Los Angeles–With cases and outbreaks remaining high and many opportunities over the Memorial Day Holiday to gather, staff, students, and their families are encouraged to layer in safety measures to prevent spreading COVID at schools when they return.
The number of cases among students and staff has more than doubled in one month. For the week ending May 15, there were a total of 5,918 positive cases at schools across the county, of which 4,723 were among students and 1,195 among staff. A month prior, for the week ending April 17, there were 2,742 positive cases, of which 2,159 were among students and 583 among staff.
School-associated outbreaks, where there is documented transmission among students and staff, remain high. For the week ending May 21, there were 16 outbreaks. Large outbreaks at a small number of schools have been associated with proms, school events and performances, and field trips, with cases per outbreak ranging from 25-80 among students and staff.
While transmission in the community remains high, it is important to layer in additional protective measures, especially when gathering for end-of-school year events, to keep school communities as safe as possible. Public Health urges everyone to wear a well-fitting mask when indoors, especially at any indoor school or sporting events. Those attending large celebratory school events should test before attending, and if positive for COVID, remain home away from others.
With vaccinations providing the best protection against illness and hospitalizations, parents are urged to make sure that they and their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations and boosters. This week, there are 221 school vaccine clinics scheduled. These sites offer pediatric doses and boosters for children ages five to eleven, along with vaccines and boosters for older children and adults. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved a single booster dose for children ages five through 11 years of age, at least five months after completing a primary series.
