.png)
With the arrival of the Labor Day weekend comes another major challenge as health officials warn it might create a surge in coronavirus cases, much like the spike seen following the Memorial Day and 4th of July holidays.
More businesses, events and activities are reopening in face of the news that the United States is recording about 40,000 new cases of COVID-19 per day, twice the number from last spring, say the country’s leading epidemiologists.
“Let’s have a safe Labor Day, so be smart and stay apart,” said South Pasadena Mayor Bob Joe. “During the pandemic, the best way to support and thank our frontline workers is to continue to follow COVID-19 safety measures and to keep working together. We should continue to refrain from large gatherings with people outside of your immediate household. And whenever you are in a public space, be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing by staying six feet apart.”
While the 40,000 figure may seem high, the number of cases peaked in late July at 70,000 per day, according to a study by Johns Hopkins University. The analysis reports that new cases are up by approximately 5% in 22 states.
Daily new cases of the coronavirus declined for weeks after they peaked in late July at more than 70,000 per day. But now, daily new cases appear to have plateaued at more than 40,000, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Average daily new cases are up by at least 5% in 22 states, according to the analysis.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of the surges that we have seen following other holiday weekends,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House coronavirus advisor told CNN. “We don’t want to see a surge under any circumstances, but particularly as we go on the other side of Labor Day and enter into the fall.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 61 new deaths and 1,193 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. To date, Public Health has identified 244,999 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 5,932 deaths. There have been 252 cases reported in South Pasadena.
“As Labor Day approaches, let’s all remember why we celebrate this holiday – and to take extra measures to protect the health and safety of all of our workers so we won’t see a repeat of the spike we saw in July after Independence Day,” said aid Barbara Ferrer, LA County Director of Public Health. “Unless we all take actions that continue to minimize the risk of transmitting this virus to one another, we raise the risk that this horrible disease will surge again in the months ahead, and we all must do everything we can to avoid that.”
While the labor Day weekend might prompt fears of new outbreaks of the virus, the South Pasadena mayor urges residents, although cautiously, to visit businesses in town.
“During the holiday, visit some of our local businesses but remember to be respectful of our neighbors during these tough times,” said Joe. “Do your part to help keep everyone safe. Thank you and Happy Labor Day!”
