Two men, one in his 60s and the other over 80, were the latest deaths linked to COVID-19, bringing Long Beach’s total number of fatalities to 31, health official announced today.
Both men had underlying health conditions. One man was associated with a long-term care facility. Such facilities have accounted for the vast majority of Long Beach’s deaths, 25 overall.
Authorities also reported that 10 more individuals tested positive for the virus, bringing the total of coronavirus cases to 576.
The number of those hospitalized or recovered also grew slightly, with 46 individuals in hospitals and 334 people who have recovered from the virus.
COVID-19 is on track to become the city’s leading cause of death, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said Friday.
Most people who have died in Long Beach from coronavirus complications have been over 80—19 in all—according to city officials. Three were in their 50s, six were in their 60s and three were in their 70s, authorities said.
In Los Angeles County, officials reported 18 new deaths and 440 new cases of coronavirus. That brings the countywide total, including Long Beach, to 915 deaths and almost 20,000 cases.
“The most difficult part of the COVID-19 pandemic is losing people to the virus. To all of you who have lost loved ones, we are deeply sorry,” said Barbara Ferrer, the county’s director of public health. “As we have more information about who is dying, we are reminded that the work ahead requires that we address issues of disproportionality that result in higher rates of death among African Americans, Latinx and Asians as well as residents living in poverty. Ensuring access to testing, early treatment and care, and economic support among those communities at higher risk of devastating outcomes associated with COVID-19, is essential.”