LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
News Release
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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

March 11, 2020

Los Angeles County Announces First Death Related to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)- Public Health Confirms First Death from COVID-19 and Six Additional Cases in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed the first death from 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual (a non- resident visiting friends) was an older adult who traveled extensively over the past month, including a long layover in South Korea. Public Health is also reporting six additional positive cases, one of which we presume is our second case of community transmission.

Information about additional cases:

The total number of cases in Los Angeles County is 27. These cases include 3 cases already reported by our partners in the city of Long Beach, which has an independent city health department. Pasadena has no reported cases at this time. These agencies will always be first to report their own positive cases, which Public Health will add to our total.

“Public Health extends our deepest condolences to the patient’s loved ones in the wake of this tragedy,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Los Angeles County Public Health Director. “We strongly recommend that all Los Angeles County residents, workers, students, and visitors take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against novel coronavirus. Public Health will continue working with local, state, federal, and community partners in order to prevent future cases and to educate those in Los Angeles County about how to avoid contracting COVID-19.”

Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichea lth.lacounty.gov , and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/l acounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lap ublichealth, facebook.co m/lapublichealth, instagra m.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/ lapublichealth.





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