LOS ANGELES, Calif. Nov 17 –
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) continues to work with skilled nursing facilities to ensure their eligible residents and staff receive COVID boosters.
As of Nov 12, 97% of skilled nursing facilities in L.A. County indicated that they will complete administering booster doses for residents by November 19. Most skilled nursing facilities have established relationships with long term care pharmacies who provide booster doses for eligible residents. Public Health has been working with the remaining facilities to assess barriers and offer County mobile vaccine team assistance.
Skilled nursing facilities report that 96% of staff and 89% of residents are fully vaccinated. All staff at skilled nursing facilities are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; those with an approved medical or religious exemption need to be tested weekly.
For the week ending November 7, 39 people tested positive for COVID-19 at skilled nursing facilities: 20 new cases were among skilled nursing facility residents, and 19 new cases were among skilled nursing facility staff. Tragically, four skilled nursing facility residents passed away from COVID-19. Sixty-five percent of new cases the week ending November 7 at skilled nursing facilities are among staff and residents that are fully vaccinated.
Today, Public Health confirms 22 new deaths and 1,284 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 22 new deaths reported today, six people who passed away were over the age of 80, seven people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, six people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and three people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49. To date, Public Health has identified 1,514,282 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 26,923 deaths.
There are 640 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, 25% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 9,280,000 individuals, with 15% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 1.2%.
“To everyone grieving the loss of a family member or friend, our hearts go out to you and we wish you peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “I am grateful that nearly all skilled nursing facilities in the County will complete administering COVID-19 boosters to their eligible residents this week. We know from experience, that nursing home residents are among our most vulnerable people disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Lives are saved by protecting those at elevated risk with vaccines and boosters, maintaining straightforward safety measures, and increasing vaccination coverage countywide.”
Anyone five years and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.