Troubling Increase in Deaths Due to COVID-19; Positivity Rate Among Students, School Staff More than 14%

As the Omicron variant continues to spread across the county, Public Health Jan 12,  reported a total of 39 deaths, the highest number of new deaths since Sept. 22, when Public Health reported 41 new deaths. Of the 36 deaths for which Public Health has full data, 78% were among those 65 years of age and older. All deaths occurred in January, likely reflecting an increase in deaths associated with the higher December case and hospitalization numbers.  

As more students and staff returned to in-person learning this week, amid the surge in cases, routine testing at schools across many districts identified thousands of students and staff infected with COVID-19. For the week of Jan. 3 through Jan. 9, 547,466 tests were administered across school districts in the County, with most testing occurring for LAUSD students and staff. Last week, 80,424 positive cases were identified, including 68,560 cases among LAUSD staff and students, resulting in a test positivity rate of 14.6%.  A total of three outbreaks among youth sports teams were also identified last week, with an additional 26 school related outbreaks still being monitored.

In response to this latest surge, Public Health is working closely with LACOE and school districts to implement additional layers of protection for staff and students. This includes delivering over 1.4 million test kits, provided by the state, to 84 school districts and charter schools, and expanding contracted testing capacity at parochial and private schools.  Additionally, exposure management and testing resources have been aligned to support safely allowing as many students and staff to remain in school during the surge. 

For updated isolation and quarantine guidance, please visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov

To find a vaccination site near you, or to make an appointment, visit:

www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) or call 1-833-540-0473.