By Mary O’KEEFE

As of May 15, the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 47 new deaths bringing the total of deaths to 1,632 within LA County. Of that number, 59 deaths have been reported from the City of Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge has reported five deaths, Eagle Rock eight deaths, Sunland 13, and Tujunga eight deaths. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Altadena has reported five deaths and La Crescenta Montrose has reported one death to COVID-19.

There have been 962 new positive cases of COVID-19 reported in LA County bring the total to 36,259. Of that total 817 cases have been reported from the City of Glendale, 47 in La Cañada Flintridge, 140 in Eagle Rock, 116 in Sunland and 96 cases reported in Tujunga. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Angeles National Forest continues to report zero cases, 121 in Altadena and La Crescenta Montrose has reported 24.

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital has reported as of May 15, nine of the patients with confirmed COVID-19 are currently in the hospital, 85 have been sent home and 35 have been transferred. Of the patients with negative COVID-19 test, 61 are currently in the hospital, 738 patients have been sent home and nine have been transferred. There are ten patients currently hospitalized with pending COVID-19 tests and two have been sent home.

Barbara Ferrer, director of Public Health, reminded those who have underlying health conditions to remain cautious as more businesses, trails and other areas are opening up.

Public Health will assess the activities allowed by the Order on an ongoing basis and modify the Order as appropriate. Residents will also be able to track progress on the Recovery Dashboard. Currently, LA County is in stage two of the five-stage Roadmap to Recovery  and, until the final stage five is reached, Health Officer Orders and directives will continue to ensure that we slow spread of COVID-19 to prevent an overwhelming surge of COVID-19 cases at healthcare facilities.