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) 288-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

twitter logo instagram logo facebook logo youtube logo Spotify logo

For Immediate Release:

August 15, 2020

Public Health Reports 35 New Deaths and 2,103 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 35 new deaths and 2,103 new cases of COVID-19. To date, Public Health has identified 220,762 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 5,245 deaths.

A backlog of cases from the state electronic lab report system (ELR) issue is still expected. Data sources that track other key indicators, including hospitalizations and deaths, are not affected by this reporting issue.

There are 1,393 confirmed cases currently hospitalized and 33% of these people are confirmed cases in the ICU. Daily hospitalizations numbers continue to decline and today’s numbers haven't been seen since mid-June.

Testing results are available for nearly 2,063,000 individuals with 10% of all people testing positive.

Of the 35 new deaths reported today, nine people that passed away (excluding Long Beach and Pasadena) were over the age of 80 years old, nine people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79 years old, 11 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64 years old, and five people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49 years old. Twenty-three people had underlying health conditions including eight people over the age of 80 years old, four people between the ages of 65 and 79 years old, eight people between the ages of 50 and 64 years old and three people between the ages of 30 and 49 years old. One death was reported by the City of Long Beach.

Ninety-two percent of the people who died from COVID-19 had underlying health conditions. Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 4,932 people (99 percent of the cases reported by Public Health); 50% of deaths occurred among Latino/Latinx residents, 24% 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, 34 cases and four deaths reported earlier were not LA County residents.

"We send our deepest condolences and prayers to the many families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19," said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. "With this weekend’s high temperatures, I encourage everyone to take steps to stay cool and keep hydrated throughout the day while still practicing physical distancing and avoiding gatherings. Please note that cooling centers are open and safe places to go to avoid the extreme heat because every site is adhering to strict infection control and distancing measures. If you are heading to the beach or a park, please remember to use sunscreen and always wear a face covering when you are around any other people including when you are in the parking lot and walking to and from your destination. If you feel reluctant to wear a face covering during the hot weather, please stay home and away from all others not in your household. In spite of the heat, we still need to continue taking every measure possible to slow the spread of the COVID-19 and reduce community transmission rates so we can re-open our schools and get more people back to work."

Business owners and business operators must also continue to take the necessary steps that protect workers and customers and adhere to infection control and distancing directives. In addition to following infection control directives, businesses need to immediately alert Public Health when there are three or more cases at a worksite. Directives and checklists for all businesses to follow are posted at: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/

Residents are also encouraged to report non-compliance and dangerous conditions at businesses. Residents can call 888-700-9995. These tips can be submitted anonymously.

Given the ELR delays, the department urges any person with a positive lab result to call 1-833-540-0473 to connect with a public health specialist who can provide information about services and support. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.

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.

Laboratory Confirmed Cases 220762 Total Cases*

Deaths 5245

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. 34 cases and four 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.




#####