Los Angeles County set records Friday for the highest number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations for the third time in a single week.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Friday’s numbers would have been unimaginable just a few weeks ago, and called the surge “the greatest threat to life” the city has ever faced.
“We’re on the verge of 10,000 cases daily with the numbers that we’re seeing this week,” Garcetti said. “Getting this virus under control is mission crucial for Los Angeles.”
The county reported 8,860 new cases and 2,668 hospitalizations on Friday, according to a press release from the local Department of Public Health.
Los Angeles is projected to reach half a million coronavirus cases by the end of this year, according to Garcetti.
Public health officials are urging residents not to travel this holiday season, and stay home if possible.
“Los Angeles County continues to experience a pandemic that is moving in a direction that will cause significantly more suffering and deaths,” Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “As case numbers and hospitalizations continue to rapidly increase, the number of individuals who will experience severe health outcomes will also increase.”
Once 85% of ICU beds are filled in the Southern California region, Los Angeles County will impose additional closures to some businesses including personal care services like nail and hair salons, and family entertainment centers like zoos and museums.
Garcetti said he expects the region will pass the 85% ICU bed capacity threshold in the next few days.
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