The threat posed by new variants ups the ante during this latest round of re-openings in LA County.
At least two confirmed cases of the more contagious UK variant have been confirmed the county.
And researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have discovered our own California strain.
The Brazil variant has been detected in the Bay Area. There's no evidence yet of the South African one in California.
LA County public health officials say they believe several variants "are already spreading" here and are especially concerned about gatherings on Super Bowl Sunday.
"Because COVID-19 virus remains widespread and thousands of people continue to be infected each day, we ask that you still stay home as much as possible," she says.
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer says "If you can telecommute, please do so. If you are working for an essential business and you are required to go to work, we do want all employers and managers to ensure their employees are fully protected."
Ferrer says she hopes we won't see another surge.
But if it happens, she says, the county will have to "take a step backward" in its "recovery journey."