February 25, 2022
Today, Public Health confirmed 68 additional deaths and 2,406 new cases of COVID-19.
Of the 68 newly reported deaths, 55 had underlying health conditions.
Today’s positivity rate is 1.9%.
There are 1,105 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health: “Protecting residents at nursing homes remains a high priority during this post-surge time. We appreciate all the nursing facility staff that are up to date on their vaccinations and encourage those working at these facilities to get their booster dose as soon as eligible to reduce the risk of transmission to residents at high risk of severe illness from the virus. We also encourage families and friends visiting their loved ones at nursing homes or other congregate care facilities to do the same and be up to date on their vaccinations. Testing before gathering with high-risk individuals remains an appropriate strategy that reduces unintentional exposures. While we welcome the declines in transmission and hospitalizations, those most vulnerable because they are older, immunocompromised, living with serious health conditions, or unvaccinated, still need the additional protections offered by the array of tools and strategies available to reduce risk.”
Since the announcement of the healthcare worker booster requirement in late December, vaccination and booster rates have continued to improve among both residents and staff at skilled nursing facilities. While there is still progress to be made, efforts to vaccinate, boost, mask and follow other safety measures have proven to be effective in keeping many of our most vulnerable residents healthy and safe.
For the week of February 17-23, skilled nursing facilities reported 176 new cases among residents and 116 new cases among staff. This represents a 41% and 32% reduction in new cases, respectively, when compared to the previous week.
Furthermore, vaccination and booster rates among residents and staff have continued to improve. Among eligible residents, as of January 30, 91% of residents were fully vaccinated and 75% fully vaccinated and boosted.
Among eligible staff, vaccination rates are also very high with 97% fully vaccinated, and 69% fully vaccinated and boosted, which is more than double the 31% of eligible staff boosted on December 19 when the state announced the requirement for workers at healthcare facilities to get boosted once eligible.
With high rates of up-to-date vaccinations, positive cases among all healthcare workers have significantly declined, resulting in less disruptions and staffing shortages across the county’s hospital system. For the week of February 18-24, there were 186 new positive cases, representing a 46% decline compared to the number of cases reported from the prior week.
To reduce spread and keep workplaces and schools open, residents and workers are asked to:
Adhere to masking requirements when indoors or at crowded outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Remain home when sick, isolate if they test positive and quarantine if they were in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
Residents are legally required to isolate themselves away from others if they test positive for COVID-19. Close contacts with symptoms and close contacts who are unvaccinated or not up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations need to follow quarantine requirements. For updated isolation and quarantine guidance, please visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are recommended for everyone 5 years old and older to help protect against COVID-19. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites and many community sites where first, second, and third doses are available.