The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections continues to increase at a high rate, which likely is influenced in part by technical issues that have resulted in a backlog of tests results not yet transmitted to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. However, Barbara Ferrer, director of the Health Department, said today that she is somewhat encouraged by a reduction in the number of people hospitalized each day because of the virus.
“The lower number of daily hospitalizations we are seeing is an indicator that we are making some progress,” Ferrer said. “However, we need to see lower rates and our future success depends on commitments we each make every day about doing our part, working together and sustaining efforts that get us to the other side of this pandemic. Our collective goals of slowing the spread of this virus and reopening and keeping open vital community and economic sectors means we must put off the parties, gatherings, and trips to crowded places in order to get to low community transmission rates so we can re-open our schools and get more people back to work.”
The Health Department today reported 3,116 newly confirmed infections in Los Angeles County, bringing the total to 204,167 so far. It reported 54 new deaths, bringing that total to 4,918.
There are 1,680 people infected with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, with 30% of these people are confirmed cases in intensive care units. However, last week the Health Department reported more than 2,000 daily hospitalizations.
There is one newly confirmed infection in West Hollywood as of today, bringing the total to date to 447. The number of WeHo residents who have died of COVID-19 related illnesses remains at five. In Beverly Hills, the number of confirmed infections is 549, an increase of two from yesterday’s count. The number of COVID-19 related deaths in Beverly Hills remains at 10. In Culver City the number of infections is now 336, an increase of five from yesterday’s count. The number of deaths remains at 29.
Hollywood has 11 newly confirmed infections, bringing its total to date is 921. The number of deaths remains at nine. The Melrose neighborhood has 20 newly confirmed infections, bringing its total to 1,525. The number of deaths remains at 55.
In its announcement today, the Health Department said it continues to respond to a high volume of complaints about violations of health orders related to the COVID-19 virus. Since March, the Health Department has received 20,129 omplaints and investigated more than 19,000 restaurants, more than 4,300 grocery stores, and more than 3,600 other businesses.
Twenty-seven restaurants and 76 other businesses, which include seven gyms, were shut down for violations. Most of the businesses under investigation either came into compliance or were working to come into compliance and that’s why they were not closed.
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.
As noted before, 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:
