Friday, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly provided an update on COVID-19.
He explained that as COVID-19 cases rise, so will hospitalizations.
Ghaly says this fact is worrying as we head into cold and flu season.
"What we know about cases, is that about two weeks after a case is reported, or a set of cases are reported, you see about 12% of those cases end up in the hospital. And when you look at those high number of cases day after day, and that's sustained, that's exactly what we worry about in terms of overwhelming our hospital system."
Dr. Gahly went on to explain that hospitals not only have to deal with COVID-19 right now but also the flu.
Ghaly today said he understands that people are sick of social distancing, but he added that it's important to keep up with preventative measures for COVID-19.
As holidays get closer Ghaly warned people about potentially risky activities.
It might surprise you what activities count as high risk.
Dr. Ghaly explained that if you're doing something where it is hard to wear a mask the entire time, that is considered high risk.
One example of this is eating and drinking with a group of people, especially those who live outside your home.
As Thanksgiving grows closer, these types of activities are more common.
If you are around other people, be sure to wear a mask and limit how long you're together.
