Angeles County specifically is finding similar data.

“With the exception of deaths, which have remained stable at about one person dying every day,” Dr. Ferrer said. “All other indicators, the number of cases, the number of people hospitalized, our wastewater has doubled in the last month.”

Ferrer says that because of the new FLiRT variant of COVID-19, people are more likely to get sick and spread it to others, but vaccinations remain our most powerful tool to prevent serious illness.

She said everyone 6 months and older will need to get vaccinated in the fall. This injection will aim to protect us against the latest variants.

“But that doesn’t really apply to people 65 and older or people who are at high risk,” Ferrer said. “Those people should get the current vaccine now and then in the fall they can get another dose of the new vaccine.”

Ferrer says this is the fifth summer we’ve seen an increase in COVID-19 transmission, but the biggest difference now is that we have great ways to combat it.

She says when we travel during this time or have to be in large crowds, we should consider wearing a mask and remember to wash our hands, especially before eating.

“We’ve been in this situation before. We have very good tools to protect ourselves,” Ferrer said. “Our common-sense precautions make a huge difference and let’s remember that there are some people in particular who can still get very sick and let’s do everything we can to protect them.”

Ferrer says it’s important to know your status, especially if you’re at high risk. And there are still places in the county where you can get free COVID resources. You can find that information by visiting ph.lacounty.gov.

MORE:Everything you need to know about the new COVID-19 subvariants called “FLiRT”