Los Angeles County reported 494 new cases of COVID- 19 and 25 more deaths Monday, bringing the county’s totals to 248,821 cases and 6,030 fatalities.
Officials with the county’s Department of Public Health said the relatively low number of new cases reflected both a delay in test and death reports usually seen on weekends and the closure of testing sites over the Labor Day holiday.
The number of people hospitalized in the county continued its steady decline, dropping from 966 Sunday to 943. County officials noted that figure is at least a 50% drop from early August totals that topped 2,000.
Testing results were available for 2,380,000 individuals with 10% of all people testing positive.
“To the families mourning their loved one lost to COVID-19, we wish you healing and peace as we keep you close to our hearts during the days ahead,” County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. “Today, as we celebrate the labor movement and the social and economic achievements of American workers, let’s honor our workers with deliberate actions that protect them from COVID-19. We honor our workers and the meaning of Labor Day by being caring customers, responsible business owners and operators, and organized workers. Responsible business owners and operators fully implement infection control and distancing directives for your business. Caring customers wear face coverings and keep distance from all others.
“Organized workers practice infection control protocols and report violations immediately to Public Health at (888) 700-9995; complaints and concerns can be reported anonymously. Together we protect our workers, slow COVID-19 spread, and save lives,” she continued.
Health officials continue to track the number of positive cases and deaths among health care workers. On Sunday, they announced a total of 87 deaths and 14,448 positive cases among health care workers and first responders in Los Angeles County.
Nurses account for the majority of cases (37%) and deaths (41%) within the sector. One-third of health care workers who tested positive for the virus worked at skilled nursing and assisted living facilities and 26% worked at hospitals.
County officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of the coronavirus setbacks experienced following the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays, which led to dramatic spikes in virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. All three of those metrics have been trending downward in recent weeks in the county, and health officials have been making pleas for the past two weeks that residents avoid Labor Day parties or gatherings with people outside their own households.
The number of confirmed infections in West Hollywood has increased by three and now totals 512. The number of people in West Hollywood who have died of COVID-19 related illnesses remains at five.
In Beverly Hills, the number of confirmed has increased by one to 625. 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 374. The number of deaths remains at 29. Hollywood has four newly confirmed infections, bringing its total to date is 1,102. The number of deaths remains at 13. The Melrose neighborhood has nine new confirmed infections, bringing its total to date to 1,793. The number of COVID-19 related deaths remains at 69.
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:
