VENICE, CA — There are 2,439 people hospitalized in Los Angeles County, the highest level of the entire pandemic, health officials said Wednesday.

Los Angeles County reported another 5,987 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the cumulative total to 414,185.

Los Angeles County reported 7,593 newly confirmed cases Tuesday, shattering records set during the worst days of the pandemic. The county also reported another 46 people dead from COVID-19 Tuesday. The chilling numbers herald a holiday season marked by funerals for hundreds of Los Angeles families.

Health officials stressed that increased testing is not the cause of the spike, noting that the average daily rate of people testing positive for the coronavirus is now nearly 12%, up from 7% a week ago and about 4% a month ago.

Experts have warned that increased hospitalizations put additional pressure on health care workers as they continue to battle the virus and surging cases.

A new stay-at-home order and ban on gatherings and outdoor dining was enacted for three weeks in the county and started Monday.

Residents are advised to stay home as much as possible and always wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when outside of their household and around others. Gatherings with people from other households are barred with the exception of church services and protests, which are constitutionally protected rights.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Source: – City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.