L.A. County reports 484 new COVID-19 cases, 18 more deaths

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County health officials announced 18 more deaths due to the coronavirus and 484 newly confirmed cases on Sunday, bringing the county's totals to 1,530 deaths and 31,677 cases.

"Each day, we report these numbers knowing that there are people who are grieving their loved ones who have passed away from COVID-19. To all of you, we are so deeply sorry for your loss,'' said Barbara Ferrer, the county's public health director.

"As we begin our recovery journey, we are grateful for all you have done to get us to this point. More than ever, we all need to continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, to protect the most
vulnerable members of our community, and to, most importantly, save lives.''

The latest numbers came as county residents celebrated Mother's Day with many restrictions meant to slow the spread of the virus still in place, as others are slowly lifted. Hiking trails and parks were reopened Saturday, one day after the county allowed select retail businesses to reopen with curbside
service.

Officials warned in easing some restrictions that the pandemic is far from over.

"If you are out and about this weekend, please take every precaution since anyone of us, even if we are not sick, could be infected with COVID-19 and capable of infecting others,'' Ferrer said. "When outside your home, always stay six feet away from everyone and wear a cloth face covering securely
over your nose and mouth if there are others near you. These actions are critically important as we begin the journey of recovery so that we don't find ourselves with large increases in hospitalizations and deaths that would require us to reinstitute restrictions.''

All county beaches remain closed, and an exception to the reopening of trails is the popular Runyon Canyon trail, which remains closed because it attracts crowds that are too large, officials said.

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said staff were deployed to ensure people are adhering to social-distancing requirements, and all hikers over age 2 will be required to wear face coverings.

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