Los Angeles County Surpasses 17,000 COVID-19 Deaths; Public Health Continues to See Decline in New Cases

205 New Deaths and 3,763 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) tragically reports more than 17,000 total COVID-19 deaths today.  To date, Public Health identified 1,124,558 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 17,057 deaths. The County has experienced more than 7,000 new COVID-19 deaths in a little over a month, when on December 30, Public Health reported 10,000 COVID-19 deaths.  By comparison, deaths between February and October totaled 7,000.

Today, Public Health confirmed 205 new deaths and 3,763 new cases of COVID-19.  The County continues to make progress in reducing the number of daily new cases and slowing transmission.  However, the number of new cases remains substantially higher than the number of cases we saw in September, which were less than 1,000 new cases a day.

Of the 205 new deaths reported today, 58 people who passed away were over the age of 80, 75 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 49 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, 19 people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49, and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 29.  Three deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena.

Testing results are available for nearly 5,530,000 individuals with 19% of people testing positive. Today’s daily test positivity rate is 10.0%.

There are 5,259 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 27% of these people are in the ICU.   The 3-day average for daily hospitalizations is 5,328.

With additional sectors open, Public Health inspectors are going out to make sure businesses are in compliance with the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order.  During the compliance reviews, inspectors review Public Health protocols with business owners, identify deficiencies, and issue citations for businesses out of compliance. During Public Health’s recent business compliance checks, inspectors noted the many newly re-opened restaurants were not in compliance with employee face-covering and shelter structure requirements.  In order to remain open, all businesses are required to adhere fully with their sector specific protocols. From January 24 through January 27, a total of 48 citations were issued to businesses including restaurants, gyms, personal care salons, hair salons/barbershops, and shopping malls for noncompliance with Health Officer Orders. Since the end of August, a total of 844 citations have been issued.

The success of the County’s recovery depends on businesses following the rules. Businesses that are not adhering to safety protocols to protect workers and customers increase the risk for COVID-19 spread. A list of non-compliant businesses that received citations can be found online.

“I send my deepest condolences to the many people across our County grieving a family member or friend who has passed away from COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “COVID-19 is responsible for more than 17,000 people passing away and thousands more becoming seriously ill in Los Angeles County. More than 72% of all our COVID-19 deaths occurred in people 65 years old or older. Given the high mortality rates among older individuals, please do not make appointments for vaccinations if it is not your turn. Help us make sure that our most vulnerable elderly residents are prioritized for the limited available vaccine.”

Public Health reminds everyone to talk to a healthcare provider and get a test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms of COVID-19. If you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, isolate immediately from your family and others. Residents 65 years old and older and residents that have a health problem such as a chronic disease or a weak immune system, it is particularly important to let your doctor know that you have these new symptoms. If you need help finding a doctor, call the Los Angeles County Information line 2-1-1, which is available 24/7. If you are having severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, inability to wake or stay awake and/or bluish lips or face, go to an emergency room or call 911.

Public Health’s www.VaccinateLACounty.com connects residents eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations to appointment registration links and much more.  Vaccines remain very limited.  As appointments become available, residents with internet access and a computer are urged to use the website to sign up.  For those without access to a computer or the internet or with disabilities, a call center is open to help schedule appointments at 833-540-0473, daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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.

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