15 More COVID-19 Deaths Reported in LA County

Fifteen more Coronavirus deaths were reported on Monday in Los Angeles County, raising the total to 147, while the overall number of cases increased by 420.

The new cases brought the county’s total number to 6,360.

There are now 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus among the county’s homeless population — one of whom may have been in a shelter while infected, although that case is still under investigation. The county is entering what officials expect to be one of the worst weeks in terms of virus spread.

“If you have enough supplies in your home, this would be the week to skip shopping altogether,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the county Department of Public Health. “If you can arrange for pharmacies and medications and groceries to be delivered, this would be the week to put that in place.”

Ferrer particularly stressed the need for people aged 65 or older and people with underlying health conditions to remain at home. She noted that 83 percent of the people who have died from the virus in LA County had underlying health conditions, and 76 percent of those who died were older than 65.

“It’s very important to us that if you’re elderly or you have an underlying health condition that you stay home, except to go to medical appointments,” Ferrer said. “When you’re out and about, even for essential services, you’re putting yourself at risk for becoming infected with COVID-19 and becoming seriously ill. This is especially true as more and more people in LA County are infected and capable of infecting others.

“Please take advantage as much as possible of delivery services for groceries, medication and other essential items. We want to encourage grocery stores and pharmacies to offer free delivery services wherever possible to those at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.”

Of the 15 new deaths reported Monday, 12 were people over age 65, and seven of those people had underlying health conditions. The other three patients were between 41 and 65, and one of them had an existing health problem.

Most disturbingly in the new numbers was an increase in the county’s mortality rate from the virus, which increased to 2.3 percent — meaning 2.3 percent of the people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have died. Late last week, the county’s mortality rate was 1.9 percent.

Ferrer said there are only two confirmed cases of coronavirus in county homeless shelters, both involving staff members.

She said 1,366 people who have tested positive for the virus have been hospitalized at some point, with about 900 people hospitalized as of midday Monday.