The number of coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County climbed to nearly 73,800 with 2,926 deaths attributed to the respiratory illness Monday.
The county’s public health director, Barbara Ferrer, reported 19 new COVID-19 deaths and another 1,071 cases.
The vast majority of those who have succumbed to COVID-19 in L.A. County — about 93% — have had underlying health conditions, Ferrer said.
There are over 6,500 known infections among health care workers across the county, many of them working in skilled nursing facilities and a large percentage employed as nurses.
Officials have been moving forward with easing restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the virus, including recently allowing gyms, museums, zoos, day camps, campgrounds, hair salons, movie theaters and other businesses to reopen.
Still closed are bars, night clubs, nail salons, amusement parks, stadiums, arenas and other locations.
The weekly average number of COVID-19 deaths has remained steady for all groups in recent weeks, but the county is behind on its goals for coronavirus testing, according to metrics released by the county.
Overall, the hospitalization rate for COVID-19 is also steady, but the number of available ICU beds has slightly dipped, according to the data.
As of Sunday, 1,383 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, about 30% in the ICU and 20% of them on ventilators.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
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