COVID-19 Deaths and Hospitalizations Increase: Residents Urged to Avoid Unnecessary Public Contact

55 New Deaths and 2,204 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

Today, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) reports an increase in COVID-19 deaths and continues to see increases in hospitalizations.

Public Health has confirmed 55 new deaths of COVID-19. This is 20 more deaths than yesterday’s count.

There are 1,893 people currently hospitalized, 28% of these people are confirmed cases in the ICU and 17% are confirmed cases on ventilators. This is the largest number of people hospitalized since early May, surpassing yesterday’s count.

There are 2,204 new cases of COVID-19. This is the fifth consecutive day of new cases over 2,000.  This number is still missing lab reports from one of the larger labs.

“We mourn with all the families that have lost loved ones to COVID-19. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Unfortunately, we continue to see negative trends in the data and we urgently need to make a change in the trajectory. We must make sure we are not unnecessarily spending time outside with others and use this opportunity as a countywide reset. We need everyone’s help.  Please avoid contact with other people who are not part of your household, wear your face covering when out and about and wash your hands frequently.”

As we head into the 4th of July weekend, Public Health reminds everyone that all events and gatherings unless specifically allowed by the Health Officer Order remain prohibited. Please enjoy your weekend with your household only. If you do go out, Public Health urges everyone to avoid the Three C’s: Crowded places, Confined spaces and Close contact with others not in your household. Everyone should always wear a face covering securely over your nose and mouth and keep six feet apart from others not in your household when out in public. Businesses must continue to follow Public Health directives.

Public Health updated the gym and fitness center protocol in the Health Officer Order issued yesterday to require patrons to wear a mask and gloves at all times at fitness centers. Fitness center patrons are warned to not extend themselves to a point where they can’t breathe comfortably while wearing a face covering over both their nose and mouth at all times.

The Order requires the closure of:

• Indoor, in-person dining at restaurants
• Indoor museums, indoor children’s museums, and indoor operations at zoos and aquariums
• Cardrooms and satellite wagering facilities

Bars remain closed, however retail operations for breweries, brew pubs, and wineries may remain open.

The Health Officer Order also requires businesses with three or more known cases of COVID-19 within the workplace over the span of 14 days, to report the outbreak to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health). Employers who have one known case within the workplace must have a protocol that requires that person to self-isolate at home and anyone exposed to self-quarantine.

LA County beaches are closed from July 3 through July 6 at 5:00 a.m. to prevent crowded situations that could result in more spread of COVID-19. All public beaches, piers, public beach parking lots, beach bike paths that traverse that sanded portion of the beach, and beach access points will be temporarily closed to the public. Fireworks displays are also prohibited.

Of the 55 new deaths, 40 people who died were over the age of 65 years old, 11 people who died were between the ages of 41 and 65 years old, and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. Forty-five people had underlying health conditions including 36 people over the age of 65 years old, eight  people between the ages of 41 to 65 years old, and one person between the ages of 18 to 40 years old. One death was reported by the City of Long Beach and two deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena.

To date, Public Health has identified 107,667 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County, and a total of 3,454 deaths. Ninety-three percent of people who died had underlying health conditions and 7% did not. Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 3,209 people (99 percent of the cases reported by Public Health); 43% of deaths occurred among Latino/Latinx residents, 27% among White residents, 16% among Asian residents, 11% among African American/Black residents, less than 1% among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander residents and 1% among residents identifying with other races. Upon further investigation, 44 cases and three deaths reported earlier were not LA County residents. Testing results are available for over 1,133,000 individuals, with 9% of people testing positive.

The Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Please see additional information below: