COVID-19 Infections Continue Decline in Pasadena, L.A. County

Authorities in Pasadena reported detecting five new cases of COVID-19 in the city on Tuesday, which was the lowest single-day count in three months.

The five new cases raised the city’s pandemic total to 13,269 confirmed infections. No new fatalities were documented, and the local death toll stood at 362.

Pasadena had not seen a lower single-day case count since July 6, according to Pasadena Public Health Department records.

The average number of daily infections over the prior week dipped to 11.7.

Huntington Hospital reported treating 17 admitted COVID-19 patients as of Tuesday, but none in intensive care. Eleven of those being treated were not vaccinated.

Officials reported nine new infections among Pasadena Unified School District students over the prior week, and one involving a staff member.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also noted a “downward trend” in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

County officials documented 964 infections and 35 deaths on Tuesday, bringing the countywide pandemic totals to 1,464,793 cases of the virus and 26,195 deaths.

“And while the declines are promising, the County continues to see, on average, 14 deaths a day, a particular tragedy because so many of them could have been prevented by vaccination,” the agency said in a written statement.

Just under 770 patients were being treated at county hospitals for COVID-19, with 30% of them being treated in intensive care units, officials said.

The county’s daily positivity rate dropped to 0.9%, compared to 1.2% on Tuesday of last week.

With holidays rapidly approaching, L.A. County Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer urged all residents to make vaccination part of their seasonal preparations.

“Many of us are trying to figure out our holiday plans. As Halloween, Thanksgiving and the December holiday season are fast approaching, we are hopeful that, with continued declines in cases, we can plan for gatherings, parties and perhaps travel to celebrate with family and friends,” she said.

“While we continue to live with the uncertainties posed by a mutating virus, one thing is certain: Whatever your plans, they’ll be safer if you and your loved ones are vaccinated. To be safe, it is helpful to make sure to get your vaccine in time to be fully protected for the holidays.”

The California Department of Public Health documented 3,752 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday and revised the statewide death toll downward by 12 fatalities. The state’s pandemic totals stood at 4,519,467 confirmed infections and 69,027 deaths.

Tuesday’s statewide weekly positivity rate stood at 2.5%, according to CDPH data.

As of Tuesday, L.A. County accounted for 32% of California’s infections and 38% of the state’s fatalities.