By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In a follow-up on the COVID-19 outbreak in Los Angeles County, county health officials reported 2,169 new cases of confirmed COVID-19 Saturday. This brings the case tally to 95,371.

In addition to the increase in cases, county officials report significant increases in hospitalizations and the testing positivity rate.

Los Angeles County map/Thadius856

The 7-day average of daily new cases is over 1,900; an increase from the 1,379 average two weeks ago. There are 1,698 people currently hospitalized. This is higher than the 1,350 to 1,450 daily hospitalizations seen in recent weeks. Testing results are available for over 1,037,000 individuals, with 9% of people testing positive. The cumulative positivity rate has increased from 8% to 9%, and the 7-day average of the daily positivity rate has increased from 5.8% two weeks ago to 8.6% today.

23 new deaths were reported yesterday, bringing the death toll to 3,285. Twelve people who died were over the age of 65 years old, eight people who died were between the ages of 41 and 65 years old, and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. Thirteen people had underlying health conditions including nine people over the age of 65 years old, three people between the ages of 41 to 65 years old, and one person between the ages of 18 and 40 years old.

“So many people in our community are experiencing loss and sorrow during this pandemic. We think of you every day, and are deeply sorry for your loss,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “We are at a critical moment in our COVID-19 recovery journey. Over the last few weeks, businesses and public spaces have reopened, and many more people have been out and around others.

“With increased contact among non-household members, there are many more opportunities for transmission of COVID-19, particularly if public health directives are not followed, and the data is now showing concerning trends. We’re safer in the community only if we follow the very specific directives issued by public health. Our collective responsibility is to take immediate action, as individuals and businesses, to reverse the trends we are experiencing. The health officer Orders, and public health directives provide us with the available strategies to slow the spread. If we can’t find it in us to follow these mandates, including wearing face coverings and distancing when around others, we jeopardize our ability to move forward on the recovery journey.”