Another 1,843 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Los Angeles County Tuesday, marking the highest number of cases in a single day. Health officials say the high number of confirmed cases can be at least partially attributed to a backlog in results from over the long holiday weekend.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the director of the county's Public Health Department also reported another 27 new deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the county's death toll to 2,143.
“To all of you who have lost someone you love to COVID-19, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you healing and peace during this very sad time,” said Ferrer. “As improved infection control practices and testing have increased over the last month, deaths among residents in nursing homes have dropped from 174 deaths for the week ending May 2, to 60 deaths for the week ending May 23. We continue to work with our partners to ensure that all facilities protect employees and residents.”
The number of confirmed cases has increased dramatically in recent weeks as testing expands throughout the L.A. County region. On Tuesday, a new COVID-19 testing site was opened at Dodger Stadium. The new site can offer up to three times as many tests than any other testing site in the region. The new testing site at the stadium has the capability to test as many as 6,000 people a day at the new location.
Video screens set up will help show people how the test works while they are waiting in line. The videos are meant to help make testing quick and keep lines moving.
"I know that we all have fond memories of summer nights at Chavez Ravine, taking in a game and cheering on our boys in blue. Now, even with baseball season on hold, we can still go to the stadium to find help and hope,'' Garcetti said. "And we have specifically designed this site to move people through the process quickly, alleviating long lines and wait times.''
Testing is free for residents, however you must sign up for an appointment at https://lacovidprod.service-now.com/. Priority will be given to those with symptoms of COVID-19 and for front-line and essential workers.
COVID-19 itself can present with many different symptoms, with the most common respiratory problems. There have also been reports of younger people dying of strokes and heart attacks without respiratory symptoms, who tested positive for the virus.
The number of confirmed cases around Southern California include:
- Los Angeles County: 47,889 cases - 2,143 deaths
- Orange County: 5,578 cases - 131 deaths
- Riverside County: 7,004 cases - 292 deaths
- Ventura County: 912 cases - 30 deaths
- San Bernardino County: 4,365 cases - 176 deaths
- San Diego County: 6,797 cases - 249 deaths
Statewide, there are more than 96,679 cases with at least 3,774 deaths reported. According to data collected by Johns Hopkins University, there are more than 1,671,728 cases nationwide with the death toll reaching 98,584 by Monday afternoon.
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