Los Angeles County reported 521 new cases of COVID-19 and 56 additional fatalities today, with more than 70% of the new cases from people under the age of 50.
Conversely, 93% of the 56 reported deaths were people over the age of 50, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
“Many younger people are out socializing with non-household members, raising concerns that asymptomatic young people are unknowingly helping to spread the virus to more vulnerable people,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. “Though we are making good progress in our vaccination efforts, we are entering a potentially perilous time if people let their guard down. It is important that we remain disciplined in our adherence to use of face masks, physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and delaying any non-essential travel.”
Saturday’s numbers brought the county’s totals to 1,213,784 cases and 22,777 deaths since the pandemic began.
The number of county residents hospitalized with the virus continued to decline, dropping from 827 Friday to 792, with 216 in intensive care, according to state figures.