Cases Among Healthcare Workers Decline as Vaccination Requirements are in Effect

30 New Deaths and 1,204 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers declined 60% since increasing in August.

During the week ending August 7, there were 539 new cases of COVID-19 among healthcare workers in L.A. County. During the week ending October 2, there were 205 new cases among healthcare workers reported across the county; 109 cases were reported among vaccinated healthcare workers and 96 among unvaccinated workers.

Since the pandemic began, 45,734 healthcare workers and first responders have tested positive for COVID-19. To date, 295 healthcare workers have tragically passed away from COVID-19, with most deaths occurring between July 2020 and February 2021 and skilled nursing facility staff and hospital staff accounted for most deaths. Since late-July, 20 healthcare workers have passed away from COVID-19.

Under a State and County Health Officer Order, healthcare workers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of September 30; those with an approved medical or religious exemption need to be tested once or twice weekly. The latest survey results received this week from skilled nursing facilities indicated that 92% of staff and 88% of residents are fully vaccinated. Most hospitals and healthcare providers are reporting relatively high rates of vaccination among their employees. The State will be working with the licensing divisions to assess overall compliance.

New vaccine requirements went into effect last night that apply to indoor portions of bars, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries, and distilleries affecting all patrons 12 or older and all employees. Prior to entering indoor portions of these establishments, customers and employees must show proof of vaccination along with a photo ID. At least one dose of COVID-19 is adequate for admission, and on November 4, patrons and employees will need to show proof of full vaccination prior to entering.

Also in effect are requirements for outdoor mega events, including large sport arenas and theme parks, where all attendees age 12 or older must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter. Beginning November 1, a photo ID will need to be shown for attendees 18 and older along with proof of full vaccination or a negative test result.

LA City will require proof of vaccination, starting in November, from individuals eligible to receive a COVID vaccine to enter the indoor portions of many establishments in the City of LA, including restaurants, personal care establishments, fitness venues, entertainment and recreation venues, along with large outdoor events.

Today, Public Health confirms 30 new deaths and 1,204 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 30 new deaths reported today, eight people who passed away were over the age of 80, six people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, seven people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and nine people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49. To date, Public Health identified 1,468,634 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 26,284 deaths.

There are 721 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 28% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 8,752,000 individuals with 15% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 1.1%.

“We wish healing and peace to the families and friends grieving the loss of their loved one to COVD-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “We commend all the businesses and venues complying with new vaccine verification requirements. Because unvaccinated people are five times more likely to get infected with COVID-19 and 23 times more likely to be hospitalized, creating more safety at worksites, large events, and indoor establishments is best accomplished when most people are vaccinated.”

Public Health encourages everyone unvaccinated for COVID-19 to get vaccinated now to be fully protected for the holidays. Vaccinations are widely available throughout L.A. County and are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

Vaccinated middle and high school students are eligible for free UCLA football tickets. UCLA has partnered with Public Health to give away free tickets to a UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl to middle or high school students in L.A. County who’ve received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while tickets last. Students aged 12 to 18 who’ve received at least one dose can sign up for the free tickets online by visiting: http://ph.lacounty.gov/DPHUCLAVaxforTix.

Anyone 12 and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. Appointments are not needed at many sites and all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.

Visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more. If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound.

COVID-19 Sector Protocols, Best Practices, COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, 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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