November 28, 2023 Your Source for Brentwood News

Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 Revealed in Los Angeles County

People of Color, Others Bear Brunt of COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths

Despite overall low transmission rates of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, local data highlights the ongoing disproportionate impact of the disease, particularly in communities with higher poverty levels and among people of color. This disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention and mitigation strategies that can address these gaps and protect vulnerable populations.

The higher COVID-19 rates, hospitalizations, and deaths in neighborhoods with greater poverty and among Black and Brown residents can be attributed to several factors. These include increased exposure to the virus, limited access to resources necessary for good health, overcrowded and poorly ventilated homes and workplaces, and disparities in health status. In areas where more than 30% of households live at or below the federal poverty line, 

COVID-19 hospitalization rates are nearly two-and-a-half times higher than neighborhoods with less poverty. Similarly, death rates in these areas are nearly three times higher. Furthermore, cumulative hospitalization rates among Black and Latinx residents in Los Angeles County are twice as high as those among white residents. Latinx residents also experience death rates nearly two-and-a-half times higher, while Black residents face rates one-and-a-half times higher. To mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with COVID-19, it is crucial for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and community partners to focus on preparedness and mitigation efforts that ensure equitable access to life-saving tools and improve conditions in workplaces, schools, and residential environments.

Residents are encouraged to utilize available COVID-19 resources, including vaccinations, testing, and treatment. However, equal attention must be given to community-level infection control measures, outbreak reporting compliance, and modifications to work and learning environments to minimize the spread and impact of not only COVID-19 but also other respiratory viruses.

Enhancing indoor air circulation can significantly reduce disease transmission. Worksite managers, school administrators, and those responsible for residential buildings are advised to aim for a ventilation system that achieves a total air changeover of at least five times per hour. Additionally, using filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is crucial. Detailed guidance and resources on ventilation can be found on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s website at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDbusiness.

Simple actions such as opening windows, using fans, and adjusting home heating, ventilation, and air conditioning settings to prevent air recirculation can also improve ventilation.

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce the risks associated with infectious diseases, including COVID-19 transmission in the community, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health mandates businesses and facilities to report clusters of COVID-19 cases. This proactive reporting is an important alert, enabling early and effective intervention by Public Health outbreak investigators to mitigate further transmission.

Workplaces, educational settings, and residential congregate facilities such as shelters and correctional institutions must report all clusters of at least three linked cases occurring within 14 days to Public Health. For facilities with over 100 workers or residents, reporting is required if 5% of individuals test positive, even if the cases are unlinked. Reporting should be done within 24 hours of reaching Public Health’s reporting threshold. Case clusters can be reported by phone at 1-888-397-3993 or online at redcap.link/covidreport.

in News
Related Posts

Attorney General Rob Bonta Advises Californians to Exercise Caution on Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Tips and Resources Ensure Safe Donations Amid Rising Threats By Dolores Quintana Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the...

Protesters Target AIPAC President’s Home in Brentwood – LAPD Investigates Possible Hate Crime

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

On Thanksgiving Morning, Two Dozen Demonstrators Caught on Camera  By Dolores Quintana On Thanksgiving morning, a group of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators...

Major Cantaloupe Recall Expands: Brands, Stores, and Products Affected

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Cantaloupe Products Linked to Ongoing CDC Investigation in 28 States By Dolores Quintana In an expanded recall from the FDA...

(Video) All’antico Vinaio, the legendary Florentine sandwich shop is now open in Venice

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Located at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, lines have been around the block since the restaurant officially opened on November 20th....

USC Forecast Predicts Rising Rents and Commercial Real Estate Financing Struggles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Report Sparks Concerns for Real Estate Development in Southern California By Dolores Quintana  The University of Southern California’s Lusk Center...

Video Game Tycoon Dave Hagewood Scores Lavish $11.5 Million Brentwood Mansion

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Psyonix Founder Dave Hagewood Lands Luxury Brentwood Mansion at a Discount  By Dolores Quintana Video game designer and entrepreneur Dave...

Changing Economic Factors Impact Residential Permitting Approved In Los Angeles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

In The Midst of Affordable Housing Crisis, Number of Permits Approved Drops By Dolores Quintana It is generally agreed that...

VP Kamala Harris Faces Pro-Palestinian Protest During Biden Fundraiser in Brentwood

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Demonstrators Rally Outside Brentwood Event, and Cause Internal Disruption By Dolores Quintana Vice President Kamala Harris returned to Los Angeles...

Additional Free At-Home COVID Tests Now Available From U.S Government

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Get Up to 8 Tests at No Cost, Rapid Results, Easy Access, and Free Shipping By Dolores Quintana In an...

Unexplained Dog Respiratory Illness Sparks Public Health Investigation in Los Angeles County

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) Prompts Urgent Measures By Dolores Quintana Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Veterinary...

(Video) The Reimagined 1212 Santa Monica On Third Street Promenade

November 22, 2023

November 22, 2023

 New American Italian Ristorante Featuring New Executive Chef Oliver Malmsten, All New Menu, Italian-Inspired Cocktails and Discoteca. @brentwoodnewsla The Reimagined...

Telefèric Barcelona’s El Merkat Grand Opening Giveaway Is Happening Now

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Giveaway Offers Exclusive Spanish Wine & Cheese Experience By Dolores Quintana If you love wine and cheese, especially Spanish wine...

Spread Holiday Cheer: Volunteer or Donate to Charitable Annual Efforts in Los Angeles

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Gobble Gobble Give, Pink Taco, and PATH  Feed the Homeless on Thanksgiving By Dolores Quintana More than one charitable organization...

Thanksgiving Dinner and Shopping Options: What Stores and Restaurants Will Be Open on the Holiday

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Explore the Options for Open Stores and Restaurants on Thanksgiving Day By Dolores Quintana Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday, but...

(Video) Christmas Tree Lights Up on Promenade

November 20, 2023

November 20, 2023

Christmas festivities are underway in downtown Santa Monica This video is brought to you by Santa Monica Place. @brentwoodnewsla The holidays...