Public Health Highlights Importance of Following Safety Protocols

29 New Deaths and 527 New Positive Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 29 new deaths and 527 new cases of COVID-19. To date, Public Health identified 1,228,564 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 23,626 deaths.

There are 498 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 23% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 6,292,000 individuals with 18% of people testing positive.  Today’s daily test positivity rate is 0.9% and is the lowest the rate has been since the beginning of the pandemic.

Of the 29 new deaths reported today, eight people that passed away were over the age of 80, 11 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, eight people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, one person who died was between the ages of 30 and 49, and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 29.

“For everyone grieving a loved one who passed away from COVID-19, we wish you healing and peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “As the weather gets warmer and we go out to enjoy all what our beautiful county has to offer, let’s keep up with the straight-forward safety measures that have reduced transmission. Increased contact between people from different households creates more opportunities for transmission of COVID-19. When we get vaccinated, wear face coverings, keep our distance, and implement safeguards at workplaces, our actions minimize transmission and prevent severe health outcomes.”

There remains significant potential for transmission of COVID-19 at worksites. Businesses must adhere to workplace protocols that require infection control, occupancy limits, distancing, masking, and appropriate PPE that protect employees, customers and residents from COVID-19 as much as possible. Businesses must ensure there are no crowded spaces or places, report outbreaks of three or more cases, and allow employees to stay home if they’re feeling sick.  Businesses must complete and implement their safety protocols, post them or a copy of their Los Angeles County COVID-19 Compliance Program certificate, and maximize opportunities for customers or visitors to make use of services that minimize contact, such as contactless payment systems, curbside pick-up, and online purchases.  Public Health inspectors are out and will provide any clarity or technical assistance should businesses need it.

Non-compliance and dangerous conditions at businesses and worksites 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. Public Health investigates complaints and may issue citations for violations, and repeat violations may result in business closure.

Public Health encourages L.A. County businesses to participate in the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program. The program offers 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 the protocols in compliance with infection control and physical distancing requirements. To date, nearly 24,000 employees and employers have completed the training.

Everyone living or working in L.A. County 16 and older is eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. To learn how to make an appointment, what verifications people will need to show at the vaccination appointment, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish). Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

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

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