County COVID-19 Cases Increase to 9,420

Los Angeles County health officials on Monday reported 239 new cases of the Coronavirus and 25 new deaths on Monday.

The 239 cases mark the smallest daily increase in new cases since March 26

The county’s new cases stand at 9,420. County numbers could reach 1,000 cases this week.

However, according to LA County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the numbers reported on Monday’s can be lower because of limited testing over the weekend.

“I offer our sincere condolences to each and every person who has experienced the pain associated with losing someone to COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “I want to thank our frontline workers for their deep commitment to making it possible for all of us to have what we need to get through this pandemic. As we work our way together to recovery, I am mindful of the many sacrifices everyone is making. Please continue to stay safe at home and help do you part so that essential workers are safe at work.”

Of the newly reported deaths, 11 were individuals over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, 12 were individuals between the ages of 41 and 65, 11 of which had underlying health conditions. Public Health said they were still waiting for data on the remaining two deaths.

Of the 9,420 deaths, 85 percent of people who died had underlying health conditions. Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 262 people (82 percent of the cases); 33 percent of deaths occurred among Latinx residents, 33 percent among White residents, 18 percent among Asian residents, 14 percent among African American residents, and 2 percent among residents identifying with other races.

Upon further investigation, 11 cases and one death reported earlier were not LA County residents. As of today, 2,354 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (25 percent of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with testing results available for almost 52,000 individuals and 13 percent of people testing positive.

Meanwhile, health officials continued to call on county residents to follow safer at home orders and continue to practice social distancing.

According to one model, if the county ends the order too soon 95 percent of Los Angeles resident could eventually become infected with the virus.

“If you are mildly sick, stay home for at least seven days or until 72 hours after being fever free, whichever is longer,” Ferrer said. Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen. Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.”