(CNN) Doctors at some Los Angeles County hospitals say people are waiting too long to seek medical treatment -- including those infected with the coronavirus -- over fears of catching Covid-19, potentially leading to more detrimental effects to their health.

Los Angeles County reported 1,491 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the total to 13,816, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

At Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, most of the people coming to the emergency room are experiencing respiratory issues.

"What we are seeing is a lot more sicker people now coming in that qualify for an inpatient stay," said Dr. Paryus Patel, chief medical officer of Centinela Hospital Medical Center. "So typically, we used to see on a non-Covid day about 150, 180 patients a day. We are seeing about 90 to 100 (patients) -- averaging out. Most of them come in for an acute medical need which will require hospitalization."

Patel is also seeing signs that people are loosening their own social distancing measures despite mandates from Garcetti and California Gov. Gavin Newsom for residents to shelter at home.

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