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LA Drops To Low COVID Tier As The Number Of Daily Deaths Rises
An example of a COVID test handed out at Daniel Webster Middle School in Mar Vista.
(
Suzanne Levy
/
LAist
)
Topline:
An average five Angelenos are dying from COVID each day, even as the number of people hospitalized due to respiratory viruses has dropped slightly in Los Angeles County.
How many people are in the hospital? COVID-19 sent on average 768 people a day to hospitals in L.A. County last week. That’s a slight dip from the week before, enough to drop L.A. County back into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s low level after two weeks at medium. Influenza accounts for 345 hospitalizations a day.
Have cases peaked? It’s too early to tell. Traces of the coronavirus in wastewater are up to 66% of last winter’s peak, significantly higher than the 37% at the end of December. The Public Health Department said masks will stay on at health facilities for the time being.
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COVID deaths are up: Right now, on average, five Angelenos are dying from COVID per day, up from three per day the week before. Experts expect the increase because COVID infections began surging in late November, sending thousands to the hospital. Only about one in five people have received the latest COVID shot.
The flu has killed one child since October in L.A. County, as well as 39 adults.
Is it too late to get the flu or COVID shot? No, doctors are still recommending both. “You can tell when you walk in the door whether someone has had a flu vaccine or not,” said Orange County pediatrician Eric Ball. “Most parents are actually surprised how sick kids get with the flu. It's not just a cold. Most have fevers for upwards of a week, and unfortunately some get hospitalized and some die.”
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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