Additional Measures Urged Amid LA's Deadliest Day Of The Pandemic

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County saw its deadliest day yet of the coronavirus pandemic with 13 deaths confirmed over the last 24 hours, health officials announced Thursday. Coronavirus cases reached 4,045 in Los Angeles County as 534 more people tested positive.

More than 78 people in the county have died from COVID-19 since the outbreak began, according to health officials. The 13 new deaths increased the local mortality rate to 1.9%, meaning 1.9% of people who have tested positive for the virus in the county have died. The county's rate had been hovering at 1.8% over the past week.

Barbara Ferrer, head of the county Department of Public Health, said 12 of the 13 new deaths were people over age 65, while the other person was between 18 and 45. Eleven of the 13 people had underlying health conditions. As she has in the past, Ferrer attributed the increasing numbers to the ever-increasing availability of testing, but also to the fact that the virus is spreading in part because more people are likely infected without their knowledge and unwittingly spreading it to others before ever displaying any symptoms.

The surge comes as the number of cases statewide tops 10,000, including more than 200 deaths. And worldwide, more than a million people have been infected, according to Johns Hopkins University. Despite the rising toll, health officials see signs that social distancing measures and shutdowns may be slowing the pace of the outbreak, buying time for hospitals to obtain desperately needed supplies.

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That's why local officials are increasingly cracking down on shutdown orders and advising residents to take additional precautions. On Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti advised everyone to don some sort of mask, scarf or other face covering when leaving the house to slow the spread of the coronavirus. He also threatened to have the Department of Water and Power shut off power to the smattering of nonessential businesses that have refused to close despite shutdown orders. Some have been referred to the city attorney for prosecution. In the meantime, school districts across the state this week announced that campuses would not reopen at all this school year.

Ferrer agreed that masks can help stop people from spreading the coronavirus, but she cautioned against believing they can replace other, more effective measures.

"It's really important that folks understand that while the guidance suggests that it would be beneficial to mask up when you're out and about, we're much clearer on the benefits that accrue if you do everything else we've asked you to do," she said. "Most important is social distancing. You're not going to spread germs if you're not close to people. That six-foot barrier is essential for us to maintain, even if you're masked.

"I don't want people to get a sense of security, `Oh, I've covered my nose and mouth and now I can be out and about.' That is not what we're saying. You must keep that social distancing. The mask will not protect you 100 percent, particularly from infecting others, which is really all that they are appropriate for. You need to wash your hands. Washing your hands is still the most appropriate action you can take to prevent germs from getting inside you. So wash your hands. Don't touch your face unless your hands are clean."

She also again stressed that residents should not be purchasing hospital-grade surgical masks, which are in short supply and needed by health- care workers. She said people can use scarves or other fabric, suggesting that people go online for instructions on how to fashion a homemade mask.

"They're very simple to make. There's nothing fancy about them," she said.

The various shutdown measures are working, said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

When it comes to coronavirus, "We are in a completely different place than the state of New York," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday, according to CalMatters. "I hope we continue to be. But we won't unless people continue to practice physical distancing and do their part and we continue to meet this moment."

SEE ALSO:

• Is California Bending The Curve Enough?
• All Angelenos Should Wear Masks, Says Mayor Garcetti
• Products That Kill The Coronavirus Identified By EPA
• CA Unemployment Explodes; More Than 1M Claims Filed In 2 Weeks

He stressed the need for residents to stay vigilant and continue making sacrifices for the greater good.

The economic toll of the shutdowns are also beginning to show.Unemployment claims in the Golden State rose by roughly 1,065,060 in the first two weeks of the shutdown.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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