Virus testing still an essential tool, L.A. County says

As Los Angeles County steamrolled toward the state’s Tuesday launch date for easing many pandemic milestones, Public Health Department officials continued to encourage unvaccinated residents to get their shots and echoed the importance of testing as a means of staving off rekindled outbreaks.

On Tuesday, California lifts the bulk of its COVID-19 restrictions — and the continuing decline in new infections, deaths and hospitalizations indicated that milestone was still on target.

The county Department of Public Health confirmed four new deaths and 196 COVID-19 infections Saturday, raising totals to 1,246,123 cases and 24,415 fatalities. The state dashboard

Saturday reported 221 people hospitalized in the county, down from 236 on Friday, with 18% in intensive care.

Nearly 6,900,000 residents have been tested since the pandemic began, with 17% testing positive, officials said; the daily test positivity rate was posted at 0.4%.

Officials still recommend testing for anyone with signs of COVID-19, regardless of whether or not he or she already has recovered from a bout with the virus or has been fully vaccinated.

Though testing and vaccination centers have shifted from sprawling megaclinics to smaller facilities, both are widely available around the county.

Public Health staffers also urged testing for unvaccinated people who have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 infection or who has had a potential exposure.

It’s also a good idea to be tested, officials said Saturday, if you’ve spent time indoors around a lot of people not wearing masks.

Officials continue to urge residents to get vaccinated for the virus, too, offering cash prizes and other incentives.

Under the state’s Vax for the Win program, $50 gift or grocery cards are being awarded to 2 million people who get their first dose of vaccine, while supplies last. The state conducted its lotto-style drawing last week.

Almost everyone in the state who has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine is eligible for the

drawing. However, to actually receive the money, winners will have to complete the vaccination protocol by receiving their second dose, unless they received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

On Tuesday, the state will pick 10 winners who will receive $1.5 million each.

Newsom said the incentive program has been effective, noting that the state has seen a 13% week-overweek uptick in the number of vaccines administered — making California one of only a handful of states to see an increase in vaccination rates.

Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s Health and Human Services secretary, said Wednesday that 65% of California residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 53% are fully vaccinated. Ghaly noted that the state’s rate of residents with at least one dose is likely above 70% because of delays in reporting.

Newsom stressed there is more work to be done to improve vaccination rates among hard-hit communities, particularly among Black and Latino residents. He noted that additional incentives

are being offered by some businesses this week to people who are vaccinated:

• Taco Bell will provide one free beef Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos taco to vaccinated customers Tuesday.

• Chipotle will give vaccinated customers a free topping or side serving of Queso Blanco with the purchase of a full-priced entree item Tuesday.

• The Los Angeles Clippers will provide vaccinated customers a 15% discount on team merchandise in its online store from Tuesday through June 20.

• The Staples Center Team L.A. Store will provide a 15% discount for vaccinated customers, also from Tuesday through June

20.

Residents ages 12 and older living or working in Los Angeles are eligible to be vaccinated at countyrun sites, Los Angeles cityrun clinics, many mobile sites and myriad community clinics, without an appointment.

Many sites are open on weekends and have evening hours.

Information: VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish)