The surge of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations is pushing hospitals in Los Angeles County to the "brink of catastrophe," a top health official there said. Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly described the medical facility situation as on the "brink of catastrophe." Some health department primary care clinics have had to close or reduce their hours because the county's hospitals are "so incredibly taxed," Ghaly said. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said people need to stay home to help blunt surges from the holidays. "Often, the only time we can move someone is when a Covid patient dies," emergency room Dr. Marco Randazzo said in a news conference.

Source: CNN January 01, 2021 04:18 UTC