L.A. County announces five more deaths from COVID-19

LOS ANGELES - L.A. County health officials have announced five more deaths from COVID-19 and 332 new cases, bringing the county's total to 37 deaths and 2,136 cases.

Health officials say five of the six deaths reported yesterday occurred in people over the age of 60 and the sixth death was said to be a person between the age of 50 – 60 years old.

Two of the individuals, including the person between 50-60 years old, did not have any reported underlying health conditions, according to a statement from LA Public Health.

The department says over the last 48 hours there have been 676 new cases.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of individuals who have died. I ask that everyone please do your part to not infect others or become infected yourself by adhering to the public health directives and practicing social distancing,'' said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of Los Angeles County Public Health.

"More than ever, it is crucial that we practice social distancing, and if we are sick, even with mild illness, make every effort to self-isolate from others for at least 7 days and 3 more days after being symptom free. ... Those who have been in close contact with a person who is positive for COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days. If we all commit ourselves to stay home, stay away from others when sick, and stay 6 feet apart when out, we will save lives.''

Ferrer said 453 COVID-19 patients -- or 21% of the county's positive cases -- have been hospitalized.

Earlier, officials said 24 Los Angeles Police Department employees and six members of the Los Angeles Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19.

"All of these individuals are self-isolating at home and recovering,'' spokeswoman Jessica Kellogg said.

No further information about those patients was released. As the grim numbers came in, Angelenos were for the most part adhering to the county's order to stay off beaches and nature trails to slow the
spread of the virus.

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