31 New Deaths and 1,436 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, Calif. Sept 29 – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is strongly encouraging COVID-19 vaccination for all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future to prevent severe illness, death and adverse pregnancy outcomes from COVID-19.

While studies have affirmed the vaccines’ safety in all stages of pregnancy and the vaccines do not cause any fertility problems, the CDC reports as of September 18, only 31% of pregnant women are fully vaccinated nationwide.

Healthcare providers should communicate the risk of COVID-19, the benefits of vaccination, information on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy, and strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

Nationwide, the highest number of COVID-19-related deaths in pregnant people (22) in a single month of the pandemic was reported in August 2021. As of September 27, more than 125,000 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in pregnant people, including more than 22,000 hospitalized cases and 161 deaths nationwide. The CDC reports that approximately 97% of pregnant people hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection were unvaccinated.

Public Health continues to track the impact of COVID-19 on expecting and new moms and newborns in Los Angeles County. As of September 28, there are 12,944 pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19. Seventy-six percent of pregnant women testing positive for COVID-19 are Latina/Latinx, 11% are White, 5% are African American/Black, and 5% are Asian. Although rare, women infected during their pregnancy can pass on the virus to their newborn. Among the 12,719 births where there was testing information, 62 infants tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 tragically passed away.

Public Health continues to urge and offer vaccination to women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Resources are available to assist pregnant women and women of childbearing age get the facts, at: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/vaccine/WomenAndCOVIDvaccine.pdf

Today, Public Health confirms 31 new deaths and 1,436 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 31 new deaths reported today, seven people who passed away were over the age of 80, seven people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 11 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and three people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49. Three deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach. To date, Public Health identified 1,457,672 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 26,078 deaths.

There are 892 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 29% of these people are in the ICU. This is the first time daily hospitalizations dropped under 900 since late -July.

Testing results are available for more than 8,623,000 individuals with 16% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 1.2%.

Beginning October 7, all patrons for outdoor mega events ages 12 and older will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to outdoor mega event operators prior to entry. Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order was modified to clarify rules for outdoor mega events. Proof of a recent negative test will not be required in children 11 and younger at outdoor mega events and children 12 to 17 years old will not be required to present photo identification. Beginning November 1, 2021, patrons 18 or older will be required to present photo identification with their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 viral test result.

“To the families and friends experiencing the sorrow of losing a loved one due to COVID-19, we wish you healing and peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “It is troubling to see the low rates of vaccination among pregnant women given the increased risk of serious COVID illness associated with pregnancy for the mother-to-be and her newborn. We encourage pregnant women to talk with their doctor or midwife to get the facts about how they can best protect themselves from the virus. Sadly, misinformation continues to circulate leading to avoidable tragedies for moms and their babies.”

Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Anyone 12 and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. Boosters are available for eligible individuals at all sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. Many vaccination sites across the county, including all the County-run sites, are also offering third doses of vaccine to eligible immunocompromised people. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.

Los Angeles County residents eligible for a booster dose of Pfizer include the following groups of people who received the second of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at least 6 months ago and are either:

• People aged 65 years or older
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• People aged 18 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions
• People aged 18 to 64 years with high institutional or occupational risk, including healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers, and workers and residents in homeless shelters or prisons, among others

While you don’t need an appointment at many places to get a first, second or third dose, it is very easy to make an appointment. You can go to MyTurn or to www.VaccinateLACounty.com to make an appointment.