One year ago today, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced its first case of coronavirus in Los Angeles County. Since then, over 1 million cases have been reported and nearly 16,000 deaths. January 2021 is trending to be the deadliest month in the pandemic. And while this virus is still novel and researchers continue to learn new details about COVID-19, one thing we know for certain is how it spreads and how to prevent its spread. Residents are urged not to gather in crowds, stay home when you are sick, wear a face covering and maintain physical distance from others when outside your home.
“Today, as we mark the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in L.A. County, we remember the many people who died from COVID-19 over the past year and the many families that will forever be healing from their loss. May you find peace today and always,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “COVID-19 transmission remains very high in Los Angeles County. And while we issued a new health order that allows some businesses to reopen, this does not mean that we have stopped the spread of the virus. The simple fact of the matter is that if we are not more careful than we have been in the past when sectors have reopened, case counts will rise again, creating the possibility of another surge. I know we’ve been battling this virus for a year now and all of us are tired of the restrictions, but we need to continue to be vigilant for a while longer.”
On Monday, Jan. 25, the State of California lifted the Regional Stay Home Order and moved all counties back into the Blueprint for a Safer Economy color-coded tiers. Los Angeles County, along with the majority of the State, is in the most restrictive purple tier. With the lifting of the Regional Stay Home Order, the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order that was issued on Nov. 25, 2020 is now in effect until a new Health Officer Order is issued later this week to more fully align with the sector openings permitted in the purple tier.
With the lifting of the State’s Order, several sectors are allowed to resume operations. Businesses are urged to adhere to safety protocols and specific sector guidance in order to protect both employees and customers. Public Health’s compliance teams continue to visit businesses across the County every day. Inspectors review Public Health protocols with business owners, identify deficiencies, and issue citations for businesses out of compliance.
During Public Health’s recent business compliance checks, inspectors noted that while the majority of businesses were in compliance with most of the Public Health protocols, some businesses failed to ensure employees and patrons were appropriately distanced, and wearing face coverings, were not adequately cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, or did not post their completed protocols for reopening. From January 18 through January 24, a total of 74 citations were issued to businesses including restaurants, gyms, personal care salons, hair salons/barbershops, and shopping malls for noncompliance with Health Officer Orders. Since the end of August, a total of 761 citations have been issued.
Businesses that are not adhering to safety protocols to protect workers and customers contribute to increased risk for COVID-19 spread. A list of non-compliant businesses that received citations can be found online.
Residents continue to be advised to stay home as much as possible and always wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when they are outside their household and around others.
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirmed 291 new deaths and 5,927 new cases of COVID-19. To date, Public Health identified 1,085,044 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 15,592 deaths.
Of the 280 new deaths reported today, 91 people that passed away were over the age of 80, 99 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 69 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, 17 people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49 and three people who died were between the ages of 18 and 29. Eleven deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena.
Testing results are available for nearly 5,410,000 individuals with 19% of people testing positive. Today’s daily test positivity rate is 12.0%. There are 6,307 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 25% of these people are in the ICU.
Los Angeles County’s COVID-19 Vaccine website, VaccinateLACounty.com has incorporated the State’s new appointment registration platform, MyTurn. The registration system features a streamlined process for residents eligible to receive the vaccine. The system lets residents know if they are currently eligible and, if they are, can help find and book appointments that are available in their area. The site also alerts people who registered to when appointments open up, or when vaccinations are opening up to additional priority groups. Currently, MyTurn will make appointments for our five large capacity sites as well as two other county-operated vaccination sites. Appointments for all other locations, such as pharmacies and clinics, are also available on our website. Unfortunately, with limited vaccine supply, there are not enough appointments available to meet demand.
Residents with internet access and a computer are urged to use VaccinateLACounty.com to sign up for an appointment. For those without access to a computer or the internet, or with disabilities, a call center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help schedule appointments at 833-540-0473. The phone line is reserved for people with disabilities or who don’t have a computer or internet access.
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.
