LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 288-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

March 25, 2021

L.A. County Surpasses 23,000 COVID-19 Deaths; Will Expand Vaccination Eligibility in April with State - 66 New Deaths and 608 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has surpassed a devastating milestone losing more than 23,000 people to COVID-19. To date, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) identified 1,216,250 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 23,020 deaths. Today, Public Health confirmed 66 new deaths and 608 new cases of COVID-19.

A year ago today, there were 13 total COVID-19 deaths reported in Los Angeles County. In a year's time, more than 23,000 L.A. County residents passed away from COVID-19. COVID-19 is the leading cause of death in L.A. County. Public Health is happy to see eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine expanded by the State, starting April 1, for individuals age 50 and older, and starting April 15, for individuals age 16 and older. Public Health continues to be an advocate, partner and provider in the vaccine efforts, including vaccinating people who live in areas hard-hit by this pandemic. The County hopes the expansion of eligibility carries with it increased doses of vaccine coming into L.A. County. L.A. County vaccination sites continue to operate below their capacity and have the ability to vaccinate around twice the number of residents each week than our current allocation allows.

Currently, COVID-19 vaccine supply remains limited in L.A. County. Visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) for more information on who is eligible, how to make an appointment if it is your turn, and what verifications you will need when you show up for your vaccine. As a reminder, vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the many people across L.A. County who are grieving the loss of a loved one to COVID-19," said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. "With the State's announcement today, it means everyone age 16 and over will be eligible for the vaccine in mid-April. Expanding vaccine eligibility over the next couple of weeks will make it easier for more people to get vaccinated provided the County receives more doses. During these times of scares supply, our priority is to ensure that residents and workers in hard hit communities are each able to get vaccinated. As eligibility expands, we will re-double efforts to increase accessibility and availability of vaccine in communities with the highest risk and lower rate of vaccinations."

Of the 66 new deaths reported today, 22 people that passed away were over the age of 80, 22 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 15 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and two people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49. Four deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach and one death was reported by the City of Pasadena.

There are 729 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 23% of these people are in the ICU. The 3-day average for daily hospitalizations is 720. Testing results are available for more than 6,041,000 individuals with 19% of people testing positive. Today's daily test positivity rate is 1.6%.

COVID-19 cases among people experiencing homelessness have declined significantly from the peak of 677 weekly cases during late-December, to 57 new cases reported this week. The number of new cases reported this week includes 39 cases from previous weeks that were newly identified as cases associated with people experiencing homelessness and were included in the new case totals. To date, Public Health has identified 7,099 cases among people experiencing homelessness, and 195 people who were experiencing homelessness have passed away from COVID-19. Of the people experiencing homelessness who passed away, 90 were sheltered, 66 were unsheltered, and for 39 people who passed away, their shelter status was unknown.

There are 38 providers reporting they are administering vaccinations to people experiencing homelessness. Currently, nearly 4,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to people experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County. Of those vaccinated, 697 people received second doses or are fully vaccinated. The County continues working with partner organizations to vaccinate, reduce virus transmission, and protect people experiencing homelessness from COVID-19 infection.

Travel increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. While COVID-19 numbers have decreased here in L.A. County, transmission remains widespread and increasing in many states and countries. Los Angeles County residents should continue to avoid all non-essential travel and stay within 120 miles from their place of residence, unless they are traveling for essential purposes. A Travel Advisory remains in effect in Los Angeles County. Anyone who is arriving to Los Angeles County must self-quarantine for 10 days; please remain at your home or lodging for the 10 days and avoid contact with others. Please do not travel if you are sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, were in crowds, exposed to unmasked individuals in close proximity, or attended gatherings, get tested.

County Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional actions you can take 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 1216250*

Deaths 23020

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** Cases (Case Rate)

These numbers are subject to change based on further investigation.94 cases and 6 deaths 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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