LA County Reports 2,318 More Coronavirus Cases, 25 More Deaths

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warned residents on Tuesday that the next two weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current surge in coronavirus cases will be temporary or push into the holiday season.

There were 25 more deaths and 2,318 more cases of coronavirus recorded on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The increase in the number of cases means Los Angeles is one of 11 counties in California to have backed down on plans to reopen.

Five of the six metrics – including the seven-day positivity rate, hospitalizations and acute care bed capacity – that health officials are tracking for reopening plans are going in the wrong direction, Garcetti said. Hospitalizations have also increased to nearly 900, with 28% of those patients being treated in the intensive care unit, according to county public health officials.

For the first time, Los Angeles residents received an emergency textual alert from the city on Tuesday evening warning them that cases are increasing. Garcetti said the text alert was a reminder that tests were available.

“It’s going to be fine with everyone,” he said of the alert. “It doesn’t mean you have symptoms. It’s a reminder that if you have symptoms or know someone, be sure to get tested. “

He added that the warning and the growing number of cases “should be a flashing light for all of us to control our behavior.”

Based on information gathered through contact tracing, 10% of those who tested positive last week were at a rally with more than 10 people, Garcetti said.

“I want to be very clear,” he said. “If you organize rallies in your home … you may be spreading the virus.”

Garcetti said Pfizer’s estimate that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 90% effective is promising and that the county will continue to closely monitor the vaccine being reviewed by federal regulators. If the vaccine is approved, only a small fraction of Angelenos will have access to it, he said.

Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer echoed Garcetti’s optimism, but pleaded with residents in a statement Tuesday to “stay the course.”

“It is promising to hear the news of the possibilities of COVID-19 vaccine in the near future,” she said. “However, we cannot wait for a vaccine to slow the spread of COVID-19 in LA County. Each person must make personal decisions every day to use the tools that we know to work. “

In the meantime, Garcetti said Los Angeles testing centers will have extended hours and the city will be able to test 32,400 people per day. Several test sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Dodger Stadium will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.