Los Angeles County leadership shared updated news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreaks. The city took monumental strides towards recovery this month, the largest testing site in America at the Dodger Stadium came online and all non-essential retail stores are available to allow guests indoors. Los Angeles Board of Supervisors delivered their strategies to gradually integrate physical distancing guidelines within the workforce; the Los Angeles Public Health Department administered policies that highlight social distancing in all sectors of businesses. The Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer disclosed the latest data behind the spread of coronavirus. Although the rules seem to have relaxed, the death rate has not fallen below double-digit rates.
Today hair salons and barbershops can start opening for in-person appointments, and restaurants can offer dine-in services. The state approved a request from the county; a variance for Los Angeles to move forward in reopening non-essential businesses with critical public health orders in place. This will allow pillars of the economy to contribute into rebuilding the fiscal infrastructure. The decision was based on the the county’s ability to uphold the basic requirements of hospital stability, testing capacity, and integrated social distancing health orders specific to each sector. Los Angeles is ranked to be in the advance stages of phase two, based off the states Resiliency Roadmap.
Dr. Ferrer provided the latest numbers surrounding coronavirus. As of Friday, May 29, there were 50 additional deaths, 33 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 30 of them with underlining health conditions. 13 people who died were between the ages of 41-65, seven of these victims had preexisting health concerns. four people were under the age of 41, three victims had underlining health conditions. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 2,290. 14% of all positive cases were hospitalized at some point. Fatal cases within congregational settings such as assistant living represent 52% of overall COVID-19 deaths. 93% of those who died due to COVID-19 had preexisting health concerns.
Ferrer disclosed as of May 29, there were 1,824 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 51,562 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 1,741 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 911 cases in the city of Pasadena. The statistics among the unsheltered community report 393 positive cases, 191 individuals were staying at a shelter and properly isolated.
The relationship between COVID-19 effects and ethnicity were provided. The racial background was collected for 2,112 fatal cases, 12% were African American, 17% were Asian, 1% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 40% were LatinX, 29% were white, and 1% identified as a different race or ethnicity.
“This is an important milestone for Los Angeles County as we transition to being Safer at Work and Safer in our Communities and move forward in our path of reopening and recovery,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “I am grateful to our state and local leaders for their partnership and collaboration in supporting the residents and businesses of Los Angeles County.” Los Angeles continues to grow ambitious and the county is in pursuit for a level of normalcy and balance.
