L.A. County Sees Increased Spread of COVID-19 and Delta Variant Cases; Fully Vaccinated People Remain Well Protected

AMTV, Los Angeles, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirms a 165% increase of new cases over last week with 839 new cases of COVID-19.

The County’s daily average case rate is now 3.5 cases per 100,000 people, an increase from last week’s rate of 1.74 cases per 100,000.

Today’s daily test positivity rate is 2.5%, also an increase from last week’s rate of 1.2%.

With the recent rise in cases, tracking the proliferation of variants of concern remains a priority to better understand the factors that may be contributing to increased community transmission. Public Health is watching particularly closely for Delta variants which were first detected in India, and are now estimated to comprise about half of U.S. cases.

The Delta variant has been the most commonly sequenced variant in L.A. County since the beginning of June, now accounting for the majority of variants of concern identified by labs. From June 20 and June 26, the number of sequenced Delta variants was 63, 54% of all sequences collected that week. The rising proportion of Delta among sequenced variants of concern is consistent with what other parts of the U.S. are seeing, and for certain represents increased circulation of the variant. Given that slightly under 4 million residents in L.A. County are not yet vaccinated, the risk of increased spread remains high. The data to date suggests fully vaccinated people are well protected from severe infections with the Delta variant.

Among 4.6 million fully vaccinated people in L.A. County, Public Health identified 2,822 people who tested positive for a COVID-19 infection contracted more than two weeks after they were fully vaccinated. That means that about 0.06% of all fully vaccinated people tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 195 people, 0.004% of those fully vaccinated, were hospitalized for infections contracted while fully vaccinated. And 21 people died of their infections, 0.0004%. These numbers are very similar to the numbers seen last week.

As of July 4, more than 10,580,529 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to people across Los Angeles County. Of these, 5,889,505 were first doses and 4,691,024 were second doses. Among L.A. County residents 16 and over, 69% have received one dose of vaccine and 60% have been fully vaccinated. Among L.A. County seniors 65 and over, 88% have received one dose of vaccine and 77% have been fully vaccinated.

Of the 11 new deaths reported today, three people that passed away were over the age of 80, three people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, one person who died was between the ages of 50 and 64, and four people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49. To date, Public Health identified 1,254,354 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 24,525 deaths. There are 296 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 24% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 7,084,000 individuals with 16% of people testing positive.

“We share our deepest condolences with those of you who have lost friends, loved ones, and family during this difficult time,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “The data makes it increasingly clear that vaccines remain the most important tool we have to keep COVID-19 transmission and the incubation of variants low. Overall COVID-19 trends are going in the wrong direction for everyone, and are particularly concerning given the proliferation of the Delta variant. The most powerful way to protect those in hard-hit communities, many of whom are essential workers, is to close vaccination gaps. We continue to emphasize workers’ rights to safety because workers need to be able to do their jobs without unnecessary risks to themselves, their families and their friends. COVID-19 remains a highly infectious virus that is easily transmitted, particularly indoors. The good news is that protecting workers is not complicated: mobile vaccination teams are available to come to workplaces, masks and respirators are in good supply, and our team is available to answer questions and address concerns. Let’s continue to take care of each other and get back to slowing down COVID-19 transmission.”

To make it as easy as possible for eligible L.A. County residents to get vaccinated, L.A. County continues to offer vaccines at many different sites across the county. This week, there are 767 sites offering vaccinations including pharmacies, clinics, community sites, and hospitals and 173 sites where mobile teams will be offering vaccinations, which are concentrated in higher-need, harder hit areas. You can obtain vaccines at county-run sites, all the LA city-run sites, almost all mobile sites, and many community sites without an appointment. Many sites are open on weekends and have evening hours.

Beginning tomorrow, Friday July 9 through next Thursday, July 15 at County-run vaccination sites, LA City sites, and St. John’s Well Child and Family Center sites, everyone 18 and older coming to get a vaccine will have an opportunity to win one of seven packages of concert tickets. Prizes will include tickets to see Celine Dion, Grupo Firma, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, and Dan and Shay at Staples Center, and box seats to four classical concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. Official rules and participating site locations will be posted online on the Los Angeles Vaccination Sweepstakes page. The Huntington Botanical Gardens, Descanso Gardens, L.A. County Arboretum, and South Coast Botanic Garden tickets and passes sweepstakes is currently in effect through the end of the day today.