31 New Deaths and 1,267 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, Calif. Oct 20 –

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) urges everyone viewing or attending sports events to do so safely. The best way to enjoy viewing or attending sports events safely is to be vaccinated, masked up, and prepared to comply with public health directives.

Last October, Public Health saw increases in cases that coincided with more frequent gatherings to watch sporting events, including celebrating the Lakers’ and Dodgers’ victories. Although these gatherings occurred before vaccinations were available, many people gathered without distancing or wearing face coverings, frequently inside. Unfortunately, this often led to COVID-19 transmission among groups.

The County is currently in a much better place, with over 60% of the nearly 10.3 million L.A. County residents fully vaccinated. However, the persistent circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant makes it much more likely that infected people can spread the virus in crowded places.

Before going to your favorite sports bar, all adults and accompanying teens attending need to have had at least one dose of vaccine (if before November 4) or are fully vaccinated (if on or after November 4). Bring proof of vaccination and a photo ID for everyone in your party, and plan to wear masks indoors except when actively eating or drinking. People may wish to consider using the outdoor areas of the establishment to be extra safe.

Everyone heading to a local venue to see a live game must make sure they and any accompanying teens are fully vaccinated or have had a recent negative COVID test. Attendees should plan to bring proof of vaccination or negative testing for every person in their party, and photo identification for everyone 18 and over. Once at the game, they should plan to wear masks except when actively eating or drinking.

Please note that these rules are set by L.A. County and establishments are legally required to comply.

Today, Public Health confirms 31 new deaths and 1,267 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 31 new deaths reported today, five people who passed away were over the age of 80, nine people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, five people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, five people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49, and two people who died were between the ages of 18 and 29. Five deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach. To date, Public Health has identified 1,480,656 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 26,473 deaths.

There are 635 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, and 28% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 8,925,000 individuals with 15% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 0.9%.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered the loss of a friend or loved one to COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “We know COVID-19 spreads more easily in settings where people are singing and chanting close together without their mask on, as we often do at parties or celebrations. The risk is especially high when these activities are done indoors. While we cheer on our teams, let’s continue working together to avoid a winter surge that forces us to take steps backwards on our recovery journey. The best way to do this is by being vaccinated if we plan on entering places where there is an increased risk of virus transmission.”