LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

September 18, 2020

Public Health Reports 22 New Deaths and 1,281 New Positive Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 22 new deaths and 1,281 new cases of confirmed COVID-19. To date, Public Health has identified 258,516 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 6,330 deaths.

A significant number of deaths have occurred in people without a reported underlying health condition. Out of the total deaths reported by Public Health, nearly 480 deaths have occurred among people without known underlying health conditions.

Because COVID-19 can be deadly to anyone and is widespread in L.A. County, the guidance continues to be for everyone to avoid being exposed to the virus. Limit going out in public to what is essential, distance six feet away from others when out in public, wear a face covering, and wash hands frequently. It is important to isolate if you are sick and get tested if you have symptoms or think you were exposed to someone with COVID-19. This is the best way to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.

Ninety-two percent of the people who died from COVID-19 had underlying health conditions. This number has stayed consistent throughout the pandemic.

“To the families that are grieving the loss of a loved one to COVID-19, our hearts go out to you every day,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “I appreciate the diligent efforts everyone is making to slow the spread of COVID-19 and am grateful that daily hospitalizations and deaths have continued to decline. This decline didn't happen by chance - this happened because individuals and businesses are doing their part to take those actions that reduce transmission. As we move into another weekend, we can't let our guard down."

There are 739 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and 31% of these people are in the ICU. This number has continued to trend lower since mid-August.

Of the 22 new deaths reported today, eight people that passed away were over the age of 80 years old, five people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79 years old, eight people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64 years old, and one person who died was between the ages of 30 and 49 years old. Nineteen people who died had underlying health conditions including seven people over the age of 80, four people between the ages of 65 and 79 years old, and eight people between the ages of 50 and 64 years old.

Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 5,955 people (99 percent of the cases reported by Public Health); 51% of deaths occurred among Latino/Latinx residents, 23% among White residents, 15% among Asian residents, 10% among African American/Black residents, less than 1% among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander residents and 1% among residents identifying with other races. Upon further investigation, 36 cases and 16 deaths reported earlier were not L.A. County residents.

Testing results are available for more than 2,512,000 individuals with 10% of all people testing positive.

The Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website,www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Please see additional information below:

Laboratory Confirmed Total Cases 258516 *

Deaths 6330

Age Group (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)

Gender (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)

Race/Ethnicity (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)

Hospitalization

Deaths Race/Ethnicity (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)

CITY / COMMUNITY (Rate**)

These numbers are subject to change based on further investigation. 36 cases and 16 deaths previously previously reported were not in Public Health's jurisdiction. * Means that case numbers include cases associated with correctional facility outbreaks located in the city/community. **Rate is crude and is per 100,000. This represents the number of cases per 100,000 people and allows for the proportional comparison of cities of different sizes.

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichealth .lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapublichealth, facebook.com/lapublichealth, instagram.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/lapublichealth.

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