L.A. County officials today announced 40 additional deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the county's death toll to 495.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the head of the county's Department of Public Health, said 85-87% of people who have died in L.A. County have had an underlying health condition.
Ferrer also referred to the county's increasing mortality rate, which has crept up from 1.8% in March, to 4.3% in recent weeks. According to data provided by the county and state's health departments, more than 50% of COVID-19 deaths in California have occurred in L.A. County.
"I think a lot of it is a lag time issue," Ferrer said Friday afternoon. "As we have more cases, we're going to see more people dying. That's the unfortunate and devastating reality of COVID-19."
Ferrer also reported 567 new coronavirus cases Friday; bringing the total in the region to 11,391.
“We are saddened by every life lost in LA County during this global crisis, and our hearts go out the loved ones who are mourning. We mourn with you,” said Ferrer. “Each day, we are inspired by all of you who are continuing to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is an unprecedented time, and so many have shown courage, goodwill and compassion as our lives have all changed dramatically and we’ve all been affected in different ways. These times are tough, but they are temporary. Remaining committed to the strategies that are helping us gradually get ahead of COVID-19, we will, one day at a time, get through this together.”
There are 1,624 people currently hospitalized with coronavirus in L.A. County. At least 33% are in ICU beds and 20% on ventilators.
County officials also announced a new partnership with Airbnb. Supervisor Kathryn Barger said free housing for medical workers who need to stay closer to patients or away from infected family members would be made available.
People can learn more about the initiative here.
The number of confirmed cases around the Southland include:
- Los Angeles County: 1 cases - deaths
- Orange County: 1,501 cases - 28 deaths
- Riverside County: 2,105 cases - 54 deaths
- Ventura County: 384 cases - 13 deaths
- San Bernardino County: 996 cases - 39 deaths
- San Diego County: 2,012 cases - 60 deaths
Statewide, there are more than 27,677 cases with at least 957 deaths reported. According to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, there are more than 683,786 cases nationwide with the death toll reaching 34,575 by Friday afternoon.