L.A. County Reports 46 New Cases, Bringing Total to 190

L.A. County officials announced Wednesday that an additional 46 cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 had been confirmed, bringing the county's total number of infections to 190. That means there have been 96 new cases over the last 48 hours.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the head of the Department of Public Health said it was likely L.A. County would see new cases every day for at least the next 4-12 weeks.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a new executive order aimed at keeping social safety net programs up and running for the most vulnerable residents in the state during the coronavirus pandemic. The order waives eligibility re-determinations for 90 days for Californians who are receiving assistance with health care, food and in-home supportive services.

The programs covered include Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKS and others and allows recipients of these safety net programs to continue receiving benefits without interruption.

Meanwhile the number of cases reported by health agencies around Southern California continued to increase.

  • Los Angeles County: 192
  • Orange County: 29
  • Ventura County: 10
  • Riverside County: 16
  • San Bernardino County: 3
  • San Diego County: 60

Dr. Ferrer added that it was important not to become discouraged seeing an increase in cases despite everyone social distancing.

“Because we cannot stop the spread of COVID-19, all of our strategies are aimed at slowing the spread,” she said. “We need to work hard to make sure that happens. ... This is what you often hear as flattening the curve.”

She went on to thank residents for doing their part in avoiding large gatherings and remaining home when possible. She did add that people are allowed to leave their homes and can go outside.

“Everyone should remain at home as much as possible,” she said, adding that “you should, however, feel free to take a walk, a hike, a run -- just not with a group of people.”

The total number of cases cited at this afternoon's press conference did not include two cases that were confirmed in Long Beach earlier today, which operates its own health department. That brings the county's actual total to 192.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger said that the state has asked all school districts to develop a plan that would ensure that children and parents are supported during the outbreak. County officials also reminded residents that social distancing was the "most effective tool to slow the spread of the virus during this unprecedented time."

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.


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