As COVID-19 Hospitalizations Continue to Decrease, Public Health Warns Against Another Surge

239 New Deaths and 5,028 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in

Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 239 new deaths and 5,028 new cases of COVID-19.  To date, Public Health identified 1,134,338 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 17,539 deaths. There are 4,990 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 27% of these people are in the ICU.

A month after the winter holidays, the County continues experiencing the deadly toll of the holiday surge, reporting daily deaths over 200 people.

Of the 239 new deaths reported today, 78 people who passed away were over the age of 80, 82 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 49 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, 12 people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49, and two people who died were between the ages of 18 and 29.  Fifteen deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach and one death was reported by the City of Pasadena.

There are currently 1,351 ongoing outbreak investigations, of theses, 23% are related to outbreaks at worksites. Business owners and business operators must take the necessary steps that protect workers and customers and adhere to infection control and distancing directives. In addition to following infection control directives, businesses need to immediately alert Public Health when there are three or more cases at a worksite. Directives and checklists for all businesses to follow are available online.

Public Health discourages residents from visiting or patronize businesses not following the rules because it increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Non-compliance and dangerous conditions at businesses can be reported to Public Health by phone at 888-700-9995 or online at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov. These tips can be submitted anonymously.

Businesses should take advantage of the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program. The program provides business owners and employees the opportunity to take a free online training about COVID-19 infection control protocols and allows businesses to self-certify that they are fully implementing protocols in compliance with infection control and physical distancing requirements. To date, a total of 21,016 employees and employers have completed the training.

“Our thoughts are with all of the people across our communities who are grieving a loved one who has passed away from COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “The number of people passing away daily is devasting beyond words.  COVID-19 transmission can just as easily occur at house parties, as at businesses not following the straight-forward safety measures. Do not attend or host a Super Bowl party this weekend. Restaurant, winery and brewery establishments must do their part, as required, keeping TVs off and following the requirements in the LA County Health Officer Order. We all must work together to defend against another surge.”

Testing results are available for nearly 5,560,000 individuals with 19% of people testing positive.

For information about vaccines in L.A. County, when your turn is coming up and to sign up for a vaccination newsletter, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com. Vaccine remains very limited.  Eligible residents with internet access and a computer are urged to use the website to sign up for vaccine as appointments become available. 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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