LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
News Release
Los Angeles County Public Health Logo

313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

May 15, 2021

Business Compliance Essential to Keeping Low and Stable COVID- 19 Case Numbers in Los Angeles County; 15 New Deaths and 306 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

Today, Public Health has confirmed 15 new deaths and 306 new cases of confirmed COVID-19 in L.A. County. In total, Public Health has identified 1,237,235 cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and 24,088 deaths.

Of the 15 new deaths reported today, five people that passed away were over the age of 80, six people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79 and four people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64 years old. There are 347 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 22% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 6,634,000 individuals with 17% of people testing positive. Today's daily test positivity rate is 0.4%.

Since the yellow tier requirements for reopening went into effect last week, Public Health inspectors have followed up to ensure businesses are following the health safety protocols. Last weekend, inspectors visited 304 restaurants and issued only one citation. Inspectors also visited 29 bars, 13 breweries, wineries, or tasting rooms, 27 retail sales establishments, 51 gyms and fitness centers, 77 hair salons or barbershops, 99 food markets, and 86 personal care businesses, and overall found very good compliance with the health officer order. Inspectors will be out in full force again this weekend visiting businesses and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

“We know there are people across our community who have suffered tremendous loss. For those of you mourning the passing of a loved one, we wish you healing and peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “As more sectors and businesses open, and capacity increases at indoor activities, it’s very important that we continue to implement safety protocols to avoid transmission and outbreaks. At this point in time, everyone needs to adhere to required Cal/OSHA distancing and masking at all workplaces. State and county directives require that everyone wear a mask when at businesses and in crowded venues. With just 40% of LA County residents fully vaccinated, public health safety measures, including masking, distancing, and hand washing, will help us avoid additional cases.”

This weekend, anyone 12 years and older can now get vaccinated without booking an appointment at all 8 County-run vaccination sites and many other vaccination sites across the County. Teens 12 – 17 years old should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult. Registration for COVID-19 appointments will be completed on-site.

To find a vaccination site near you, to make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

Public Health will host a Vaccine Town Hall for Parents on Tuesday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. Join the town hall to get the latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccine, including information for children. The town hall will be streamed live on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube @lapublichealth. For more information and to submit a question, visit: tinyurl.com/VaxTownHall4Parents.

County Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, 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 1237235*

Deaths 24088

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. 59 cases and one death 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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