Monday, April 6. L.A. County officials provided an update surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chairwoman of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, Kathryn Barger ensured that the county is “working around the clock” to increase coronavirus testing capacity; they are looking to make more testing sites available. Although testing is still primarily for those in high-risk categories; Supervisor Barger recapped last week’s progression. There are two new testing sites in Antelope Valley and one at the Glendale Memorial Hospital. As of April 6. The California Governor announced the state has already secured “up to 4,613 additional beds at alternate care sites and shuttered hospitals to care for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients, with even more capacity being finalized.”
Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. As of Sunday, April 5. Over 32,300 people have been tested for COVID-19, approximately 14% contracted the virus. Ferrer shared on April 6. there were 15 additional deaths, 12 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 7 of them had underlining health conditions. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 147. Barbara disclosed as of April 6. There are 420 new COVID-19 reports. In summary there is a total amount of 6,360 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region.
In the last 48 hours, there has been 1,083 COVID-19 reports. These numbers are reflective of 213 incidents in Long Beach and 58 reports coming from Pasadena. Of these new cases, 12 additional individuals who have tested positive were unsheltered. Approximately 21% of those infected with COVID-19 are hospitalized at some point. Updated statistics is reflecting 2.3% of carriers of the coronavirus have died, which is higher than the general mortality rate for influenza related deaths in the United States.
Christina Ghaly, Director of L.A. Health Services shared the latest hospital capacity within L.A. County. The Los Angeles Public Health Services presented an overview of the availability in hospital beds and projected hospital surge capacity. The county has approximately 1,616 acute care beds, this includes 318 ICU beds. Personal preventive equipment is being distributed from state and national stockpiles. All public and private hospitals are preparing their surge operations. The California State Governor has requested that all hospitals accommodate above their licensed bed capacity; approximately 43% above normal in preparation for the surge.
California anticipated the rapid increase in positive coronavirus cases. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the progression in expanding hospital capacity. The state aims to have an additional 50,000 vacant hospital beds added to the existing capacity of 75,000 medical beds available. Governor Newsom stated, “California has been working closely with hospitals to aggressively expand our state’s ability to treat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients,” There is quarantine site looking to go online in Los Angeles, it will only be available for inter-facility transfers, similar to the U.S. “ Mercy” ship accessibility. It is highly recommended to stay at home this week, as we inch our way to the start of the surge increased numbers of positive coronavirus cases.
