Los Angeles County reported 1,236 new cases of COVID-19 and 18 additional deaths Saturday, bringing the county’s totals to 266,988 cases and 6,504 fatalities.
Officials said the county has not experienced a significant surge in cases associated with the Labor Day holiday. The average number of cases for the week ending Friday was 1,074, while the average for the week ending Sept. 5 was 1,176, according to the Los Angeles County Health Department.
However, the department said the numbers continue to indicate that there is still wide-spread community transmission of COVID-19, with younger people driving new infections. Nearly 70% of the cases reported Saturday occurred among people under the age of 50 years old.
“As we enter the fall, I am hopeful that we can remain collectively committed to making progress by reducing the transmission of the virus. I do not think it is inevitable that we see a huge surge again this fall,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said.
“Rather, I am convinced by our recent data and the actions taken by many, that we can do what is essential to slow the spread. I know it won’t be easy and it will require continued sacrifices and hardships. We cannot yet re-open every sector; we cannot yet host and attend gatherings and events; we cannot yet stop protecting those who are most vulnerable. I do believe, however, that we can continue a thoughtful and measured recovery that prioritizes making it as safe as possible for children to get back to school and adults back to work.”
The number of people hospitalized in the county due to the coronavirus declined from 760 on Friday to 715, with 29% of those patients in intensive care.
Local nail salons have been awaiting word from the county on whether they can resume indoor operations. The state has cleared the business to reopen, but the county has kept them closed, pending word on a possible post- Labor Day increase that health officials fear might be exacerbated by further re-openings.
A surge in cases could also threaten the county’s ability to move out of the most restrictive tier of the state’s coronavirus economic-reopening roadmap. What had been declining case numbers put the county on the verge of moving from the restrictive “purple” tier to the less-onerous “red” tier, which would allow more businesses to reopen, including movie theaters.
But one of the metrics used by the state to rate counties’ efforts to slow the spread of the virus is the number of new daily cases per 100,000 residents — a figure now rising in L.A. County.
As of today, Friday of confirmed infections in West Hollywood has increased by four to a total of 561. The number of people in West Hollywood who have died of COVID-19 related illnesses as of today is five.
In Beverly Hills, the number of confirmed infections has increased by seven to 688. The number of COVID-19 related deaths in Beverly Hills as of today was 12. The number of COVID-19 infection confirmed among Culver City residents as of today, a reduction of one from yesterday’s count. Such reductions sometimes occur when it is determined that an infected person’s address was incorrect. The number of deaths as of today remains at 29. The Health Department reports nine newly confirmed infections in Hollywood, bringing its total to 1,199. The number of deaths remains at14. The Melrose neighborhoods latest count is up by 12 to 1,916. The number of COVID-19 related deaths remains at 70.
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:
Taken with a grain of salt.