In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, M.D., infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center. 

Topics today include: 

• L.A. County reports nearly 45,000 new COVID-19 cases over the holiday weekend. 

  • L.A. County coronavirus transmission rate at highest point since early months of pandemic. 
  • Health officials plead with L.A. County residents to ‘act responsibly’. 
  • L.A. County public, private school staff must wear high-grade masks; rules for athletes tighten. 
• F.D.A. expands Pfizer booster eligibility to kids 12 to 15. 
• COVID-19 vaccines rarely lead to problems in younger children, according to two C.D.C. reports. 
• C.D.C. says ‘avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status’. 
• How this pandemic has left us less prepared for the next one. 
• Fauci: C.D.C. mulling COVID-19 test requirement for the asymptomatic. 
• More people are getting unapproved fourth vaccine doses. 

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.