L.A. County Reports Five More Deaths, 191 New Cases Of COVID-19

Public Health officials have confirmed 191 new COVID-19 cases and five additional deaths.

The cumulative number of coronavirus cases from throughout the pandemic is now at 1,246,307, while the overall death toll is at 24,414, according to Los Angeles County Public Health.

On Sunday, there were 221 people with COVID-19 hospitalized — 15 fewer than Saturday, the agency said.

As COVID-19 cases have dwindled in Los Angeles County, the county is preparing with the rest of the state to lift the bulk of COVID-19 health restrictions on Tuesday. But health officials are urging residents to continue being cautious, with only about half of the population fully vaccinated.

“Protecting L.A. County’s residents remains a top priority as physical distancing requirements and capacity limits are lifted on June 15,” Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “COVID-19 transmission that continues to occur among unvaccinated people is resulting in hospitalizations and deaths. While masks will not be required in many settings beginning June 15, face coverings remain an excellent means of protection for those not yet ready to get vaccinated.

“Fully vaccinated people are the most protected, so we ask everyone eligible to receive the vaccine and are not yet vaccinated, to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can,” she said.

Through next Thursday, anyone who gets a first vaccine dose at sites run by the county, city or St. John’s Well Child and Family Center will be entered for a chance to win season tickets for the Clippers, Chargers or Rams.

The contest is also open to anyone who comes in for a second-dose appointment and brings along another person who needs a first dose.

The state of California on Tuesday will wrap up its financial incentive program, holding a drawing to give away $1.5 million each to 10 vaccinated residents.

Long Beach officials, meanwhile, will offer its residents a chance to win either a two-night hotel stay, a $50 cash card or a $50 gift card for Fandango, Target or Walmart if they get vaccinated by Saturday. That contest is open to anyone who comes in for their first dose of vaccine. Long Beach officials said that since they began offering incentives last month, vaccine appointments have doubled.