The County of Los Angeles Public Health department reported a steep increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the county on Thursday, Dec. 23.
According to LA Public Health, on Thursday the department confirmed 8,633 new cases, 162 of which were new Omicron cases, and 24 additional deaths caused by COVID-19.
The increase in confirmed cases on Wednesday, Dec. 22 was more than double that of the previous day. On Wednesday the rate of positive COVID-19 tests was 4.5%, while a week prior it had been 1.9%.
Out of the 24 new COVID-19 deaths reported today, Dec. 23, at least two were between the ages of 50 and 64, at least eight were between the ages of 65-79 and and at least three were over the age of 80 years old.
At least 11 of the deceased had underlying conditions and at least two of the 24 deaths occurred in Long Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to all who have lost neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family during this difficult time,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, LA County director of Public Health. “These numbers make it crystal clear that we are heading into very challenging times over the winter holidays.
She continued, “If our case numbers continue to increase at a rapid pace over this next week, we could be looking at case numbers we have never seen before, well over 20,000 cases a day by the end of this year.”
As of Tuesday, Dec. 21, Long Beach confirmed a total of 69,079 cases since the beginning of the pandemic with 65,504 of those having already recovered, according to the City’s online COVID-19 dashboard.
According to the City of Long Beach, there have been 1,066 COVID-19 related deaths in the city. As of Tuesday, 48 Long Beach residents were hospitalized due to the virus, and a total of 61 people were hospitalized in Long Beach area hospitals.
As of Thursday, the total number of COVID-19 fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic in LA County was 27,512.
The total number of positive cases reported in the county so far is 1,585,313.
The dramatic increase in cases, which LA County Public Health described as “one of the steepest rises we have ever seen over the course of the pandemic” is being attributed to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
“While many will be protected against the most severe illness from Omicron because they are fully vaccinated and boosted where eligible, very high case numbers can easily cause significant stress to the health care system if even a small percentage of those infected require hospital care,” Ferrer said.
According to Ferrer, although hospitalization and death rates are currently relatively stable, these numbers are delayed indicators because most people don’t experience severe symptoms until a few days after testing positive.
The county is reminding residents that vaccinations, boosters, testing, and masking remain important as COVID-19 numbers rise.
According to LA County Public Health data from Dec. 5 to Dec. 11, fully vaccinated people who haven’t gotten a booster shot are four times more protected from the virus whereas fully vaccinated people who have been given a booster shot are 20 times more protected.
The county is also encouraging residents to get tested before and after travel, if exposed or sick, and if gathering with people outside their household.
The county also reiterated that masks are important, and recommended that residents use medical-grade, surgical or KN95 masks when around other people.
The county also said it is critical for residents to stay at home and away from other people if they’re feeling sick.
For more information about where to get tested and vaccinated in Long Beach, visit the City’s website.
