County Suggests New COVID-19 Cases May Be ‘Plateauing’ as 44 New Cases Are Reported in Pasadena

Pasadena recorded 44 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, although no deaths attributed to the virus were reported, officials said.

The count raised Pasadena’s pandemic total to 12,048 confirmed infections, while fatalities held steady at 353, according to Pasadena Public Health Department data.

An average of 32.3 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in the city each day over the prior week, representing the highest rate since Feb. 9.

Huntington Hospital reported treating 16 patients for the virus on Thursday, with two being cared for in an intensive care unit.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 3,672 new infections and 19 deaths on Thursday, bringing the countywide totals to 1,315,313 cases of COVID-19 and 24,379 deaths.

“Although transmission in Los Angeles County remains at a high level, the County’s case rate dropped to 21.1 new cases per 100,000 residents, a decrease from last week’s rate of 24.1 cases per 100,000,” the agency said in a written statement. “Although today’s rate will likely change somewhat over the coming days as additional test results are reported, this suggests the County’s rise in cases may be plateauing.”

L.A. County’s test positivity rate declined 4.7%, down from 5.8% last week, county health officials said.

Authorities listed 1,279 patients hospitalized with the virus, representing an increase of 39% since last week.

Public health officials at the state level announced 9,517 new infections and 56 deaths on Thursday, bringing the statewide totals to 3,899,158 COVID-19 infections and 64,206 fatalities.

The state’s average weekly positivity rate continued to climb, reaching 7.1%, according to California Department of Public Health data.

As of Thursday, L.A. County accounted for 34% of California’s COVID-19 infections and 39% of the state’s deaths.