COVID-19 Transmission Metrics Remain Stable in LA County as Hospitalizations Fall to Record Low

AMTV/LOS ANGELES, July 13 – In Los Angeles County, COVID-19 transmission metrics remain stable for the seventh consecutive week as COVID-19 hospitalizations fell to a record low, according to data released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health).

This week, Public Health reports 1,544 new COVID-19 cases, a decrease from the 1,741 cases reported last week, bringing the total number of reported COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County to more than 3.7 million over the course of the pandemic. Cases are an undercount, due to the large number of at-home COVID test results that are not reported to Public Health.

For the third week in a row, wastewater concentrations of SARS CoV-2, the virus that results in a COVID-19 infection, are at 8 percent of the most recent winter peak, indicating that, although transmission is still occurring, there is low concern for rapid spread of the virus at this time. Wastewater concentrations provide more accurate information about COVID-19 transmission levels than reported cases alone.

Meanwhile, current hospitalization levels for COVID-19 are the lowest recorded since the beginning of the pandemic. The 7-day average number of daily COVID-19 hospitalizations in Los Angeles County is 211, a nominal decrease from 214 one week ago. As of this week, 11 percent of hospitalized COVID patients were in intensive care units. On average, there are 39 new COVID-19 hospital admissions per day, with 3 percent of all admissions being people under 18 years old.

COVID-19 deaths also remain relatively low. Public Health is reporting 13 new COVID-19 deaths this week, with nine of the 13 deaths occurring in people over 65 years old, highlighting one of the ways older people continue to be more vulnerable to COVID-19.

For residents who are concerned that they or a loved one have been exposed to COVID-19 or are seeking resources for increased protection, many options remain available in Los Angeles County. The Public Health Call Center is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The free service will connect callers with a person who can answer their questions, coordinate free telehealth care to receive COVID-19 treatment, and help make a vaccination appointment, including for people who are homebound. The number is 1-833-540-0473.

COVID-19 testing is still recommended, especially for anyone who suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19 or for people who are visiting someone who is more vulnerable to severe illness from a COVID infection, including those who are older or immunocompromised. Free tests are available throughout Los Angeles County and at local pharmacies through most insurance plans. More information is available at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDtests.

“To those who have lost someone to COVID-19, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. I hope you find peace and healing in the days ahead,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “The LA County metrics are reassuring, especially when compared to the last three summers when we experienced increases in transmission and hospitalizations in July. This may reflect, in part, the effectiveness of our tools against the Omicron strains currently circulating. Vaccines, tests, and therapeutics continue to provide powerful protection against COVID-19. Even during times of low transmission, given the elevated risks for some and the prevalence of long COVID, these tools allow us to take sensible precautions and feel comfortable enjoying summer events, friends, and family.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has replaced COVID-19 Community Levels with Hospital Admission Levels, which can help individuals and communities decide which prevention actions they can take based on the most recent information. Los Angeles County is in the Low Hospital Admission Level with 3.0 weekly COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people, reported on July 10 for the seven-day period ending July 1.

Public Health reports COVID-19 data weekly. The following table shows case, wastewater, emergency department, hospitalization, and death data in Los Angeles County over the past four weeks. All metrics remain stable at levels of low concern.

By Hong Dong