Friday, January 5, 2024

LA County Health Department Urges Post-Holiday COVID-19 Testing

CITY NEWS SERVICE

With COVID-19 transmission levels and respiratory viruses increasing, the L.A. County Department of Public Health Thursday urged residents to test if they have COVID-19 symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus in the post-holiday period.

County health officials said free at-home COVID-19 tests remain readily available throughout the county at libraries, from many community-based organizations, food banks and senior centers, through the federal government by mail and at retail pharmacies with a California health insurance plan.

Most at-home tests can be safely used past the expiration date on the box, according to Public Health. For more information on how to check home test expiration dates and how to get free COVID-19 tests, visit ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDtests.

People who test positive for COVID-19, especially those with underlying risk factors, should talk to a health care provider right away about COVID-19 medications. Taking an oral antiviral, such as Paxlovid, can prevent people from becoming very sick, help them feel better sooner and lower their risks of developing Long COVID, according to a statement from the department.

County Public Health said treatment should begin within five days of testing positive or developing symptoms of COVID-19. Medications are widely available by prescription at retail pharmacies and Public Health locations throughout L.A. County. For a telehealth appointment or help getting a prescription for COVID-19 medication, residents are urged to contact the County Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473. It’s open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

People with respiratory illness symptoms who test negative for COVID- 19 should consider masking indoors around others to avoid spreading another respiratory infection, such as flu or RSV. If symptoms continue, re-testing 48 hours later for COVID is recommended, according to the department.

The county’s COVID-19 hospital admission level last week reached medium level and all health care personnel, regardless of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status, in licensed health care facilities that provide inpatient care are required to mask while in contact with patients or working in patient-care areas,  the department said.

Public Health reports an average of 542 cases per day, a slight decline from the 621 cases per day reported last week. However, there was a lower number of reportable tests conducted for the most recent week, likely influenced by the holidays.

The current seven-day daily average number of COVID-positive hospitalizations in the county between Dec. 24 and 30 is 783, with an average of 542 cases, according to Public Health figures updated Thursday. The current seven-day daily average test positivity is 13.9%.