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Rising COVID Numbers in California Linked to Dominant FLiRT Subvariants-Find Out Details

Ruby Arora — Tue, 28 May 2024 16:18:14 +0000

California is seeing an earlier than expected surge in COVID-19 cases this summer according to Los Angeles Time, driven by a new family of Omicron subvariants nicknamed “FLiRT.” As coronavirus levels rise in wastewater across the state and more people test positive, doctors are urging precautions especially for those at higher risk. In this article we talk about Rising COVID Numbers in California Linked to Dominant FLiRT Subvariants.

The FLiRT Subvariants: Overtaking Previous Strains

The FLiRT subvariants – officially known as KP.2, KP.3, and KP.1.1 – are highly mutated offshoots of the XBB.1.5 Omicron strain that dominated this past winter. In just the last month, they have rapidly increased their share of COVID cases in the United States from 20% to over 50%.

Their enhanced ability to evade immunity from previous infections and vaccines is allowing the FLiRT variants to outcompete other strains circulating. This increased immune evasiveness means more reinfections of people recently recovered and breakthrough infections in the vaccinated and boosted.

Early Signs of a COVID Surge in California

While COVID cases had been declining earlier in spring, recent data indicates the virus is rebounding across California:

Statewide, the COVID test positivity rate has doubled from 1.9% in late April to 3.8% currently.
Wastewater monitoring is showing increased viral loads, with some areas like Santa Clara County reaching “high” levels.
Major medical systems like Kaiser Permanente Southern California and UCSF are reporting rising numbers of outpatient COVID cases and hospitalizations for viral pneumonia.

“We’re certainly seeing a bit of a small increase. And this is all due to the so-called FLiRT variants,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional infectious disease chief at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

In Los Angeles County, COVID cases have ticked up in recent days, though numbers remain relatively low compared to past surges. Health officials caution it’s too early to determine if this uptick will become a sustained wave.

Protecting At-Risk Groups as COVID Rebounds

With summer travel and gatherings increasing viral spread, doctors are emphasizing the importance of updated COVID boosters, especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems who face highest risk of severe disease.

In California, only 36% of seniors have received the bivalent booster reformulated for the Omicron variant. The CDC recommends these updated boosters for everyone 6 months and older.

“We are still seeing individuals hospitalized, and based on CDC data…more than 95% of those hospitalized had not received the updated booster,” said Los Angeles County health officials.

Studies show the updated boosters restore waning immunity and provide greater protection against COVID illness versus no booster.

“By getting your booster now, you’re really going to give yourself protection to make it through this likely summer wave,” advised Dr. Hudson.

While less severe than earlier in the pandemic for most people, COVID can still lead to serious outcomes like hospitalization and long COVID – prolonged, debilitating symptoms like fatigue, breathing issues, and nervous system impacts.

“Long COVID really makes things different,” Hudson said. “COVID is not just a flu or a cold.”

Preparing for the Summer COVID Upswing

As COVID cases rise driven by the highly immune-evasive FLiRT subvariants, doctors recommend several precautions:

Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines: Getting an updated bivalent booster now offers the best defense against infection and severe illness through this anticipated summer surge. Those 65+ should consider the recommended second booster dose.

Test & Treat Early: Test promptly with any symptoms and test repeatedly if negative at first. Have a plan to quickly access antivirals like Paxlovid if at high risk and test positive.

Mask Wisely: While not necessary for most situations currently, consider masking in crowded indoor areas with poor ventilation and many unmasked people, especially if at high COVID risk.

Avoid Exposure: Limit contact with anyone symptomatic and potentially contagious. Even “mild colds” could be COVID.

Though much-improved from earlier pandemic waves, COVID hospitalizations and deaths continue at a significant rate nationally. An early summer COVID surge would be an unwelcome setback as the world tries to move past years of viral disruption.

By taking sensible precautions like updated boosters, early testing, and temporary masking in high-risk situations, we can hopefully limit the FLiRT subvariants’ impact and enjoy a summer free of major viral disruptions. I sincerely hope you find this “Rising COVID Numbers in California Linked to Dominant FLiRT Subvariants-Find Out Details” article helpful.

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Desirable Qualities for Next LAPD Police Chief? Find Out the Details

Ruby Arora — Tue, 14 May 2024 15:29:56 +0000

With LAPD Chief Michel Moore recent retirement Los Angeles finds itself looking for new leadership to helm its police force. This transition represent a pivotal moment for the LAPD to build trust with the community and enact meaningful reforms. As the search gets underway, residents and city leader alike are voicing their hopes for the ideal candidate. What should the next chief prioritize and what traits should they embody? Input from a recent community forum sheds some light. In this article we talk about Desirable Qualities for Next LAPD Police Chief.

Community Voices on LAPD’s Future

At a recent webinar co-hosted by LA Board of Police Commissioners locals aired grievances and suggestions to help guide the selection process. Many voiced frustration over the department response times and absence in neighborhoods. As Peter Nichols of the Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch put it, “We need senior lead officers or at least one in every division on duty…at all hours.”

Others like Helen Jacobs-Lepor conveyed feeling unsafe in their own communities: “I feel like we’re just sitting ducks waiting for someone to break in.” She and others urged the next chief to increase police visibility and engagement with residents.

Some attendees emphasized de-escalation tactics improved communication with community groups and minimizing police militarization at protests. Others argued the next chief should hail from LA or at least possess extensive knowledge of its diverse landscapes and demographics. Above all the community seeks a reform-minded leader ready to collaborate with residents and restore public trust.

Desired Leadership Qualities

Based on public feedback and the city’s needs what key qualities should the next LAPD chief exemplify?

Reform-Oriented Agenda

With controversies surrounding excessive force and racial inequities LAPD must work toward systemic change. The ideal chief will champion reform and accountability while bringing federal oversight to an end. They should support strengthened de-escalation training and limitation on military-style weaponry. A commitment to public transparency and data-driven improvement is equally vital.

Strong Community Ties

Residents have clearly voiced the desire for closer community bonds and responsiveness. The next chief should have an established track record of meaningful community engagement. Their strategies should emphasize relationship-building through forums, localized policing, and collaborations with residents and organizations. Cultural fluency within LA neighborhoods proves critical as well.

Proven Leadership Ability

Effecting change for an agency as prominent as LAPD requires flexibility decisiveness and officer buy-in. The chief must exhibit composure under public scrutiny and stay ahead of emerging challenges. Most crucially, they will need the skill to align internal and external expectations around a 21st century vision for policing in LA.

Experience Managing Complex Agencies

Overseeing nearly 10,000 sworn officers across 472 square miles presents no easy task. The position demand leadership over vast operation and budgets exceeding $1.5 billion. The chosen chief should boast sizeable experience managing personnel resources and policies for a major metro agency like the LAPD. A track record of administrative excellence and crisis response is vital.

Commitment to Equity

With racial tensions homelessness and mental health representing ongoing issues, the chief must cement equity as a top priority. Their policies should confront systemic biases and barriers facing LA marginalized groups. The focus must shift toward diversion programs and alternatives to armed responses. Above all the chief should demonstrate a genuine understanding of diverse community needs.

The Road Ahead

As LA navigates the critical process of selecting leadership to push long-overdue reforms community input provides a compass. The public has outlined the values they wish to see reflected in their next chief—transparency, accountability, engagement and equity. Ultimately the next chief must exemplify the vision and moral courage to lead the LAPD into a more just future, one marked by greater trust in those sworn to serve and protect. I sincerely hope you find this “Desirable Qualities for Next LAPD Police Chief? Find Out the Details” article helpful.

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