21,709 New Positive Cases and 73 New Deaths Due to COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CA, Jan 29 – Multiple COVID metrics continue to fall, including cases, daily positivity rate, and hospitalizations. Public Health is reporting 21,709 new cases today, down 45% from one week ago when we reported 39,117 new cases. The daily positivity rate has also fallen below 10% for the first time since December 23rd and the number of people currently hospitalized is below 4,000 for the first time since January 12th. Sadly, deaths remain at an elevated level with 73 new deaths reported today.

Because transmission still remains very high, residents are encouraged to layer common sense safety precautions at upcoming gatherings, including watching the NFC Championship game on Sunday and Lunar New Year celebrations next week.

Residents should not host or go to gatherings if they are sick. When possible, test before gathering indoors with others; this is especially important when getting together with individuals who are unvaccinated or at high risk for severe illness from COVID. Hosting activities outdoors is always safer, especially while eating and drinking. In crowded indoor settings, wearing a well-fitting, high quality mask adds an important layer of protection.

Additionally, all those attending the NFC Championship game must be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative test. If attendees are providing a negative test result, it must be either a PCR test taken within 2 days of the event or an antigen test taken within 1 day of the event. Attendees are also required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, at the event, except while actively eating and drinking.

“With the increased number of people dying from COVID-19, so many loved ones are heartbroken. I send my heartfelt condolences to everyone in mourning,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “With multiple opportunities for gathering and celebrating in the coming days, including cheering on the LA Rams, following sensible safety measures will allow us to continue our recent decline. For residents who are at high-risk, including those older, immunocompromised, or with underlying health conditions, gatherings can be especially risky given the still high rates of transmission. If you are going to gather, layering on as many protections as possible will provide good defense from possible exposure to the virus. This includes getting tested before the gathering, moving activities outdoors where possible, and keeping that mask on when indoors or in crowded places. . And go Rams!”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) today released the latest data on COVID-19.

21,709 new COVID-19 cases (2,631,994 cases to date)
73 new deaths due to COVID-19 (28,886 deaths to date)
3,998 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19
More than 11,033,000 individuals tested; 22% of people tested positive to date