Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Coronavirus Mortality Rate Is Looking Worse Than Influenza
The mortality rate for coronavirus now sits at 1.5% nationwide and 1% in L.A. County, higher than what we experience with annual flu cases.
That sobering update came from Dr. Barbara Ferrer, who spoke at the county's daily coronavirus task force briefing (you can watch a replay above).
Three more people in L.A. County have died from complications arising from COVID-19, all of them older than 65 and with underlying health conditions, Ferrer said. That brings total deaths in the county due to coronavirus to 13. One case of a person younger than 18 reported yesterday has been removed from the total count pending an investigation from the CDC, she said.
"The family and the friends who are mourning these losses, you're very much in our thoughts and prayers, and we are so very sorry for your loss," Ferrer said.
Here are some L.A. County case numbers she shared:
- 138 new confirmed cases (266 in the last 48 hours, a slight uptick from yesterday)
- Total new cases include 28 in Long Beach and 7 in Pasadena
- Total countywide is at least 799
- 80% are people aged 18-65
- 40% are younger people aged 18-40
1 IN 5 ARE BEING HOSPITALIZED
Sponsored message
So far 160 people who tested positive for coronavirus have ended up hospitalized. That's 20% of all positive cases, Ferrer said. Put another way, one in every five people who test positive also end up hospitalized.
Right now 44 people are still hospitalized, and the majority — 77% — are in intensive care units. Here's Ferrer again:
"I'm noting these numbers to just make sure everyone understands that the people who are hospitalized are often very sick, and they need to use intensive services in our hospitals."
Ferrer also said 60% of the patients in the ICU are older than 60. That means 40% of the most severe cases currently in the county — nearly half — are people younger than 60.
To be fair, these numbers represent what the county is seeing in this moment in time. Ferrer is not necessarily saying the hospital numbers represent a longer trend. But they are alarming enough to make anyone think twice about the seriousness of COVID-19.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
- Your No-Panic Guide To Coronavirus In LA So Far
- Tracking The Spread Of COVID-19
- Have A Question? We Will Answer It
Sponsored message
SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19
We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more.
We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletter for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Sponsored message
Support our free, independent journalism today. Donate now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
