Los Angeles County mask mandate could return as COVID cases rise

As the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the region continues to grow, Los Angeles County may shortly reimpose indoor mask regulations. The largest county in the US has "medium" COVID-19 transmission levels, according to LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer, and facial coverings will be necessary if it rises to the "high" category. Data from the health department show that as of Dec. 1, Los Angeles County was seeing an average of 2,490 new COVID-19 infections per day, which is the highest number since Aug. 26. According to Ferrer, the actual number is probably much higher because many persons who used at-home quick tests and tested positive did not notify the appropriate authorities, or they did not test at all.