7 new coronavirus deaths, 342 new cases reported in LA County

LOS ANGELES - Public health officials on Monday announced an additional seven coronavirus deaths in Los Angeles County, bringing the county's death count to 44.

Six of the individuals who died were over the age of 65, according to Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer. The seventh individual was between the ages of 41 and 65.

Out of those cases, six individuals, including the younger resident, had underlying health conditions, Ferrer said.

Additionally, Public Health announced an additional 342 confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county's total to 2,474. Of those cases, 686 were reported in the last 48 hours.

MOBILE USERS, WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

Ferrer reminded the public that the number of confirmed cases in the county will continue to go up as medical professionals have the ability to test more patients. As of Sunday, more than 15,500 coronavirus tests were conducted in Los Angeles County. Of those cases, approximately 12% tested positive for COVID-19, Ferrer said.

Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. Download for iOS or Android.

County officials also stated that they are monitoring coronavirus cases at 25 different institutions, which have reported a total of 130 cases. Out of those institutions, 11 are nursing home facilities that have three or more confirmed cases of COVID-19, which Public Health considers an outbreak.

Those institutions and their residents have been notified, according to Public Health.

Ferrer said that social distancing remains our best defense against the virus, and urges all residents to abide by current measures in place across the state.

Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick. 

Public Health requests that anyone who experiences any symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate for the 14-day quarantine period in order to help slow the spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of the virus include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.

Public Health has issued the following guidance during this time of increased spread:

"If you are mildly sick, stay home for at least seven days or until 72 hours after being fever free, whichever is longer. Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen. Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick."

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates.