February 18, 2022
Our collective efforts to vaccinate, boost, mask and take additional safety measures reduces the risks of severe illness or death for those most impacted by the overwhelming consequences of COVID.”
– Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health
Public Health data shows that mortality among people experiencing homelessness decreased by more than four-fold this winter surge compared to the previous winter surge. For the 2020-2021 winter surge, the death rate among people experiencing homelessness who were infected with COVID-19 between October 31, 2020 to February 16, 2021 was 237 deaths per 100,000. In comparison, the death rate among people experiencing homelessness who were infected with COVID-19 between December 2, 2021 to February 13, 2022 is currently at 52 deaths per 100,000. For LA County overall, the death rate for individuals who were infected with COVID-19 between December 2, 2021, and February 13, 2022, is 26 deaths per 100,000, underscoring the much higher risk of death for people experiencing homelessness. Of note, deaths from this surge period are still being reported and we expect the death rates for the individuals infected during the current surge may still rise.
This decline in mortality this year when compared to last year was despite a more than doubling in the case rate among people experiencing homelessness during the most recent Omicron winter surge when compared to the prior winter surge. This winter surge, the peak seven-day average daily case rate was 378 new cases per 100,000 people experiencing homelessness compared to 162 new cases per 100,000 people experiencing homelessness during the 2020-2021 winter surge.
While deaths have been lower among people experiencing homelessness during this last winter surge when compared to last year, the elevated case numbers have resulted in very high numbers of outbreaks investigated by Public Health. Between December 2, 2021 and February 13, 2022, Public Health initiated 379 outbreak investigations in settings where people experiencing homelessness lived and sought services. Fortunately, outbreaks at institutions and facilities serving people experiencing homelessness have recently started to steeply decline. For the week ending February 6, Public Health initiated five new outbreak investigations, down from a high of 94 outbreak investigations initiated during the week ending January 2.
One contributing factor to reducing the very high burden of mortality among people experiencing homelessness this past year, is the number of individuals who are vaccinated. As of January 30, 2022, nearly 50,000 (75%) people experiencing homelessness have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 40,000 (61%) are fully vaccinated. There remains much work to do however, since the booster rate remains relatively low at 33% (10,391) among those eligible for an additional dose. Public Health will continue to prioritize booster outreach and vaccination efforts to ensure those persons experiencing homelessness have easy access to vaccinations.
Additionally, since December, Public Health has worked with partners to distribute more than 300,000 rapid antigen test kits and more than 50,000 KN95 respirators to guests and residents at 300 domestic violence and homeless shelters.
To reduce spread and keep workplaces and schools open, residents and workers are asked to:
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.