2,406 New Positive Cases and 68 New Deaths Due to COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CA, Feb 25 – Today, Public Health confirmed 68 additional deaths and 2,406 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 68 new deaths reported today, one person was between the ages of 18-29, four were between the ages of 30-49, 15 were between the ages of 50-64, 18 were between the ages of 65-79, and 28 were aged 80 years or older. Of the 68 newly reported deaths, 55 had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in L.A. County is 30,587.

Since the announcement of the healthcare worker booster requirement in late December, vaccination and booster rates have continued to improve among both residents and staff at skilled nursing facilities. While there is still progress to be made, efforts to vaccinate, boost, mask and follow other safety measures have proven to be effective in keeping many of our most vulnerable residents healthy and safe.

For the week of February 17-23, skilled nursing facilities reported 176 new cases among residents and 116 new cases among staff. This represents a 41% and 32% reduction in new cases, respectively, when compared to the previous week.

Furthermore, vaccination and booster rates among residents and staff have continued to improve. Among eligible residents, as of January 30, 91% of residents were fully vaccinated and 75% fully vaccinated and boosted.

Among eligible staff, vaccination rates are also very high with 97% fully vaccinated, and 69% fully vaccinated and boosted, which is more than double the 31% of eligible staff boosted on December 19 when the state announced the requirement for workers at healthcare facilities to get boosted once eligible.

With high rates of up-to-date vaccinations, positive cases among all healthcare workers have significantly declined, resulting in less disruptions and staffing shortages across the county’s hospital system. For the week of February 18-24, there were 186 new positive cases, representing a 46% decline compared to the number of cases reported from the prior week.

“We share our condolences and heartfelt sympathies to anyone mourning the loss of life due to COVID-19”, said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Protecting residents at nursing homes remains a high priority during this post-surge time. We appreciate all the nursing facility staff that are up to date on their vaccinations and encourage those working at these facilities to get their booster dose as soon as eligible to reduce the risk of transmission to residents at high risk of severe illness from the virus. We also encourage families and friends visiting their loved ones at nursing homes or other congregate care facilities to do the same and be up to date on their vaccinations. Testing before gathering with high-risk individuals remains an appropriate strategy that reduces unintentional exposures. While we welcome the declines in transmission and hospitalizations, those most vulnerable because they are older, immunocompromised, living with serious health conditions, or unvaccinated, still need the additional protections offered by the array of tools and strategies available to reduce risk.”