The Los Angeles County Officials disclosed recent news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. L.A. has remained at ‘Level Orange’ in relation to COVID-19 severity for the past few weeks; Los Angeles Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer shared the latest statistics that track the movement of coronavirus. The county announced an approved that responds to the medically underserved areas in Los Angeles.
There has been a climbing increase in positive cases among people who are under the age of 50. Younger individuals are contracting the virus in an increasing rate. The most common space for spread is through gatherings and extended outdoor leisure. The county stressed to avoid populated areas and to remain indoors as much as possible.
Current statistics for coronavirus were revealed on Wednesday, August 5, there were 68 additional deaths. 23 of these individuals were over the age of 80, 17 of them with underlining health conditions. 24 people who died were between the ages of 65-79, 20 victims had preexisting health concerns. 17 individuals were between the ages of 50-64, 13 of them had underlining health conditions. Three people who passed were between the ages of 30-49, with 2 of them having previous medical conditions. Three victims were between the ages of 18-29, with two of them having preexisting health issues. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in L.A. County to 4,825.
The relationship between COVID-19 infection and ethnicity was also updated. The racial background collected from 4,520 fatal cases showed 11% were African American, 15% were Asian, slightly less than 1% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 49% were LatinX, 25% were White, and 1% identified as a different race or ethnicity. 92% of those who died due to COVID-19 had preexisting health concerns.
Ferrer disclosed on Wednesday, there were 2,347 new COVID-19 reports, it may be an undercount due to a state delay in tests. In summary, there is a total amount of 197,912 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 8,362 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 2,023 cases in the city of Pasadena. Amid the unsheltered, there were 1,178 positive cases.
Current hospitalization numbers reflect a decrease in admission, Supervisor Hilda Solis explained that adjustment is sign that are efforts are working. She stressed that we should continue this path to eventually see significant recovery. COVID-19 highlighted areas that are in dire need of health care investments in those communities, Solis acknowledge that those are in high risk generally live in an area where they are medically underserved.
Solis introduced a motion that passed on Tuesday; the Department of Health Services will lease medical space to respond to health issues in south east Los Angeles. At this new health center there will be primary care providers, nurses, case managers, case navigators, and other caring personnel to provide health services during COVID-19 and after the pandemic. Solis stated, “Equitable healthcare access means getting treatment and care in one’s community, I look forward to opening this exciting clinic with the hardworking staff of the Department of Health.”
