Los Angeles County reported 1,030 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 additional deaths today, bringing the county’s totals to 240,749 cases and 5,769 fatalities. Both daily numbers are lower than they’ve been for July and most of August.
The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus also continues to steadily decline, dropping from 1,116 Saturday to 1,089 Sunday — well below last month, when the number regularly topped 2,000. Of the hospitalized patients in Los Angeles County, 32% are in intensive care, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Despite the declining numbers, the department continued to warn residents not to become lax in following preventive guidelines, such as wearing face coverings and social distancing.
“It is evident we are making progress, and this is a testament to the collective efforts of so many,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. “As we evaluate how to best continue our recovery journey without experiencing the spikes we saw in July, we need to consider the magnitude of increased exposures created with each sector re- opening. Moving forward, especially in a county as large as ours, requires a thoughtful assessment of what measures are in place to protect residents and employees. Whether we are looking at how to best support school children, or hair salon operators, we have to move forward responsibly since there is no path to economic recovery without slowing the spread of COVID-19. Not respecting the seriousness of the pandemic only makes it harder to open up more of our county.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday released a revised system for tracking counties’ efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and providing guidance on possible reopening of more businesses and schools. But the county stressed that local officials had not yet fully reviewed the new state guidance, and the local health order has not been changed to allow such businesses to reopen.
“In order for our county to move through the state’s tier structure, which will allow us to reopen more businesses, we must slow the COVID-19 transmission rates we are seeing,” Ferrer said. “Currently, we are in Tier 1 with widespread community transmission and an average of about 13 new cases a day per 100,000 residents. This tier carries the most restrictions for the re- opening of many sectors. To demonstrate reduced spread of the virus and move to Tier 2, we need to reduce our transmission rate to seven new cases a day per 100,000 residents.”
“…For everyone throwing or attending parties, hanging out in crowded spaces, or insisting that the public health rules don’t apply to you or your business, your actions make it much more likely that we remain in Tier 1 for many weeks to come; this makes it harder for our children to get back to school and for many adults to get back to work.”
The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in West Hollywood has increased by three to 497. The Health Department’s COVID-19 database today reports that the number of West Hollywood residents who have died of COVID-19 related illnesses is five.
In Beverly Hills, the number of confirmed remains at 613. The number of COVID-19 related deaths in Beverly Hills remains at 11. The number of COVID-19 infection confirmed among Culver City residents remains at 370. The number of deaths remains at 29. Hollywood has five newly confirmed infections, bringing its total to date is 1,055. The number of deaths has increase by one to a total of 12. The Melrose neighborhood has 13 new confirmed infections, bringing its total to date to 1,737. The number of COVID-19 related deaths has increased by three to 67.
Public Health has a dedicated call line for confirmed cases of COVID-19. If you are positive for COVID-19 and have not yet connected with a public health specialist or need more information on services, call toll-free at 1 (833) 540-0473. Residents who do not have COVID-19 can continue to call 211 for resources or more information.
One way the virus can be transmitted is through a cough, a sneeze or even through air that comes from the mouth when someone talks. For that reason, residents must wear face coverings when out in public and can be cited for not doing so. The citations come with a $250 fine and a $50 administrative fee.
West Hollywood residents with questions about the COVID-19 pandemic or who are looking for resources to deal with it can find answers on the City of West Hollywood’s website. Here is a list of links to sections about particular subjects and issues:
