Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis issued a health advisory on Oct. 26 for private gatherings and public celebrations, advising residents that the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission is high based on an increasing rate of community transmission.

Since early October, Los Angeles County’s average number of daily cases has increased from approximately 940 per day to nearly 1,200 per day. Moreover, recent contact tracing interviews over the course of three weeks showed that 55% of the people who knew of a possible exposure had attended an event or gathering where two or more people were sick.

To prevent future spread of COVID-19, Davis said it is best to celebrate at home with members of the same household. People planning to host or attend a private gathering must adhere to county public health protocols. All gatherings must be held outdoors with physical distancing between members of different households, and must be limited to three households. Cloth face coverings must be worn when not eating or drinking, and food must be in single-serve disposable containers. Gatherings are required to be two hours or less.

“As cases are increasing in our community, so is the risk of COVID-19. We have a lot to celebrate in the county, and it is critical that we all take action to slow the spread as we do,” Davis said. “That means not participating in public celebrations of any kind, which are high-risk.”

For information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.