by Steven Felschundneff steven@claremont-courier.com

On Friday the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 40 deaths in the county, and 567 new cases of the novel coronavirus. The numbers represent a reversal of Thursday’s report which had a big jump in new deaths to 55, but lower new cases at 399. The department now reports 14 confirmed cases in the city of Claremont.

Twenty-eight people who died over the most recent 24-hour period were over the age of 65, eight were between the ages of 41 and 65 years old and one was between the ages of 18 and 40. One death is under investigation. Over the last 48 hours, there have been 966 new cases.

Public health has identified 11,391 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 495 deaths. As of today, 3,014 people who tested positive (26% of cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. Testing capacity continues to increase in the county with more than 74,000 individuals receiving results and 14 percent testing positive.

On a day when protestors took to the streets across the United States calling for an end to stay-at-home orders, Barbara Ferrer, director of L.A. County public health praised Angelinos for their collective efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

“Each day, we are inspired by all of you who are continuing to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is an unprecedented time, and so many have shown courage, goodwill and compassion as our lives have all changed dramatically and we’ve all been affected in different ways. These times are tough, but they are temporary. Remaining committed to the strategies that are helping us gradually get ahead of COVID-19, we will, one day at a time, get through this together,” Ms. Ferrer said.

Free testing for the coronavirus continues at 30 locations across the county including at the Pomona Fairplex. Los Angeles County residents who are experiencing symptoms can get a test by appointment only. All appointments are made for the next day and people in high risk groups, including those over age 65, will be given priority. At the Fairplex the tests are self administered and people remain in their vehicles throughout the test. For an appointment visit the following website where you will fill out a short form:  https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/