The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today reports that it has confirmed 51 new deaths and 2,645 new cases of COVID-19. While these numbers are high, the Health Department notes that hospitalizations continue to decline. There are currently 1,610 confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized, with 31% of them in intensive care units.
Today’s numbers bring the total number of those who have been infected to 206,761, with 4,967 having died.
“The reported case numbers today include all of the current lab reports from the electronic lab report system (ELR). The state anticipates sending the backlog of lab reports over the upcoming days,” the Health Department said.
Flaws in the state’s ELR mean there will be a backlog of infection reports released in coming days. That is having an impact on the county’s contact tracing process. Because of that the “department urges any person with a positive lab result to call 1 (833) 540-0473 to connect with a public health specialist who can provide information about services and support. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.”
The Health Department today reports no new confirmed infections among West Hollywood residents, leaving that count at 447. The number of WeHo residents who have died of COVID-19 related illnesses remains at five. In Beverly Hills, the number of confirmed infections is 556, an increase of seven from yesterday’s count. The number of COVID-19 related deaths in Beverly Hills remains at 10. In Culver City the number of infections is now 339, an increase of three from yesterday’s count. The number of deaths remains at 29.
Hollywood has 10 newly confirmed infections, bringing its total to date is 931. The number of deaths remains at nine. The Melrose neighborhood has 12 newly confirmed infections, bringing its total to 1,537. There is one new death, bringing that total to 56.
Public Health has a dedicated call line for confirmed cases of COVID-19. If you are positive for COVID-19 and have not yet connected with a public health specialist or need more information on services, call toll-free at 1 (833) 540-0473. Residents who do not have COVID-19 can continue to call 211 for resources or more information.
As noted before, one way the virus can be transmitted is through a cough, a sneeze or even through air that comes from the mouth when someone talks. For that reason, residents must wear face coverings when out in public and can be cited for not doing so. The citations come with a $250 fine and a $50 administrative fee.
West Hollywood residents with questions about the COVID-19 pandemic or who are looking for resources to deal with it can find answers on the City of West Hollywood’s website. Here is a list of links to sections about particular subjects and issues: