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L.A. County Health Department identified one case of the South African variant, B.1.351, and three cases of the Brazilian P.1 variant.
By News Desk
Although these are the first reported cases of the South African and Brazilian variant in L.A. County, it is likely there are additional undetected/undiagnosed cases. To date, 33 cases of the Brazilian variant and 10 cases of the South African variant have been reported in California. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies the South African and Brazilian variants as variants of concern because they are potentially associated with increased transmissibility and reduced susceptibility to certain therapeutics.
Among 70 specimens analyzed at the Public Health Laboratory this past week, 64% of the specimens analyzed were the UK variant of concern, B.1.1.7 and 20% were the California variant of concern identified as B.1.427 or 429. This means 84% of the variants identified this past week are variants of concern with the probability of increased transmissibility and more severe disease. Three cases of the New York variant were also detected this week, which is a variant of interest. There were no cases of the Brazilian P.2 variant identified this week.
All key metrics indicate less community transmission; the rate of decrease is slowing for hospitalizations and cases.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 53 new deaths and 479 new cases of COVID-19. To date, Public Health identified 1,223,174 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 23,340 deaths.
Vaccinations for people experiencing homelessness began in February 2021. Since then, dozens of providers across the county have administered 11,483 COVID-19 vaccine doses to people experiencing homelessness. To lower barriers to vaccination, the County is employing both traditional clinic-based vaccination models and heavily relying on mobile teams to bring vaccine to people experiencing homelessness where they are, including shelters, encampments, churches and access centers. People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable and we are thankful to the many partners committed to continuing and expanding these efforts.
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expanded to all residents 50 through 64 years old in addition to all other eligible groups. On April 15, vaccines become available to any resident in Los Angeles County who is 16 and older.
For information about who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in L.A. County, how to make an appointment if it is your turn, what verifications you will need to show at your vaccination appointment, and much more, visit VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish). Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.
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