Covid 19 in Los Angeles (1/4/21)
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
Yesterday, we had 12,488 new cases in LA County and 91 new deaths. We have an 18% positivity rate – that is very high.
Our deaths for the last seven days are up 58%. We are averaging 98 per day.
Our hospitalizations are up by 59%. We are running out of beds, and people are waiting up to 8 hours in ambulances. We have 38% of ventilator capacity left and 11% of ICU capacity.
Our case rate in the city of Los Angeles is 8178 per 100,000 and our death rate is 110 per 100,000. That means 8 of every 100 Los Angelenos has or has had Covid 19. Basically it’s rampant and unchecked. We now know both neighbors and family members who have had it.
I checked on vaccination rates. It’s way (20%) below what was promised by the Trump Administration. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/we-have-not-been-delivered-what-was-promised-l-a-mayor-says-amid-slower-than-expected-covid-19-vaccine-rollout/ Some of the healthy, wealthy and well-connected are cutting to the front of the line. https://abc7.com/vaccine-covid-covid-19-coronavirus/9336567/ I decided to check with my local doctor and health plan on “availability”; they replied they’d let me know whenever they had more information -- not a very satisfactory answer to be kind about it.
We as a nation, as a state and as a county are “hot spots”, yet some are getting on airplanes and going to parties mask less – go figure. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/03/world/covid19-coronavirus Then while they are not yet symptomatic, they are spreading it to their families, co-workers and friends. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-01-04/la-workplaces-coronavirus-spread The reasons for LA’s rapid spread in the last month are two fold: overcrowded housing and Thanksgiving get-togethers. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-28/why-covid-19-cases-have-spread-wildly-in-l-a We will likely see our numbers grow even more from Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Stay safe, stay distant, wear your mask and get your shots as soon as they are available. Happy New Year’s.