26 New Deaths and 326 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 26 new deaths and 326 new cases of COVID-19.  Of the 26 new deaths reported today, 11 people that passed away were over the age of 80, 12 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, two people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and one death is under investigation. To date, Public Health identified 1,232,079 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 23,801 deaths.

There are 411 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 25% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 6,454,000 individuals with 18% of people testing positive.

Earlier today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance that allows fully vaccinated individuals to not wear masks for limited outdoor activities. Public Health is reviewing these recommendations and will be updating the Health Officer Order shortly.

Today, the state released updated blueprint tier numbers; L.A. County’s adjusted case rate dropped from 2.7 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.9 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1.2% to 0.9%, and in areas with the fewest health affirming resources, L.A. County’s test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.0%.

Los Angeles County has begun to meet the qualifications for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework. If the County maintains current levels or declines in the case rate and test positivity rate for an additional week, it is possible in early May for the County to move to the yellow tier. Public Health will be working with the Board of Supervisors and sector partners to prepare for the County’s possible move to the yellow tier as early as May 5.

In the yellow tier, capacity limits at various businesses and events can increase, always adhering to safety modifications that minimize transmission of COVID-19. Bars would be allowed to resume indoor service at 25% capacity.

“We send our deepest sympathies to the families and friends grieving a loved one lost to COVID-19 ” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “While moving forward in our recovery journey is a positive step, maintaining this progress requires both businesses and individuals to be vigilant in doing their part to reduce transmission of COVID-19. Moving into the yellow tier in Los Angeles County, which has a population of more than 10 million people, can bring increased risks to residents, especially those who have not yet been vaccinated.  This is the time for those 16 and older to get vaccinated so that as we once again go back to enjoying with our families and friends the many activities we love, we do so without fear.”

Public Health is offering walk-in registration spots at county-run mass vaccination sites through Thursday, April 29 while supply lasts. Anyone 16 and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. You should bring a photo ID with you and teens 16 and 17 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com  (Spanish) to learn how to make an appointment at vaccination sites, what verifications people will need to show at your vaccination appointment, and much more. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Today, Tuesday, April 27, at 6:00 p.m., Public Health will host a Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines. Join the town hall to learn more and hear updates. The town hall will be streamed live on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube @lapublichealth. For more information and to submit a question, visit: tinyurl.com/DPHVaccineTownHall

County Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, 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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