Los Angeles, Nov 28 (IANS): Health officials in Los Angeles County have issued a new stay-home order urging residents to avoid gatherings due to an out of control surge in the number of new Covid-19 cases.

The county's five-day average of new confirmed cases currently stands at over 4,700, forcing its health department to take the additional actions on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The three-week "safer at home" order will take effect on Monday.

Residents are advised to "stay home as much as possible and always wear a face covering" when they go out.

The order bans people from attending public or private gatherings with non-household members, but exempts religious services and protests under "constitutionally protected rights," according to local health authorities.

Of California's 1,179,857 Covid-19 cases, Los Angeles County accounts for more than 383,000.

The state's death toll currently stands at 19,075, of which the County has reported 7,580.