The number of cases and deaths likely reflect reporting delays over the weekend.
Driven by the more aggressive Delta variant, low vaccination rates in certain communities and more intermingling of unmasked individuals, hospitalizations in L.A. County almost doubled in just two weeks, with 745 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Two weeks ago, on Monday, July 12, 372 people were hospitalized.
Almost everyone hospitalized with COVID-19 in L.A. County is unvaccinated; Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 97% of patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 since January have not been vaccinated.
“As we continue to experience significant community transmission fueled by the Delta variant, every effort to reduce spread is important,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “This includes the additional layer of masking and testing protections the state health officer order requires at health care and high-risk congregate living facilities.”