3,756 New Positive Cases and 17 New Deaths Due to COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

AMTV/LOS ANGELES, CA, Doc 09 – Today, Public Health reported 17 additional deaths and 3,756 new positive cases. Of the 17 new deaths reported today, one person was between the ages of 18 to 29, one person was between the ages of 30 to 49, three people were between the ages of 50 to 64, two people were between the ages of 65 to 79, and 10 people were aged 80 years or older. Of the 17 newly reported deaths, 16 had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in L.A. County is 34,296.

Public Health has reported a total of 3,577,685 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County. Today’s positivity rate is 12.1%.

There are 1,243 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 12,761,505 individuals, with 25% of people testing positive.

With a rise in COVID-19 cases, Los Angeles County moved into the CDC High Community Level this week, prompting Public Health officials to ask all residents to layer in sensible health protections including indoor masking and getting vaccinated and boosted.

With the COVID-19 case rate reaching 258 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people this week, and almost 15 hospital admissions per 100,000 people, the CDC High Community Level designation reflects both high transmission and increased stress on hospitals. The stress on the healthcare system is compounded by high rates of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

Data shows that people over 65 and people living in areas with the highest poverty rate are more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID in Los Angeles County, regardless of vaccination status, and historically we have seen how a COVID surge can deepen these disparities. Many factors, including inadequate access to health-affirming resources and racism, contribute to these gaps. While COVID vaccines are not an equalizer, the rates of hospitalization and deaths are far higher for those unvaccinated, serving as a stark reminder of how powerful the vaccines continue to be.

Increased transmission of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County means there is a higher likelihood of catching COVID during routine activities, such as grocery shopping, eating out at restaurants, running errands, or attending a concert or large holiday party. At the current case rate, if you attend a party with 200 people, the chance that at least one person at the party is infected with COVID, is between 80-90%. If the case rate climbs to 350, that chance increases to almost 100%. And for the millions of people in the higher risk categories — elderly family members and friends, those with underlying health conditions, and those who are immunocompromised — increased chances of being exposed can have a devastating impact.

Higher transmission also leads to higher workplace absences and wider disruptions to everyday life, whether at healthcare facilities, retail stores, restaurants, delivery services, and even family gatherings.

One of the most effective ways to reduce COVID-19 transmission, along with transmission of other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV, is to wear well-fitted, high-filtration masks indoors. Everyone ages 2 and older is asked to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, such as transit, retail, event venues, schools, and worksites when around others.

Protecting against severe illness is equally important and the new, bivalent booster and therapeutics provide protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. There are also vaccines and anti-viral medications to prevent severe illness from influenza. Vaccines, boosters, and therapeutics are readily available at Public Health sites, pharmacies, and other locations across the county.

In addition, simple actions such as frequent handwashing and staying home when you are sick can help to further limit transmission. The same precautions that help limit the spread of COVID will also provide protection against RSV and flu.

Seniors and residents who can’t easily leave their home may contact the Public Health call center to arrange for at-home vaccinations and, if eligible, oral therapeutics by calling (833) 540-0473, seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm. Residents also may go to VaccinateLACounty.com to find nearby vaccination sites, request a mobile vaccination team for your worksite or community event, or an in-home visit if you or someone you know is homebound.

LA County residents also should take a COVID-19 test after a known exposure, if symptomatic, and before gatherings. Rapid tests are readily available and are likely to be covered by health insurance. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate until day 10, or day 5 if you have a negative test.

These health measures are essential as LA County continues to see large increases in the number of reported COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The 7-day average case count in the county is 3,639, a nearly 19% increase from one week ago when the 7-day average of 3,053 cases was reported.

And over the past seven days, the average number of daily COVID-positive patients in LA County hospitals is 1245, an increase of 18% from last week when the average number of COVID-positive patients per day was 1056.

The county is currently reporting an average of 12 deaths per day, an increase from the average of 9 deaths reported per day a week ago.

“I send my condolences to those who have had someone close to them die from COVID-19. I wish you never had to feel this loss and I offer my deepest sympathies,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Our shared goal during this pandemic has always been to reduce the burden of disease, hospitalization and death and we all know it takes a community to do so. When you put on your mask for these few weeks during this surge, it is about the people of LA County. It is about every individual, every visitor, our healthcare workers, essential workers, and other people who serve. In addition to vaccination, it is one of the easiest things everyone can do right now.”