As of Monday, August 16, Public Health reported five new deaths and stated 2,426 new cases of COVID-19. There were 1,653 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with 16% of nearly 7,760,000 individuals testing positive with symptoms.
Public Health identified 1,352,791 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 24,905 deaths. Cases across the Southland: Los Angeles County shows 1,282,123 cases, Long Beach with 58,396 cases and Pasadena with 12,272 cases.
According to race and ethnicity, COVID-19 statistics show: American Indian/Alaska Native with 2,169; Asian with 61,212; Black with 58,311; Hispanic/Latino with 669,324; Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander with 4,690; White with 150,272; those of other race and ethnicity with 109,014 and 227,131 under investigation.
“Unfortunately, pregnant women are at high risk for serious health problems if they become infected with COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to reduce the risks of COVID-19 infection and complications for both you and your baby.”
According to Public Health, COVID-19 cases among pregnant women has increased from 27 cases to 81 cases in a 4-week period. From June 27 to the end of July 25, the rate among pregnant women with COVID-19 increased 300%.
As of August 10, there are 11,264 pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19. Out of those pregnant women who tested positive 77% were Latina/Latinx, 11% were White, 5% were African American/Black, and 5% were Asian. Women infected during pregnancy can pass a virus to their child although this is considered rare. Among the 10,998 births, where there was testing information, 55 infants tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 have tragically passed away.
Public Health also shared that data shows COVID-19 infection increases the risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications. Studies have concluded the vaccines’ safety in all stages of pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthened its recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination for all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.
“If you are pregnant or a new mom, we encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as you can and you can get vaccinated at any time during pregnancy,” said Ferrer. “Studies continue to show the vaccines are safe for expecting and new moms and are very effective against COVID-19 and the Delta variant.”
For more detailed information on COVID-19 vaccination plans in L.A. County and to sign up for a vaccination newsletter, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com
For more information and statistics on COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
*Los Angeles County Department of Public Health http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
*California Department of Public Health https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html Spanish https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html
*World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
*LA County residents can also call 2-1-1
