Wednesday, May 6, the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center provided new information surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. The Director of Public Health disclosed the statistics of positive cases and death rates. Los Angeles is preparing to dive back into the economy, as some Angelenos head back to work. The health services confirmed that the hospital capacity is stable, however the next few weeks will determine how well L.A. returns to outbound working industries. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors shared community acts that are happening amid the viral pandemic. The main factors flattening the curve is testing accessibility and adhering to the social distancing guidelines.
Public officials have been working since March on recovery plans and partnered with other community leaders; to work out a coordinated system to gradually open Los Angeles. In alignment with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement of reopening some businesses, local officials are mapping out an ordinance for certain sectors and communal space to open on Friday. L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Kathryn Barger stated, “L.A. County is in conversation with our state partners and want to ensure any restrictions we ease, are in the best interest of the health of all of our residents.” The city officials are looking at Los Angeles as an individual entity, that have a custom-made remedy for the county’s resurgence into the economy.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the L.A. County Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. Ferrer shared Wednesday, May 6, there were 55 additional deaths, 41 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 27 of them with underlining health conditions. 12 people who died were between the ages of 41-65, 11 of them had preexisting health concerns. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 1,367.
Ferrer disclosed as of May 6. There were 851 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 28,644 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 789 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 482 cases in the city of Pasadena. For the 1,260 fatal cases where race and ethnicity were identified; 12% were African American, 19% were Asian, 39% were LatinX, 28% were white, and 1% were native Hawaiian or pacific islander, and 1% identified as another ethnicity. As a result of the disproportionate death rates, Ferrer mentioned that the county is working on an action plan to combat the discrepancy, the plan is posted on the Los Angeles County website.
For the first time during the Stay at Home Order took effect, a list of communal spaces and businesses were announced that are approved to be open come May 8. Trails, golf courses, florists, car dealers, and stores that sell toys, books, clothing, sporting goods, and music have been verified to open in the first round of recovery. The health order will only allow curbside pickup for retail and in store shopping is still restricted.
These local environments are all aligned with the California state plan for recovery. Supervisor Barger stated, “This list is less about what products are sold and more about the ability to maintain social distancing.” The details are still being finalized, all social distancing guidelines for these businesses will be available on the L.A. County website. When guidance from the Public Health Department are in place for more sectors, there will be a second wind of businesses opening.
