LA County Health Officials Say It’s Safe To Watch Sports Games

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – As the Dodgers continue their playoff streak and the Lakers and Clippers announce a new NBA season, Los Angeles County health officials have once again urged fans to exercise caution against COVID-19 while watching games, in person or at a local sports bar.

The county’s public health department warned that increases in COVID infections were seen last October due to more frequent gatherings of people watching sporting events. Health officials have noted that there is increased security this year due to the availability of vaccines, but the continued spread of the highly virulent delta variant of the virus still poses a danger of infection during large gatherings.

“We know that COVID-19 spreads more easily in environments where people sing and chant together without a mask, as we often do at parties or celebrations,” County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. , in a press release. “The risk is particularly high when these activities are carried out indoors. As we cheer on our teams, let’s continue to work together to avoid a winter wave that forces us to take back steps on our recovery journey. The best way to do this is to be vaccinated if we plan to enter places where there is an increased risk of transmitting the virus. “

The county is requiring attendees at large outdoor events like the Dodger games to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test. Participants are also required to wear face masks, except when actively eating and drinking.

At indoor events such as the Laker and Clipper games, proof of vaccination is required.

Fans who plan to watch games at county indoor sports bars should also have proof of at least one dose of the vaccine. Proof of full vaccination will be required from November 4. The same rule applies to employees of indoor bars, breweries, wineries, distilleries and nightclubs.

According to the county’s most recent figures, 79% of eligible county residents aged 12 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 70% are fully immunized. Of the 10.3 million people, including those who cannot be vaccinated, 68% have received at least one dose and 60% are fully vaccinated.

The county reported 31 more deaths from COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the total death toll during the pandemic to 26,473.

1,267 other infections were also confirmed, giving the county a running total of 1,480,656. As of Wednesday, the average daily rate of people testing positive for the virus was 0.9%.

According to state figures, there were 613,635 COVID-positive patients in county hospitals on Wednesday, up from 635 on Tuesday. Of those hospitalized, 177 were in intensive care, up from 178 a day earlier.

On Monday, the county released statistics showing the increased risk of COVID infection among unvaccinated people, saying the infection rate for unvaccinated teens is eight times higher than for vaccinated teens. For adults over 50, the rate is five times higher for unvaccinated people, according to the agency.

Unvaccinated residents aged 12 and older are 12 to 22 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than their vaccinated counterparts, and the death rate is 32 times higher among residents aged 18 to 49 , according to DPH.