Channel 1 Los Angeles
12/3/2020
Of the 2,439 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, 24% of these people are in the ICU. The average daily number of people hospitalized has increased 94% in just two weeks.
Today, Public Health has confirmed 40 new deaths and 5,987 new cases of COVID-19. Since early November, average daily cases have increased by 225%, and in the past week and a half we have seen this average jump to over 5,300 cases each day.
The County’s daily test positivity rate has also increased significantly and now is 13.0%. The test positivity rate was 3.9% on November 1.
Increased COVID-19 transmission has a cascading impact in populations that are of particular concern. Weekly cases among healthcare workers increased 71% since the first week of November. Weekly new outbreaks at worksites increased 172% since early November. Weekly new cases among people who are residing in skilled nursing facilities increased 89% since early November. Cases at schools, both among staff and students, increased 224% since early November.
Along with the steep acceleration of COVID-19 transmission and hospitalizations, the County is experiencing increases in people passing away from COVID-19. Since November 9, average daily deaths have increased 92%. This past week, average daily COVID-19 deaths climbed to 38.
To date, Public Health identified 414,185 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 7,740 deaths. Upon further investigation, 198 cases reported earlier were not L.A. County residents.
“These numbers are devasting, and our deepest condolences go out to everyone who is mourning a loved one or friend who has passed away from COVID-19. We are so sorry for your loss,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “We are seeing terrifying increases and numbers in L.A. County that can only be turned around if everyone – businesses and individuals – carefully use the tools we have to slow the spread: wearing a face covering, distancing, staying away from crowds and gatherings, and following all the business protocols to protect workers and customers. There are no activities where people shouldn’t be wearing a face covering if they are outside their home except for swimming. Everywhere people go they should be able to keep at least 6 feet away from others and there should be no crowding. This virus is relentless. It will continue to be relentless until we can vaccinate the millions of residents and workers calling L.A. County home. And while there is a bright light at the end of this very dark tunnel, we are not there yet. We are now at the worst point we have experienced thus far in this pandemic, and now is the time to take every single precaution to protect ourselves and others. Requirements and restrictions work in slowing the spread of the virus. Please commit today and through the next few months to being the solution to this terrible pandemic.”
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