Californians asked not to use strained ERs for virus testing
With California bracing for an unprecedented number of hospitalizations amid a staggering surge in coronavirus infections, health officials pleaded with residents Friday to reserve emergency rooms for true emergencies and not run to them in a search for scarce virus tests.
San Mateo County's $7M in PPE left outside, damaged by rain
About $7 million worth of surplus personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, purchased by San Mateo County earlier in the coronavirus pandemic, was damaged in recent rainstorms after it was left outside for months, officials said Friday.
Los Angeles County has reported more than 400,000 COVID cases since Jan. 1
Another 40,000-plus cases of COVID-19 were reported in Los Angeles County Friday as the easily transmitted Omicron variant of the virus continued to make its impact felt, particularly in hospitals, where patient numbers continue to rise. Since Jan. 1, the county has reported more than 400,000 new COVID-19 cases.
California hospital has 700 employees in isolation because of Covid
Hundreds of employees at one hospital in California are in self-isolation following COVID-19 exposure, amid a nationwide surge of the omicron variant, health officials said Wednesday.
Incoming LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho says COVID is 'here to stay'
"I'm one who believes in science, and we recognize that probably COVID-19 is here to stay," Alberto Carvalho said during his visit to Elysian Heights Elementary Arts Magnet School.
Culver City Schools cancel class next week due to COVID
Culver City Unified School District is canceling classes next week due to the recent spike in COVID cases in the area. Classes will resume on Jan. 24.
US students hold walkouts amid omicron surge, calling for more stringent measures
U.S. students have held or planned walkouts this week across the country to lobby for more remote learning and other measures amid a surge of COVID cases.
New COVID rules for California workplaces go into effect today
New rules go in effect Friday for workplaces across California. They include new guidance on masks, COVID testing and isolation.
US omicron peak: Fauci predicts steep drop in cases toward 'end of January'
Dr. Anthony Fauci cautiously predicted the U.S. omicron wave could soon start to noticeably decline “as we get to the end of January.”
Biden urges employers to 'do the right thing' after Supreme Court blocks vaccine mandate
President Biden appealed to U.S. companies “to do the right thing to protect Americans’ health and economy” after the Supreme Court blocked the vaccine mandate.
Riverside County infant dies after contracting COVID-19
An infant died after contracting COVID-19, becoming the youngest person in Riverside County to die from the virus, according to the county’s public health department.
LA County COVID hospitalizations top 4,000
More than 4,100 people are currently in LA County hospitals with COVID-19, the highest number since February 2021.
LA city attorney warns of price gouging COVID test kits amid omicron surge
Amid reports of extremely expensive at-home COVID- 9 test kits being sold in Los Angeles, City Attorney Mike Feuer reminded the public to beware of price gouging and report the crime.
'Hamilton' at Pantages Theatre to resume Feb. 9
After cancellations prompted by COVID-19 infections within the production, the hit musical "Hamilton" will resume performances Feb. 9 at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, but the show's troubled run will end March 20.
Supreme Court blocks COVID-19 vaccine mandate for US businesses
The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.
Fauci: Omicron may infect 'just about everybody' but vaccinated will still fare better
Dr. Anthony Fauci said the omicron variant will likely infect most Americans, but the risk of severe illness is “very, very low” among those vaccinated and boosted.
California stimulus checks: Final round being distributed
The final round of the Golden State Stimulus II payments is being mailed out to qualifying California residents. Families that met the eligibility requirements receive $600 plus $500 for dependents.
Cannabis compounds prevent coronavirus from entering human cells: Oregon State University study
According to a study from researchers at OSU, cannabis compounds show the ability to prevent the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells.
Nurses protest California ruling allowing COVID-positive nurses to work
Nurses at seven Southern California hospitals are protesting Thursday demanding safer working conditions, and speaking out against guidance from the state that would allow COVID-positive employees to return to work immediately if they're asymptomatic.