Los Angeles Public Health officials announced a fifth person has died from novel coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
The individual was over the age of 65, had underlying health conditions and resided in Culver City.
There are currently 409 confirmed positive cases in Los Angeles County, with 132 new diagnoses reported in the last 48 hours, according to the Department of Health.
Of the 409, 84 COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized.
Health officials noted all confirmed positive cases have been isolated and their close contacts are being quarantined.
@lapublichealth Announces One New Death Related to COVID-19 and 71 New Cases of Confirmed #COVID19 in Los Angeles County. 409 total cases. Over the last 48 hours there have been 132 new cases. View https://t.co/0b5FEZSMZj for more on case info. pic.twitter.com/wtgtcgxaVT
— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) March 22, 2020"We are deeply sorry for the passing of loved ones and send our prayers to the families and friends of those who have died from COVID-19," said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Los Angeles County Public Health Director in a statement.
"It is critical that everyone practices social distancing, obey the Safer at Home Health Officer Order and assume that anyone can have COVID-19, and anyone could unintentionally infect others. Please know that the actions you take today to stay 6 feet away from others and limit all non-essential activities outside your home are the best way for us to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives."
On Saturday, Public Health issued an Health Officer Order which prohibits all gatherings and events, and added golf courses and personal grooming services (including hair and nail salons) to the list of non-essential services that must be closed.
Officials also issued further guidance during this time of increased speard.
If you are mildly sick, stay home for at least seven days or until 72 hours after being fever free, whichever is longer. Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen. Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.
