Los Angeles mayor warns of winter COVID-19 surge, urges vaccinations

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) is warning residents of the potential for a COVID-19 surge this winter, urging vaccinations to combat the virus. 

Garcetti just returned from Europe, where he had to quarantine after he contracted the coronavirus at the international climate summit in Scotland, The Associated Press reported. The mayor is fully vaccinated.

“The United Kingdom is experiencing a surge. They’ve often been ahead of our surges, and we can expect this to hit us here in the coming weeks and months,” Garcetti said Wednesday during a briefing.

The mayor experienced typical COVID-19 symptoms such as losing smell and taste for a few days but emphasized he probably fully recovered quickly because he was vaccinated.

“The answer to who should get the vaccine is simple: everyone,” Garcetti said, according to the AP.  “If you have family members who are coming for Thanksgiving or Christmas or the holidays, get them vaccinated.”

Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, recently said those who are vaccinated can enjoy their holiday season without much worry.

The mayor said most residents have complied with the proof-of-vaccination requirements needed to get into many businesses in the city, as 81 percent of eligible residents have at least one dose of the vaccine. 

Schools in Los Angeles are offering prizes and gift cards to encourage students to get vaccinated following the COVID-19 vaccine’s recent approval for those older than 5 years old, according to KTLA 5.