A.M. Brief: L.A.’s COVID-19 Infection Rate Back to Pre-Holiday Levels

The positive trend of lower case counts continues. If we keep it up, the mayor says indoor dining may be back on the menu shortly. Also this morning: LAUSD teachers hold fast to vaccine requirements, the J&J vaccine comes to California this week, and an online tracking tool quantifies the disturbing trend of hate crimes against Asian-Americans. It’s Tuesday. This is your news brief. Take it!

Morning News Rundown

L.A. County’s daily case count of COVID-19 infections is at its lowest level since before the winter surge, with Public Health’s Tuesday update reporting fewer than 1,000 new cases. If the positive trend continues, Mayor Eric Garcetti says we could soon see Los Angeles moved from the purple to red tier of reopening, which would allow restaurants to reopen for limited indoor service. [ABC 7]

On Monday, a leader with United Teachers Los Angeles reaffirmed the union’s stance that LAUSD teachers will not be back in classrooms until all teachers have been offered vaccines and achieved maximum immunity from distributed doses. LAUSD is expected to receive all requested doses within the next few weeks, but getting shots into arms and waiting for maximum immunity means the district may not reopen for in-person learning until mid-April. [L.A.Times]

Johnson & Johnson’s newly approved one-shot vaccine may begin distribution in California as soon as today. According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, 380,000 doses are expected to arrive this week. Studies show the J&J shot to be 85% effective in preventing severe or critical illness. [ABC 7]

An online tool that tracks hate incidents against Asian-Americans received 250 reports from Los Angeles County alone from last March through December. Community groups are calling for “urgent action” against this disturbing trend. [LAist]

Pink’s Hot Dogs, like many other restaurants throughout the county, was forced to close during the post-holiday spike in COVID-19 infections that peaked in January. But as of yesterday, the iconic hot dog stand is officially open for business. [LA Mag]