Heading into the holiday season, local and state officials are sounding the alarm about a rise in coronavirus cases.

Alerts were sent to the phones of many Angelenos on Tuesday warning them of the increase and reminding them to wear a mask, social distance and get tested.

Mayor Eric Garcetti says residents cannot let their guard down during the holidays – and that they should not be traveling out of town to attend gatherings and should not be inviting people into their homes.

“The current dangerous spike in infections is being driven in part by gatherings, often between people who aren’t showing symptoms,” Garcetti said.

More than 2,300 new infections were announced Tuesday in Los Angeles County, with 25 deaths – bringing total deaths to more than 7,000.

In California, the 14-day positivity rate has climbed to 3.7% up from 2.9% last month.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are also up by more than 30% over the last two weeks.

The state expects over half of California’s counties will be moved into a more restrictive tier if current trends continue.

Garcetti says the free testing sites in Los Angeles will be open longer hours and will have more tests available. The county’s largest site, Dodger Stadium, will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Results are generally available within 24 hours.

Also as a coronavirus vaccine moves closer to approval and then distribution, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is recommending the Department of Public Health work with school districts to see if it’s feasible to use schools as mass vaccination sites.