Director of Public Health Emphasize the Shared Responsibility with Los Angeles Community
Monday, May 4, Los Angeles County Officials provided latest updates surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. L.A. is preparing for the resurgence of the economy; according to the public health services, there will be spikes in the spread of coronavirus while Angelenos adjust going back to work. There is a prediction of COVID-19 coming in waves, with the potential of another call to go back inside. The Los Angeles County Director of Public Health, Barbara Ferrer, disclosed latest numbers in positive cases in L.A. County. Ferrer shared the recent data behind the death rate and the demographics of the most vulnerable communities.
There are multiple resources for business owners, employees, and all working-class families. L.A. County has provided information that includes grants, programs, and services that look to assist those who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. There has been over $500,000 awarded to 59 local businesses that were impacted by coronavirus.
Dr. Ferrer, shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. Ferrer shared that as of Monday, May 4, there were 28 additional deaths, 22 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 18 of them with underlining health conditions. 4 people who died were between the ages of 41-65 with preexisting health concerns. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 1,256
Ferrer disclosed as of May 4, there were 568 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 26,217 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 760 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 439 cases in the city of Pasadena. For the 1,148 fatal cases where race and ethnicity were identified; 13% were African American, 19% were Asian, 38% were LatinX, 29% were white, and 1% were identified as another ethnicity. There are tests calculating fatal case numbers by demographic, including where each victim fell on the poverty line. Within the unsheltered community, the director of public health confirmed 196 positive cases. There were 111 people who were sheltered and properly isolated.
Over 172,000 people have been tested for COVID-19, 13% of the results came back positive. This week will highlight plans for recovery for L.A. County. There is anticipation around more businesses opening and more people being able to gain stability during this time. The spread of the virus has not changed, the virus remains deadly and it is still easily transmittable among people who are in close contact with each other. Barbara Ferrer stated, “ I do want to emphasize, that we all share the responsibility to re-open in a way that is safe and doesn’t cause a spike in COVID-19 cases,” She continued, “That can result in overwhelming our healthcare system and having more deaths than what we want to see.” It is crucial to have this precaution when re-opening the city, the safety of every life is a shared role between the leaders of the city and the general community.
