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LA County Sees 5 New Deaths From Coronavirus; Now 2,136 Confirmed Cases
This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round gold objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. SARS-CoV-2, also known as 2019-nCoV, is the virus that causes COVID-19. (NIAID-RML)
Five more people have died because of the novel coronavirus, according to Los Angeles County public health officials, who also reported 332 new cases of the disease today. That brings total confirmed cases in the county to 2,136.
In addition, the county said two of the people whose deaths were reported yesterday, including one who was 50-60 years old, did not have any reported underlying health conditions. Five of the six deaths reported yesterday were people older than 60.
Here are a few other numbers released today by the county's Department of Public Health:
- 676 new cases reported over the last 48 hours
- 453 people hospitalized so far, representing 21% of positive cases
The health department also issued temporary guidance for people who are only mildly sick:
If you are mildly sick, stay home for at least seven days and until 72 hours after being fever and symptom free. Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen. Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.
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.
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