Public Health Department Urges Those with Underlining Health Concerns to Stay Home.
Monday, May 18, The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors deliver news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. Last week, public officials announced a revised Safer at Home order and L.A. opened all retail businesses for curbside pickup. The Los Angeles County Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer shared the latest statistics behind COVID-19 positive cases and death rates. More information was released regarding the gradual steps taken towards economic recovery.
The Los Angeles Director of Public Health provided latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. Dr. Ferrer shared Monday, May 18, there were 18 additional deaths, 15 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 12 of them with underlining health conditions. Three 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 1,839.
The relationship with coronavirus death rates and race and ethnicity were disclosed. For the 1,706 people who passed away and the race information was collected 12% were African American, 18% were Asian, 1% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 39% were LatinX, 29% were white, and 1% identified as a different race or ethnicity. 92% of those who died due to COVID-19 had preexisting health concerns. Ferrer stated,” Now that we’re the early stages of our recovery journey and there are more people out of their homes, it means that there could be more infected people that are out and about,” she continued, “So if you are a person with an underlining health condition, this would be the time for you to continue to stay home as much as possible.”
Ferrer disclosed as of May 18, there were 477 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 38,451 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 1,298 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 694 cases in the city of Pasadena. The statistics among the unsheltered community report 295 positive cases, 156 individuals were staying at a shelter and properly isolated. 15% 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.
Public officials reiterated the importance of wearing a mask and keeping a six-foot distance from everyone is essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19. As L.A. moves back into the world, it is critical to uphold the revised safety measures as nonessential businesses continue to open. The new safety measures cover five key areas that each facility must execute, some of these guidelines include, “Workplace policies and practices to protect employee health, Communication with employees and the public, and Measures to ensure infection control.” There are areas that must be disinfected constantly such as distribution areas, break rooms, and restrooms. As previously mentioned, there is a non-negotiable clause regarding the use of masks and upholding physical distancing guidelines. In alignment with the L.A. City Mayor, the county stressed the importance of taking high levels of precaution, even in this preliminary level of economic recovery.
