Using data from the Department of Public Health, the Los Angeles Times reported that there are 490 companies investigated for outbreaks, compared to 173 a month ago.
Six outbreaks have been reported in the county at Food 4 Less locations since the start of the pandemic, three of which were recorded this month. An outbreak is defined as three or more cases among staff over a two-week period.
There were also new outbreaks in December at three Trader Joe locations, two Whole Foods locations and three Sprouts Farmers Market locations, according to the outlet.
An analysis by the LA Times also found a jump in outbreaks this month at other key businesses that have remained open during the pandemic, including banks ’pharmacies and hardware stores.
LA County crosses 600,000 cases, 8,800 dead in the fastest accelerating phase of the pandemic
Outbreaks occur as there are unprecedented rates of coronavirus infection in the region, marked by an advance in the pandemic with the deployment of vaccines.
Once these groups have been vaccinated, priority will be given to intermediate care and home health workers, community health workers, public health staff and primary care workers, the correctional facility and urgent care clinics. Laboratory technicians, dentists and pharmacy staff will be as follows.
Priority will then be given to people aged 75 and over, along with essential workers, including first aid workers, teachers, school staff, daycare workers, manufacturing workers, correctional staff, postal workers, public transport, health workers. food and agriculture and grocery store workers.
Then there will be people 65 and older, along with people 16 and older who have significant underlying health conditions that put them at risk for serious illness.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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