Despite Low COVID-19 Transmission in Los Angeles County, Data Reflects Ongoing Disparities in Health Outcomes
While COVID-19 transmission remains low in Los Angeles County, local data shows communities with higher poverty, people of color and older adults continue to shoulder the disproportionate impact of the disease.
Cases, hospitalizations and death rates are highest in neighborhoods with greater poverty and among Black and Brown residents.
This is likely the result of multiple factors:
- Increased exposures to COVID-19.
- Living/staying in home and worksites with poor ventilation and crowded conditions.
- Less access to resources needed for good health.
- Differences in health status.
When compared to neighborhoods where less than 10% of households live below the federal poverty line:
- COVID-19 hospitalization rates were 2.5x greater in neighborhoods where more than 30% of the households live at or below the federal poverty line.
- COVID-19 death rates were 3x greater in neighborhoods where more than 30% of households live at or below the federal poverty line.
When compared to white residents:
- Black and Latinx residents were twice as likely to be hospitalized.
- Latinx residents were 2.5x as likely to die.
- Black residents were 1.5x as likely to die.
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To reduce the adverse health outcomes associated with COVID-19, Public Health and community partners can focus preparedness and mitigation efforts that ensure access to life-saving tools and improve the conditions in places where we work, learn or live.
It is important for residents to continue to utilize the COVID-19 resources available, including the bivalent vaccine, testing and treatment.
Residents can find appointments and vaccination locations near them at VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com (en espa?ol).
Stock up on Free COVID-19 Tests
Free COVID-19 tests are available for pick up at various public libraries and Public Health vaccination sites in Los Angeles County.
Lean more at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDTests or call 1-833-540-0473.
For library locations, visit lacountylibrary.org/antigen-tests.
COVID-19 Outbreak Reporting is Still Required
As part of long-standing efforts to reduce risks associated with infectious diseases, including the transmission of COVID-19 in the community, Public Health continues to require businesses and facilities to report clusters of COVID-19 cases to Public Health. This serves as a vital alert that allows for early and effective intervention by Public Health outbreak investigators, reducing disruptions and transmission at sites.
In workplaces, educational settings, and residential congregate settings, such as shelters and correctional facilities, Public Health must be notified of all clusters of at least three linked cases occurring within 14 days. For workplaces and residential congregate settings with over 100 workers or residents, facilities must also report if 5% of workers or residents test positive, even if those cases are unlinked.
All reporting must take place within 24 hours of when a facility knows that their cases have met Public Health?s reporting threshold. Case clusters can be reported to Public Health at 1-888-397-3993 or online at?redcap.link/covidreport.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has developed a wide array of documents, guidance documents, and resources for the workers, businesses, partners, and the general public on a variety of topics related to COVID-19, including:
For the Public:
For Businesses:
It is recommended you follow @lapublichealth on?Facebook,?Twitter?or?Instagram?the latest updates about Los Angeles County.
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
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