Surging COVID-19 Cases Sweep Across California and Virginia

COVID-19 cases are increasing across Los Angeles County, with hospitalization rates rising from around 250 per day in mid-July to 422 per day as of August 18. The county is reporting an average of 512 cases per day, marking a 35% increase from the previous week. Despite the rise in hospitalizations, daily testing rates have remained stable. Statewide, California is also experiencing an increase in positive cases, with new hospital admissions and test positivity rates on the rise since the end of June. The increase in cases is attributed to summer travelers, the start of the new school year, and the presence of new COVID variants.