Public health officials in Los Angeles County on Sunday reported 466 new cases of coronavirus and three related deaths, but noted that the lower number of cases and deaths may reflect the delay in reporting over the weekend.
On Saturday, officials announced that the daily test positivity rate of less than 1% was the lowest since the pandemic began more than a year ago. According to the Department of Health, the daily positivity rate is defined as the percentage of all coronavirus tests that are positive. Not all people who have the virus get the test.
Although officials are encouraged by the gradual decline in daily cases and transmission of the virus, as well as increased vaccinations, they warn residents to be vigilant against new variants of the virus by adhering to safety protocols such as wearing face masks and social distance . There is a “huge potential” for the transmission of COVID-19 in workplaces, so businesses need to follow protocols that require infection control, occupancy limits and personal protective equipment.
To date, officials have confirmed 1,228,997 positive cases of COVID-19 in the province and a total of 23,623 deaths. Currently, 470 people with COVID-19 have been admitted to the country, officials said.
Meanwhile, Orange County’s health agency on Saturday reported 79 new COVID-19 cases and five related deaths, bringing the jurisdiction’s total to 252,963 cases and 4,896 deaths since the pandemic began.
Across California, according to the state Department of Public Health, 3,616,779 cases of coronavirus and 59,768 related deaths have been reported since the onset of the pandemic.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than half of California adults, 55.1%, received at least one shot.
The Golden State’s vaccination rate was higher than the following three populated states of the country: Texas (46.5%), Florida (47.2%) and New York (53.5%). California is also higher than the national average of 50.4% for adults who are at least partially vaccinated.
The percentage of vaccinations for all those 16 and older was about 50%, according to state figures released Friday. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds across the state were allowed to seek vaccinations earlier this week.
Although the counties of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino have already allowed age group members to register for vaccinations, teenagers from Orange and Ventura County were able to apply for the first time through the state’s My My appointment system on Wednesday.
LA County residents can find information on vaccine appointments by visiting www.VaccinateLACounty.com or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com.