Los Angeles County Reaches 11,000 COVID-19 Deaths as Hospitalizations Increase to Critical Levels

Press Release -L.A. County Reaches 11,000 COVID-19 Deaths as Hospitalizations Increase to Critical Levels County of Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has tragically reported more than 11,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths. To date, Public Health identified 840,611 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 11,071 deaths. 

Today, Public Health confirmed 224 new deaths and 13,512 new cases of COVID-19.   L.A. County has experienced more than 1,000 new COVID-19 deaths in less than a week when on December 30, Public Health reported 10,056 deaths.

There are 7,898 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 21% of these people are in the ICU.  This is a new high and an increase of more than 200 patients reported yesterday.  

Healthcare workers and hospitals continue to be taxed and overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.  The devastating impact of the pandemic is disrupting emergency medical care due to the sheer volume of COVID-19 patients and staffing limitations. These challenges will get worse if we don’t slow COVID-19 spread. ...

“To the families and friends experiencing the sorrow of losing a loved one due to COVID-19, we send wishes for healing and peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. "L.A. County reached the terrible milestone of more than 11,000 deaths due to COVID-19. As a community, we must commit to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in its tracks so that we can save as many lives as possible. Roll out for COVID-19 vaccine continues in the phases recommended by the State and CDC as supply allows.  And while vaccines are a powerful tool, we do not need to wait for vaccine to stop new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and death. We can do that now. It takes every business and every resident to purposefully follow public health directives and safety measures. Please stay home and leave only for essential work or essential services." ....

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