By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Los Angeles County health authorities confirmed 50 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To date, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health  has identified 144 cases across all areas in LA County, so everyone should be aware and practice social distancing.

Image/Hannah A Bullock; Azaibi Tamin

Public Health is investigating these cases and will notify close contacts who are household members, intimate partners and healthcare professionals to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined.

“We understand that there is a lot of concern as these numbers keep rising and we want to reiterate that as we do more testing, we will continue to find more positive for COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Los Angeles County Public Health Director. “It is more important than ever for us to continue to practice social distancing, and as we do, to care for the most vulnerable among us especially seniors within our individual communities. We are all in this together.”

Public Health issued a Health Officer Order to prohibit group events and gatherings, require social distancing measures and the closure of certain businesses, including bars, gyms, movie theaters and entertainment centers.

Statewide, The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 598 confirmed cases, including 13 deaths.