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LA County Reports Increase In New Coronavirus Cases, Deaths And Hospitalizations; Spike In Cases Among Younger People

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) -- Los Angeles County health officials reported 2,169 new coronavirus cases and 23 new deaths of Saturday.

The seven-day average of daily new cases is over 1,900, health experts said, which is up from an average of 1,379 two weeks ago.

As of Saturday, officials also said there were 1,698 people currently hospitalized. This is higher than the 1,350 to 1,450 daily hospitalizations seen in recent weeks.

Out of the 23 deaths, 12 people who died were over the age of 65 years old and 13 people had underlying health conditions.

LA Public Health said in a tweet that coronavirus cases are rising among county residents who are between 18 and 40 years old, as they encourage people of all ages to continue taking safety measures to keep safe during the ongoing pandemic.

Cases continue to rise across the county as testing capacity is increasing and stay-at-home orders are being relaxed.

To date, county officials have identified 95,371 positive cases of coronavirus, and a total of 3,285 deaths.

"So many people in our community are experiencing loss and sorrow during this pandemic. We think of you every day, and are deeply sorry for your loss," said L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer. "We are at a critical moment in our COVID-19 recovery journey. Over the last few weeks, businesses and public spaces have reopened, and many more people have been out and around others."

On Saturday on Venice Beach, crowds were split between mask wearers and people without, as restaurants, stores and bars in the Southland continue taking precautions to protect their customers and employees.

Some patrons are gladly revisiting some of their favorite places now that they've reopened, while others are opting to stay at home and wait it out.

A mask mandate was put into place by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month, requiring masks in the following situations in many situations, including obtaining healthcare services, waiting for or riding on public transportation, ride-sharing, and interacting with people in public.

The best protection against coronavirus is to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, stay at home if you are sick, practice physical distancing and wear a clean face-covering in public.

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