There has been an increase in the number of patients being admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 symptoms. LA County is seeing at least 10 admissions for every 100,000 people. This hospital admission level is known by the CDC as ‘Medium Level’ and calls for more precautions to avoid spreading the virus.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health has updated its masking mandate. The updated Health Officer Order requires that all workforce members, patients and visitors wear a respiratory mask at inpatient care areas even if they are up-to-date with all their vaccines.

Inpatient areas include:

• All inpatient units, nursing stations and hallways for the unit in hospital facilities.
• Medical and behavioral emergency departments and their waiting areas.
• Any areas identified by your local facility infection control team to be higher risk.

Signs have been posted at all entrances to remind patients and visitors to wear a mask. If you see someone who shows COVID-19 symptoms, remind them to wear a mask or wait outside the facility until the time of their appointment.

The Department of Public Health will reevaluate the Health Order once the LA County COVID-19 admission level drops below “Medium Level” for two consecutive weeks. You can keep track of the admission levels here and visit the CDC website for more information.