LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
News Release
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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 27, 2020

Los Angeles County Announces Five New Deaths Related to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 257 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed five new deaths and 257 new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Additional information regarding some of the new cases is pending further investigation. Over the last 48 hours there have been 678 new cases.

To date, Public Health has identified 1465 cases across all areas of LA County, including 26 deaths. Upon further investigation, two cases reported earlier were not LA County residents. As of today, 317 positive cases (21% of positive cases) have been hospitalized.

Today, a new Health Officer Order is being issued to temporarily close beaches and hiking trails due to recent dramatic increases in COVID-19 cases, and increased usage of beaches and hiking trails by many groups of people. It is imperative that everyone, collectively, take action to slow the spread of COVID-19. County and City Parks may remain open for passive recreational activities. Persons using the parks are required to practice social distancing at all times. The Order is effective immediately and will continue through April 19.

“The crowds we saw at our beaches last weekend were unacceptable,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “In order to save lives, beaches in LA County will be temporarily closed. I understand that this is a huge sacrifice for everyone who enjoys going to our beaches. But we cannot risk another sunny weekend with crowds at the beach spreading this virus. This closure is temporary and we can always reopen these beaches when it is safe to do so.” “The new Health Officer Order is in line with our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County. It is crucial that we limit access to non-essential places where crowds have been gathering,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Los Angeles County Public Health Director. “Please practice social distancing when you do go outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. That means staying at least 6 feet away from other people."

Public Health has issued the following guidance during this time of increased spread:

Public Health reminds LA County residents to do their part and adhere to the Order by always practicing social distancing.

Additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website.

Please see the locations were cases have occurred:

Laboratory Confirmed Cases -- 1465 Total Cases

Deaths 26

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

CITY / COMMUNITY**

*These numbers are subject to change based on further investigation; two previously reported cases were not in Public Health's jurisdiction. ** -- Means that case numbers are suppressed (between 1 and 4 cases in communities <25,000 people).

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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