Los Angeles County has banned social gatherings for three weeks due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The guidelines allow exemptions for religious services and protests. The decision follows a significant increase in cases, with over 4500 new cases reported for five consecutive days, prompting stricter measures. California also reported a record number of hospitalizations, with over 7400 people hospitalized, marking the highest since the pandemic began.

What was the threshold crossed that led to the implementation of stricter measures?

What was the largest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations reported in California since the pandemic began?