LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – As the devastating Bobcat Fire progresses on its sixth day, Los Angeles County fitness officials warn that poor air quality in Southland can lead to a buildup of COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Brad Spellberg, a leading medical officer at County-USC Medical Center, says some studies indicate that COVID can be worse when air quality is poor.
“There is evidence that exposure of the lungs to poor air quality can accumulate the protein contained in the virus that joins . . . to the Array. lung infection,” he said.
According to Spellberg, studies are based on statistics in China, Italy and what fitness officials have noticed in Los Angeles.
Some owners fleeing the fires say smoke and ash are already affecting their physical health.
“Now I have a little in my throat, even with my mask, ” said Imani Johnson, a resident of Monrovia. “It’s the worst part. “
Poor air quality throughout the county forced COVID-19 sites to close at least Friday.