Wednesday, April 15. L.A. Board of Supervisors welcomed county departments of Health and Business and Consumers to provide the latest news affecting their offices, amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. The conference covered concerns about rent stabilization, financial economy, and the environmental health as we prepare for spikes in positive coronavirus cases. There have been discussions about plans to re-open local businesses, but alongside California State Governor Newsom, L.A. Mayor Garcetti are very strategic on the process of re-opening local businesses. If this is not handled properly, the city could be facing multiple spikes in contracted COVID-19 cases, in addition to a higher fatality rate. Governor Gavin Newsom created a California goal list before the Stay at Home Order be totally lifted.
Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. Ferrer shared Wednesday, April 15. there were 42 additional deaths, 24 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 13 of them with underlining health conditions. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 402. The ethnicity relationship with coronavirus related deaths was also identified; 15% were African American, 17% were Asian, 34% were Latin, 31% were white, and 2% identified who passed away, were from a different ethnicity. Barbara disclosed as of April 15. There are 472 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 10,496 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region.
In the last 48 hours, there have been 1,142 new positive coronavirus cases. These numbers reflect 363 positive cases in Long Beach and 179 COVID-19 reports coming from Pasadena. Of these new cases, 28 individuals tested positive are unsheltered. Approximately 26% of those infected with COVID-19 are hospitalized at some point. Data is reflecting 3.8% of carriers of the coronavirus have died, which is higher than the general mortality rate for influenza related deaths in the United States.
On Tuesday April 14. The L.A. Board of Supervisors passed a motion to expand the tenant’s protection program across the Los Angeles County. The Eviction Moratorium helps renters who have been economically impacted by the Coronavirus. This will ensure the health and safety of thousands of people across the county that are facing a reality of not knowing how or when they will be able to afford rent. The update on the protection include county expansion, extension of the payment period, rent “increase freeze” for residential units, prohibition of eviction, and the allowance of self-certification for residents not able to pay rent.
The California State Governor announced on Tuesday, April 14. There are guidelines that must be met before California lifts it’s Stay at Home Order. With no confirmed timeline to go back to the “new normal,” Gov. Newsom did report that the golden state will remain under quarantine for the next two weeks. Within the Governor’s guideline, there are six factors that must be executed before California will be fully operational. Some goals that are listed include: “Expanding the state’s testing capacity, as well as the ability to appropriately track, trace and isolate individuals who test positive for, or are exposed to, COVID-19.” in addition to, “Enacting guidelines on what physical distancing would look like within businesses, schools, and public and private facilities. That could mean re-drawing floor plans so people can practice safe social distancing outside the home.” Elected officials are getting closer to finding the best practice to construct a new normal for the golden state.
