The Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health (Public Health) confirmed 318 new deaths and 18,313 new cases of COVID-19. The number of new deaths reported today, Friday, surpasses the previous all-time high and represents a devastating milestone for the County. To date, Public Health identified 889,405 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County and a total of 11,863 deaths.

Public Health reported over 200 daily deaths this week. For comparison, the County on average has approximately 170 deaths each day from all other causes combined, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, car crashes, suicides and homicides.

Of the 318 new deaths reported today, 114 people that passed away were over the age of 80, 107 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 61 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, 24 people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49, and two people who died were between the ages of 18 and 29. Seven deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach and two deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena.

The City of Glendale reported 12,940 cases, La Cañada Flintridge reported 542 cases, Sunland reported 1,557 cases, Tujunga reported 1,871 cases and in the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County, Angeles National Forest reported 19 cases and La Crescenta-Montrose reported 709 cases.

Public Health reminds everyone to talk to a healthcare provider and get a test for COVID-19 experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Those who have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 should isolate immediately themselves from family and others. COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Sore throat
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
New loss of taste or smell

For those 65 years old and older or have a health problem such as a chronic disease or a weak immune system, it is particularly important to let their doctor know of these symptoms. Those who need help finding a doctor can call the Los Angeles County information line 2-1-1, which is available 24/7.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if  exhibiting the following symptoms:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face

If you, or a person you know, develop these symptoms go to an emergency room or call 911.

There are 8,074 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 20% of these people are in the ICU. The three-day average for daily hospitalizations is 8,065, the highest the County has ever experienced.

As the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations is steadily increasing, the County is working to ensure existing doses are administered as quickly as possible. As of Jan. 6, a total of 151,772 COVID-19 vaccinations have been given across the county by the Department and other partners. This includes 6,151 doses administered as second doses.

Public Health on Thursday announced that vaccinations can now expand to all three tiers within Phase 1A. Starting Monday, the registration system will include all front line healthcare workers who qualify within Phase 1A. The aim is to have all persons prioritized in Phase 1A vaccinated by the end of January. In addition, vaccinations are proceeding rapidly with staff and residents at skilled nursing facilities. The federal partnership with CVS and Walgreens will begin vaccinating at other long-term care facilities starting next week.

Public Health is expanding vaccination sites. This week 19 vaccination sites were opened across the county for persons within Phase 1A to receive vaccination. Next week, an additional 75 sites are scheduled to open for these priority groups, including four federally qualified health centers, a community hospital, and 70 retail pharmacies throughout the county to help administer vaccinations to healthcare workers within Phase 1A.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccination plans in LA County and to sign up for a vaccination newsletter, visit www.VaccinateLACounty.com.

“We send our sincere condolences to everyone who is mourning the loss of a loved one, friend or co-worker from COVID-19. You remain in our hearts,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of Public Health. “Today’s number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are tragic and alarming, and further confirm the widespread transmission of COVID-19. The very high numbers reported today didn’t happen by accident. Most of our new cases are a direct result of the actions taken by people who were not following the necessary precautions over the winter holiday: not limiting contact with those outside their households and not refraining from traveling. We anticipate that the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths will remain high throughout this month because of what occurred over the holidays. If we wish to turn this around and save lives, everyone must adhere to the safety measures put in place, residents and businesses alike.”

Testing results are available for more than 4,920,000 individuals with 17% of people testing positive. Today’s, Friday’s, daily test positivity rate is 19.5%

The Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.