California Faces COVID Surge: Officials Urge Masks and Vaccination

California is witnessing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, with state officials issuing urgent warnings about rising positivity rates and hospitalizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections are either growing or likely growing in 30 states, including California. Wastewater data indicates “high” levels of the virus, prompting health officials to take action.

Rising Infection Rates and Hospitalizations

As of the week ending August 23, California’s test positivity rates have more than doubled in just a month. Reports indicate that 12.07 percent of tests returned positive results, a stark increase from 6.03 percent in late July. In Los Angeles County, the positivity rate surged from 8.11 percent to 13.44 percent, while Orange County experienced an even steeper rise, jumping from 9.4 percent to 18.1 percent. San Francisco also reported an increase, with rates climbing from 7.1 percent to 8.7 percent.

Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, confirmed the uptick in outpatient cases. She noted that while inpatient cases remain “few and far between,” rising wastewater levels in Los Angeles suggest that the current wave has not yet peaked.

The number of hospital admissions, although still classified as low across California, is rising. For the week ending August 23, there were 3.62 admissions per 100,000 residents, nearly double the rate from a month earlier. Emergency room visits for COVID-like illness are also increasing in Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Clara counties.

Health Officials Recommend Precautions

In light of these developments, health officials in Yolo County are advising residents to wear masks indoors, especially where sewage levels indicate “high” concentrations of the virus. For areas classified as having “medium” risk, masking is recommended for individuals over 65, those with weakened immune systems, or anyone considered at risk for severe illness. Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County’s health officer, emphasized the importance of wearing high-quality masks, such as N95, KN95, or KF94, that fit well.

This surge coincides with the rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccination guidelines. The new vaccines for the 2025-26 season are expected to be available soon at major pharmacies. Nonetheless, recent regulations from the Trump administration require individuals under 65 without underlying conditions to consult with a healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine. Critics, including former US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, have described this policy as “a real access barrier.” Dr. Sisson reiterated, “Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe disease and death from COVID-19.”

The rise in COVID-19 cases has been attributed to several factors, including increased social gatherings over the summer, the return of students to school, and holiday travel. Health officers recommend that Californians, particularly in areas with high virus levels, should consider wearing masks again to mitigate the spread of the virus.

The current situation is being closely monitored, as officials remain uncertain about the severity of this summer’s surge compared to previous years. While hospitalizations are still lower than last summer’s peak, positivity rates are now higher than during the last winter surge.

As the state navigates this late-summer wave, the focus remains on public health measures, vaccination efforts, and effective communication to ensure the well-being of all residents.