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LA County Opens Beach Bike Paths, Curbside Retail For Indoor Malls And Gives O.K. For Graduation Car Parades
In today's L.A. County coronavirus task force briefing, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said three changes to the stay-at-home order will take effect this Memorial Day Weekend:
- Beach bike paths will now be open, added to the list of activities that qualify as "active use."
- Indoor malls, and retail stores located inside them, can now open for curbside service. Retailers will be allowed to take orders remotely and deliver goods to the public, outside of the mall at marked locations.
- High schools will be allowed to organize "vehicle parades" as a way to celebrate graduation, without holding a traditional ceremony. Cars will of course have to be mindful of traffic laws and physical distancing requirements.
Barger elaborated on the decision to allow graduation car parades:
"After enduring all that's happened this year, these students deserve an opportunity to celebrate everything that they have accomplished. I am pleased to report that Los Angeles County has now issued guidance to enable vehicle parades and the chance for seniors across the region to be recognized for their hard work. School districts are able to host their own innovative commemorative ceremonies, if they present a plan that allows for safe distancing."
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In addition, Barger announced a change to the county's press briefing schedule – instead of hosting daily briefings, the county will report updates three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Updates from L.A. County Director of Public Health, Barbara Ferrer:
L.A. County officials reported 1,072 new confirmed cases of coronavirus today, bringing the total to at least 43,052 cases countywide. In total, 1,495 cases have been reported in Long Beach and 790 in Pasadena (those two cities operate their own health departments).
Ferrer also reported 35 new deaths of COVID-19 patients. The total number of deaths countywide now stands at 2,049 people.
Of the 35 people who’ve died in the past 24 hours, 25 were over 65, Ferrer said. Five victims were between 41 and 65 and three of them had underlying health conditions. So far, 93% of those who have died had underlying health conditions, Ferrer said.
The death toll at institutional facilities in L.A. County — particularly at nursing homes — continues to climb. Ferrer reported that 1,081 residents at those facilities have died.
Ferrer also provided a racial breakdown of the confirmed deaths, based on information confirmed for 1,898 of the victims. According to the latest available information:
12% African American [9% of county residents]
17% Asian [15.4% of county residents]
39% Latino / Latina [48.6% of county residents]
29% White [26.1% of county residents]
1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander [0.4% of county residents]
1% identified as belonging to a different race or ethnicityHere are some other key figures being reported today:
- The county is reporting 326 confirmed cases among people experiencing homelessness.
- More than 412,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 and had their results reported to L.A. County health officials. Of those tests, 9% have been positive.
- There are currently 1,506 people hospitalized with COVID-19. Of those individuals, 26% are in the ICU, with 19% on ventilators. Ferrer noted officials continue to see “slight decreases in the number of people that are hospitalized.”
- The county health department is currently investigating 425 institutional facilities where there's at least one confirmed case of COVID-19. Those sites include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelters, treatment centers, supportive living, and correctional facilities. Ferrer said there are 10,886 confirmed cases in those facilities —7,046 residents and 3,840 staff members.
- There have now been 693 confirmed cases “at some point in time” in county jail facilities, Ferrer reported. In total, 540 inmates and 153 staff members have tested positive.
- There are 176 confirmed cases in the state prison system — 127 inmates and 40 staff.
- In federal prisons, 688 inmates and 14 staff members have tested positive.
- At juvenile detention facilities, eight youth and 13 staff members have tested positive.
Ferrer finished today's briefing by reminding county residents that gatherings and events of any kind are still not permitted:
"We have seen recent gatherings and parties that have resulted in a number of newly infected people," Ferrer said, "and we'd like to avoid that, as we all get out and about to enjoy all of the beauty that L.A. County has to offer."
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