Residents Urged to Avoid Non-essential Travel as Spring Break Season Begins

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 119 new deaths and 2,253 new cases of COVID-19. To date, Public Health identified 1,198,098 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 21,778 deaths.

Public Health will continue monitoring the number of new cases reported closely along with other key indicators.

There are 1,401 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 32% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for more than 5,866,000 individuals with 19% of people testing positive. Today's daily test positivity rate is 2.5%.

Of the 119 new deaths reported today, 43 people that passed away were over the age of 80, 41 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 21 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, six people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49, and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 29. Six deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach and one death was reported by the City of Pasadena.

The Spring break season this year has the ability to derail our recovery journey if it involves increased travel, gatherings and nonadherence to safety measures. While COVID-19 numbers have decreased, transmission remains widespread here in L.A. County and in many states and countries. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 during this pandemic. Los Angeles County residents should continue to avoid all non-essential travel and stay within 120 miles from their place of residence, unless they are traveling for essential purposes.

A Travel Advisory remains in effect in Los Angeles County. Anyone who is arriving to Los Angeles County must self-quarantine for 10 days; please remain at your home or lodging for the 10 days and avoid contact with others. Please do not travel if you are sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms get tested.

“To the families and friends mourning the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19, I send my sincere condolences,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. "We may just be weeks away from reducing transmission in L.A. County enough so that additional re-openings are permitted. However, with increased case numbers in other states, and more circulating variants of concern, spring travel can lead to another surge that frankly would be almost impossible to tolerate. Travel increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. To avoid this, please postpone travel and continue doing your part to slow the spread so that our recovery journey isn't sidelined."

Public Health's compliance teams continue to inspect businesses across the County every day. Inspectors review compliance with the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order, identify violations, and issue citations for businesses out of compliance. From February 18 through February 28, a total of 88 citations were issued to businesses including many restaurants and gyms for noncompliance with Health Officer Orders. Since the end of August, a total of 1,101 citations have been issued.

The success of the County's recovery depends on businesses following the rules. Non-compliance contributes to increased community transmission when COVID-19 spreads among employees and customers. A list of non-compliant businesses that received citations can be found online.

COVID-19 vaccine remains limited. As more vaccine comes into L.A. County, the County is working to ensure that eligible residents and workers in the hardest hit communities have increased access to vaccines. For information about vaccine appointments in L.A. County and when your turn is coming up, to sign up for a vaccination newsletter, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com(English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).

County Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.