Orders to stay home are vital to slow the spread of the coronavirus
On Saturday, Los Angeles County reported 81 new COVID-19 related deaths, the highest death toll a day from the disease caused by the new coronavirus in southern California county.
The county also announced 642 additional cases of coronavirus on Saturday, for a total of more than 12,000.
"Today marks a very sad milestone for our county," Barbara Ferrer said, county public health director, in a statement. "We are reporting the highest number of COVID-19 deaths on any day since the start of the pandemic, and our deepest condolences go out to each and every person who mourns the loss of their loved ones."
@lapublichealth Announces 81 New Deaths Related to # COVID19 and 642 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County. 12,021 Positive Cases of COVID-19 Across All Areas of LA County and a Total of 576 Deaths. View https://t.co/q2DngChsCt for more. pic.twitter.com/1lYolKwobY
– LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) April 18, 2020
In the last week, deaths among Los Angeles County residents have doubled and are now over 570, Ferrer said.
Of the people who died most recently, 56 were over the age of 65, 18 were between the ages of 41 and 65, and one person was between the ages of 18 and 40, Ferrer said. Sixty-three people had underlying health conditions.
Protect yourself and others from # COVID19 by wearing and using, cleanly and appropriately, the fabric face covering. Remember, face covers are not a substitute for physical distancing, hand washing, or staying home. #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/NXXGIVk0gQ
– LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) April 17, 2020
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More places to test
The growth of cases in Los Angeles County comes as officials continue increasing efforts to improve access to evidence.
More than 76,000 residents had been screened and received their results as of Saturday, with 14% positive results, said Ferrer.
Reminder: Free, same-day tests are available for LA County residents w / # COVID19 symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
The following do not affect eligibility:
• Immigration status
• Insurance status
• Age
• Underlying health issuesMake appt: https://t.co/XEyEPR7dI3 pic.twitter.com/Gs6O1Ao2cB
– Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) April 18, 2020
New test sites will open on Monday at Bell, at Beverly Community Hospital in Montebello and at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital in MacArthur Park, the county supervisor said Hilda Solis.
A test drive site at PIH Health Whittier Hospital will also open Monday, county officials announced Saturday. Any resident with COVID-19 symptoms can make an appointment, they said.
People will stay in their cars for testing, which they will administer by rubbing their own throats using the instructions provided at the site, authorities said. Results will be provided in two to three days, the county said.
The "stay home" order is still in effect
For now, the county's stay-at-home order is still in effect, and authorities say it Residents continue to comply to curb the spread of the virus.
This week was very difficult –– we lost many people and many families continue to feel the loss of a loved one.
We're suffering. We are concerned, but we are not powerless. We can get out of this crisis if we keep staying home.
– MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) April 18, 2020
In the city of Los Angeles and in many others, residents must also wear masks when leaving their homes to visit supermarkets, pharmacies and other establishments to take advantage of essential services.
New guidelines around face coverings are now effective as of April 15th. Those working around others and the public, and those visiting essential businesses are required to wear face coverings at all times. Let's #DoOurPart to stop the spread of # COVID19 pic.twitter.com/zl6ky5svXk
– LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) April 16, 2020
In California
Across the state, 87 other people died in the 24-hour period that ended Friday night, bringing California's total deaths to 1,072said the governor Gavin newsom Saturday.
"For those who think we are out of danger … I warn you based on that number 87," Newsom said. "That represents one of the highest deaths the state has experienced since the beginning of this process."
As of Friday night, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in California had increased to 3,221, an increase of 1.3% from the previous day.
A total of 1,173 of those patients were in intensive care units.
Officials believe that Those statistics are key indicators of whether the state's social distancing rules are making a difference and how soon they can relax.
