Public health officials in Los Angeles County on Saturday reported 527 new cases of coronavirus and 29 deaths, pointing out that the daily test positivity of 0.9% is the lowest since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
Officials said 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.
“As the weather warms up and we enjoy all that our beautiful province has to offer, let’s keep up with the simple safety measures that have reduced the transmission,” Barbara Ferrer, director of public health in LA County, said in a statement. “When we are vaccinated, we wear face masks, we keep our distance and apply precautions in the workplace, our actions reduce the spread and prevent serious health consequences.”
To date, health officials have confirmed 1,228,564 positive cases of COVID-19 in the province and a total of 23,626 deaths. Currently, there are 498 people with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital, with 23% of those in intensive care, officials said.
Of the 29 new deaths reported Saturday, most were 50 and older, including eight people over 80, 11 between 65 and 79 and eight between 50 and 64, officials said. One person who died was between the ages of 30 and 49, and another individual was between the ages of 18 and 29.
Meanwhile, Orange County’s health agency reported 80 new COVID-19 cases and five related deaths on Saturday, bringing the region’s total to 252,884 cases and 4,891 deaths since the pandemic began.
Saturday’s news comes a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that more than half of California adults, 52.2%, received at least one shot.
The Golden State’s vaccination rate was ahead of the following three populous states in the country: Texas (45%), Florida (44.8%) and New York (51.3%). California also beats the national average of 48.3% 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.