Public Health Remembers Past Hardships to Encourage L.A. County to Continue Its Vigilance and Implement Safety Precautions

Today, Public Health has confirmed 29 new deaths and 1,869 new cases of confirmed COVID-19. The lower number of deaths and cases may reflect reporting delays over the weekend and today’s holiday. To date, Public Health has identified 1,168,358 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 19,095 deaths.

Today’s daily test positivity rate is 5.2%, down 64 percent in one month (positivity rate was 14.3% on January 15). There are 3,092 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, and 30% of these people are in the ICU. The countywide unadjusted adult ICU bed occupancy is 86%, and countywide non-surge inpatient bed occupancy is 76%. Since January 15, hospitalizations are down 60%.

While key COVID-19 indicators are declining, the virus is still very much present and circulating widely in Los Angeles County. Public Health urges residents to remain cautious and implement safety precautions in their everyday life. More than six weeks after the holidays, the County continues experiencing the deadly toll of the winter holiday surge; today’s 7-day average of deaths is 139.

In the past, holidays have been super spreader events as people gather together to celebrate. Public Health urges everyone to celebrate all holidays and special occasions safely with just your household and to connect virtually with friends and family that you don’t live with. Being around people who don’t live with you puts you and them at a greater risk for COVID-19 because people can be infected with this virus and not yet know it.

“For all of those in our County who have lost a loved one to COVID-19, we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “On this Presidents’ Day, we remember the many hardships our country has overcome together; we are in the midst of one of these tremendous challenges. Through collaborative work and individual actions, we continue our recovery journey and end the devastating impact of COVID-19. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take the necessary safety precautions: stay home whenever possible, wear a mask and stay a safe distance from others when you must leave your home. This upcoming week, there will be more sites across the county offering first and second dose vaccination appointments for residents 65 and older and healthcare workers. Please check VaccinateLACounty.com for updated information about appointment availability and remember to wait your turn.”

Of the 29 new deaths reported today, 10 people that passed away were over the age of 80, nine people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, and eight people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64. Two deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena.

Testing results are available for more than 5,701,000 individuals with 19% 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.

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