Pasadena Sees 8 New COVID-19 Infections Friday, But No Fatalities for More Than a Week

Eight new cases of COVID-19 were detected in Pasadena on Friday, although the city had not seen a death from the virus in more than a week, according to public health officials.

Pasadena’s total infections climbed to 2,672, according to city data. The death toll remained at 129.

City officials last reported a COVID-19-related fatality on Oct. 8.

Huntington Hospital reported treating 25 COVID-19 patients on Friday.

At the county level, public health officers announced 1,072 new infections and 27 new deaths on Friday.

Since the start of the pandemic, L.A. County had seen a total of 287,222 infections and 6,855 fatalities, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Officials said 745 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized county-wide, with 26% of them being treated in intensive care units.

County health officials once again implored the public to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

“Because it is highly likely that both flu and COVID-19 will be present in L.A. County this year, it’s vital that we do all that we can to protect ourselves to prevent a serious flu season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic,” the L.A. County Department of Public Health said in a written statement.

The flu results in thousands of deaths every year, officials said.

“Considering the toll COVID-19 has had on our communities and our healthcare system, now more than ever it is important to be protected from influenza by getting immunized,” according to the county statement.

“Everyone 6 months and older should be immunized against flu,” the statement continued. “Anyone can get flu —even healthy people —, but people at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications include: people 65 years and older, pregnant women, children younger than 5 years and people with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or HIV.”

And L.A. County Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer renewed her call for people to avoid gathering with people they do not share a household with. County and city officials have advised that members of households associate only with one or two other households as a measure to help stem the spread of the virus.

“All private gatherings must be outdoors. Wear a cloth face covering and practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet at all times, and do not share food with other households,” she said.

“ Limit your visit to no more than two hours and do not attend a private gathering if you are not feeling well. We all can take these steps to enjoy friends and family as safely as possible.”

State officials reported 3,075 new infections and 73 additional deaths on Friday, bringing the statewide totals to 861,476 cases of COVID-19 and 16,830 fatalities.

Over the previous seven days, the state’s positivity rate held at 2.6%, while the 14-day average dropped to 2.5%, according to a California Department of Public Health statement.

As of Friday, L.A. County represented 33% of California’s COVID-19 cases and 41% of all fatalities.