Los Angeles County health officials reported an increase of 7,232 new cases for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Friday marks the highest report of new cases to date with 3,187 new cases of COVID-19.

This brings the total COVID-19 cases in the county to 114,993.

Image/CDC

As of Saturday, July 4, there are 1,921 people confirmed with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, 28% of these people are in the ICU and 18% are on ventilators. There were 1,947 reported as of Friday, July 3 and 1,933 for Thursday, July 2. This remains higher than the 1,889 reported last week.

With the addition of 30 deaths Saturday, this total has risen to 3487.

With the relaxation of Safer at Home orders allowing more businesses and workplaces to reopen as well as the mass protests that are ongoing in LA County, the potential for community transmission of COVID-19 will increase. In order to prevent a new surge in hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, it is critical that we remind everyone of the need to redouble our prevention and control efforts during this time.

Public Health urges everyone to avoid the Three C’s: Crowded places, Confined spaces and Close contact with others not in your household. Everyone should always wear a face covering securely over your nose and mouth and keep six feet apart from others not in your household when out in public. Businesses must continue to follow Public Health directives. Public Health reminds everyone that you remain safer at home.

Public Health updated the houses of worship protocol in the Health Officer to align with the governor’s directive. Singing and chanting are prohibited for indoor services.

The Order requires the closure of:

  • Indoor, in-person dining at restaurants
  • Indoor museums, indoor children’s museums, and indoor operations at zoos and aquariums
  • Cardrooms and satellite wagering facilities

Bars remain closed, however retail operations for breweries, brew pubs, and wineries may remain open. Additionally, face coverings and gloves must be worn at fitness facilities at all times.

The Health Officer Order also requires businesses with three or more known cases of COVID-19 within the workplace over the span of 14 days, to report the outbreak to Public Health. Employers who have one known case within the workplace must have a protocol that requires that person to self-isolate at home and anyone exposed to self-quarantine.