LOS Angeles County residents are being reminded anew to take caution and stay protected against COVID-19, especially in indoor settings, before restrictions are reinstated.

This warning to wear masks in public indoor settings comes as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the county are increasing since summer vacation and gatherings are jumpstarting.

“Everybody who’s indoors when they’re around other people should have a well-fitting, high filtration mask on. There is a lot of virus circulating. Until we get to a much lower rate of transmission, there’s no reason not to put a mask on when you’re indoors,” LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a news conference on Thursday, June 16.

The county is considered in the “medium” level of COVID activity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It could move into the “high” category if the average daily rate of new COVID-related hospitalizations rises above 10 per 100,000 residents. It could also be considered high if the percentage of staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID positive patients tops 10%.

Masks remain mandatory in high-risk settings such as health care facilities, aboard transit vehicles and in transit centers and airports, in correctional facilities and at long-term care facilities.

As of Thursday, June 16, the county reported 4,583 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 3,051,930 cases to date. Nine additional deaths were reported, for a total of 32,245 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Currently, 605 people are hospitalized related to COVID-19. (AJPress)