California officials plead with public to stay home on Christmas amid viral surge
Most of state is under stay-at-home order with COVID-19 deaths nearing 24,000
On Christmas Eve, California became first state to reach 2 million cases
Health officials said Thanksgiving gatherings fueled current COVID-19 surge
Hospitals are overrun as officials said there are no more available ICU beds
Largest concentration of hospitalizations is in Southern California, officials said
Los Angeles County is investigating if new COVID-19 strain is more contagious
Robert Jablon
Worshipers receive communion during a Christmas Eve Mass inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Thursday, Dec 24, 2020, in Los Angeles. California became the first state to record 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases, reaching the milestone on Christmas Eve as nearly the entire state was under a strict stay-at-home order and hospitals were flooded with the largest crush of cases since the pandemic began. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) December 25, 2020 - 1:37 PM
LOS ANGELES - California s deadly Christmas was marked by pleas to avoid holiday gatherings outside the home and indoor church services in what could be a make-or-break effort to curb a coronavirus surge that already has filled some hospitals well beyond normal capacity.
California deaths spur pleas to stay home for Christmas
By ROBERT JABLON The Associated Press,Updated December 25, 2020, 12:16 a.m.
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Worshipers gathered for a Christmas Eve Mass inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.Ashley Landis/Associated Press
LOS ANGELES â Californiaâs deadly Christmas was marked by pleas to stay away from holiday gatherings outside the home and indoor church services in what could be a make-or-break effort to curb a coronavirus surge that already has filled some hospitals well beyond normal capacity.
Festive gatherings with friends and family might be tempting after a year that has seen the pandemic take at least 23,635 lives and ravage the economy as much of the state remained under a stay-at-home order that has closed nonessential businesses.
and last updated 2020-12-24 17:12:41-05
The Santa Barbara County Health Department along with nine other health departments in Southern California are encouraging people to stay home this holiday season.
With COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths increasing daily, the Public Health Alliance of Southern California is asking people to do their part, saying, âWe understand that people are tired, but public health measures are not the enemy â they are the roadmap for a faster and more sustainable recovery. We must all commit to taking precautions and heeding public health protocols, including the current Stay-at-Home Order, to reopen businesses and schools, to travel to see our families and friends in person, and to celebrate that next important event.â