Malibu Sees Major Spike In COVID-19 As Omicron Spreads

MALIBU, CA — As the omicron variant quickly spreads throughout the county, Malibu saw a massive spike in COVID-19 cases this week.

Malibu had 945 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Tuesday, 138 more cases than just a week before, according to Los Angeles County Public Health data.

Malibu sits significantly below the county's vaccination rate; 67.1 percent of Malibu residents age five and over have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 78.8 percent for the county.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County saw 7,425 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, according to LADPH. LA County hospitalizations nearly doubled in December, with unvaccinated individuals 21 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than their vaccinated counterparts.

"Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials are warning the public about the alarming statewide and nationwide COVID-19 surge, and urge vaccinations, boosters, testing and masking, and additional caution for anyone traveling and socializing over the holidays," city manager Steve McClary said in his city updates. He added: "Because Omicron is so highly infectious, LADPH recommends upgrading to a medical-grade, surgical, or KN95 mask when in close contact with others."