As more people are starting to get vaccinated, Los Angeles (LA) County is starting to see a drop in COVID-19 hospitalization rates. On Sept. 25, 29 deaths caused by COVID-19 in LA County were reported. Out of which, the majority of deaths were in people between the ages of 50 to 64. 

During the second week of September, LA County saw a decrease in hospitalization rates compared to the last two weeks of August.

According to County of Los Angeles Public Health, 76.7% of the population above the age of 12 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (6,771,497), whereas 68% are fully vaccinated (6,013,160). Likewise, 91.8% of the senior citizen population (people ages 65+) have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (1,261,002), whereas 82% of the said population are fully vaccinated (1,129,997). 

“While we are seeing important gains in our efforts to reduce community spread of COVID-19, we cannot afford to be complacent given the very real risks posed by this virus,” said public health official Barbara Ferrer. “We still need to lower the number of new cases so that we enter the fall and winter seasons in the best possible shape to avoid the devastation we endured last year.”

Starting Oct. 7, LA County will start requiring vaccination proof for all visitors and on-site staff at indoor lounges, bars, breweries, nightclubs, distilleries, wineries and nightclubs. Customers who are not vaccinated or do not provide proof of vaccination are still eligible to be served outdoors, or they can also pick up their order or get it delivered to them. The public health order states that the vaccination proof must show proof of at least one dose by Oct. 7, and proof of full vaccination by Nov. 4. As per the order, a person is considered vaccinated two weeks after their second dose.

The order also states that employees may be exempted from this requirement if they have any medical reasons that prevent them from getting vaccinated or if they have religious beliefs that prevent them from getting vaccinated. To be exempted, the employee must provide a declination form to their employer. An employee exempt from the requirement must get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week, as well as wear a mask at all times.

The public health order was announced on Sept. 17. 

While not required, officials strongly recommend that restaurants with indoor dining have patrons show proof of vaccination before entering the premises. 

In order to provide proof for vaccination, one must show some form of photo identification accompanied by either the original vaccination card, a photo/printout of the vaccination card, or a documentation of vaccination by a healthcare provider. 

Graphic courtesy of INNOVATIVEGENOMICS.ORG