The outbreak of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County has undergone a change so drastic that health officials have advised people to wear masks indoors if they live with people most at risk.
The masks at home “will add a layer of protection while overcoming this wave,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of public health for the county, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Anyone who lives with elderly Angelenos or residents who have an underlying medical condition is advised to wear a mask when they return home every day.
“When you have to go out, to work or for essential services, always wear a mask, keep your distance from others, wash your hands frequently and take baby wipes with you to clean your cell phone, car keys, work stations , doorknobs and anything you touch and anything other people are touching, ”the state Department of Health said in a statement.
“This is the time to be extremely cautious and very careful.”
An average of 10 people in Los Angeles County show positive results every minute, health officials said. Deaths have increased by more than 1,000% since the beginning of November.
In total, more than 885,000 have had positive results so far and at least 11,752 have died.