February 9, 2022
Today, Public Health confirmed 103 additional deaths and 5,100 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 103 newly reported deaths, 91 had underlying health conditions.
Today’s positivity rate is 5%.
There are 2,597 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized.
COVID Metrics Continue to Improve for Students and School Staff
Local schools are continuing to see a decline in the number of positive tests and test positivity for their students and staff.
For the week of January 31-February 4, schools conducted 515,389 tests that resulted in 13,631 positive tests (with 9,537 positive tests from LAUSD). This is a 36% decrease from the 21,472 positive tests from the week prior. The test positivity rate also decreased by about 40% to 2.6%, compared to 4.4% for the week prior.
As of February 3, 33% of 5-11 years old and 84% of 12–17-year-olds were reported as being vaccinated with at least one dose. Additionally, 24% of 5–11-year-olds were and 75% 12–17-year-olds were reported as fully vaccinated.
While test positivity and the number of positive tests in schools continue to decline, the number of outbreaks has remained relatively stable thanks to school-based safety measures, including masking and testing, that reduce spread. There were 56 active school outbreaks, including 15 new outbreaks (seven in elementary schools, two in middle schools, five in high schools, and one in youth sports) between January 30 – February 5 a small increase compared to the 52 active school outbreaks the week prior.
“The decline in positive tests and test positivity suggests that schools continue to successfully implement recommended strategies that limit spread, such as screening and response testing, ensuring compliance with isolation and quarantine requirements, following recommended infection control guidelines, and as required by the state, wearing well-fitting masks.” – Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health
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.