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.
COVID-19 Deaths Top 3,800 In LA County As State Reverses Local Reopenings
Los Angeles County's coronavirus task force delivered an update on the COVID-19 pandemic. Read highlights below or watch the full video above.
Following new state guidelines announced today, L.A. County public health officials said new protocols will be issued, closing a variety of businesses and spaces that had reopened in recent weeks. That includes:
- Places of worship
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Nail salons
- Spas
- Tattoo shops
- Indoor malls
"I know this step back in our recovery journey is disheartening," County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said, "but we must do everything in our power to stop the virus from spreading — from the making of people we love sick, and from causing untimely death."
Ferrer noted that while the death rate for the coronavirus has declined, health experts are bracing for an increase in deaths as infections and hositalizations surge.
Given the available data, "everything is pointing towards an alarming trend," she said, adding:
"Our data shows us that every day, thousands of people in our communities are being infected with COVID-19 and our friends, families and neighbors are being hospitalized at a much higher rate. While our death rate has remained relatively stable, we anticipate that, unfortunately, with the rise in hospitalizations, we will soon see corresponding increases in the number of people who pass away."
Sponsored message
Los Angeles County officials reported 2,593 new confirmed cases of coronavirus today, bringing the total to at least 136,129 cases countywide.
Ferrer also reported 13 new deaths of COVID-19 patients — all of whom were over 65. The total number of deaths countywide now stands at 3,822 people.
So far, 93% of those who have died had underlying health conditions, Ferrer said.
Ferrer also provided a racial breakdown of the confirmed deaths, based on information confirmed for 3,533 of the victims. According to the latest available information:
- 46% Latino / Latina [48.6% of county residents]
- 11% African American [9% of county residents]
- 26% White [26.1% of county residents]
- 16% Asian [15.4% of county residents]
- “Slightly less than" 1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander [0.4% of county residents]
- 1% identified as belonging to another race or ethnicity
SHARP INCREASE IN WORKPLACE OUTBREAKS
Ferrer shared the county's latest data, which showed that the sharpest increase in recent outbreaks of COVID-19 are happening at workplaces and offices, including warehouses, manufacturing and retail businesses.
(Courtesy Los Angeles County)
Sponsored message
"What this tells us is clear: that business owners and operators must take their employee health needs seriously, and they must heed the public health directives," Ferrer said. "There are real consequences to not following the infection control directives that are in place. People's health and their livelihoods are at risk."
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
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
