The number of COVID-19 deaths has doubled in the past month in Los Angeles as state health officials keep track of new coronavirus subvariants known as BA-4 and BA-5.

And it’s not just LA. The pair of subvariants have become the most prevalent strains nationwide.

A recent rise in hospitalizations has now prompted city officials to reconsider bringing the mask mandate.

CGTN’s Ediz Tiyansan reports from Los Angeles.