35% Of Angelenos At COVID-19 Risk Due To Underlying Conditions

LOS ANGELES, CA — Federal health officials Friday singled out Los Angeles as a troubling hotspot for the coronavirus outbreak because the number of new infections remains stubbornly high despite months of shutdown.

On the same day that the White House's coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx called on the Centers for Disease Control to study the stubborn numbers in Los Angeles, local officials announced the reopening of several beach parking lots and additional retailers in time for the holiday weekend. Officials in LA worry that a heatwave moving in over Memorial Day may combine with shutdown fatigue to drive crowds to the beach and backyard barbecues despite restrictions against gatherings. The Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be the greatest test yet to efforts to reopen the city while containing the outbreak.

On Friday, Public health director Barbara Ferrer sought to clarify the risk that many Angelenos may not recognize. According to Ferrer, 93% of the people who died had underlying health conditions, but more Angelenos have underlying health conditions than may realize it.

"Over 35% of us here in L.A. County, sometimes the number can be as high as 40%, have underlying health conditions," Ferrer said. "So I know sometimes folks think there's a very tiny group of people who are at an elevated risk of serious illness from COVID-19, but here in L.A. County it's one out of three of us."

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Ferrer emphasized the risk to residents, as the county slowly eases restrictions. Los Angeles County Friday announced that retailers located inside indoor shopping malls can now reopen for curbside service. The county also reopened beach parking lots at Dockweiler State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach.

County officials said residents have proven trustworthy in abiding by mask requirements and social distancing, warranting the reopenings.

"Based on the week that we opened up the trails and golf courses, I was very proud of the L.A. County residents who really did recognize wearing a mask and the social distancing that was in place," said Kathryn Barger, chair of the county Board of Supervisors. "So I'm confident moving into this holiday, people will also recognize that is the reason why we talk about Safer At Home moving to safer at work and safer in our communities. Because people are recognizing that is the only way we're going to stop or slow down the spread of this virus.

"So I'm encouraging people -- I know we are lifting restrictions in certain areas. Please be responsible. This is the only way we are going to move toward the next phase of opening. I know people are talking about opening up small businesses. ... The only way we're going to get there is if we continue to keep this flat. So I would encourage you all to just honor the request. It's not a big ask, given what we have in store for us."

The county reported another 35 deaths due to coronavirus Friday. The new deaths increased the county's total to 2,049. There were also 1,072 confirmed new cases of the virus reported Friday, raising the countywide total to 43,052.

The county on Thursday reopened its 22-mile bike path that stretches from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. The path had remained closed despite beaches reopening last week for active use, in hopes of preventing large gatherings of people on the often-congested trail.

On Friday, the county also announced the reopening of parking lots at Dockweiler State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach, but only at partial capacity. With beaches reopening for at least partial use, issues have arisen with people flocking to the coast but being forced to find street parking in coastal neighborhoods, leading to congestion issues.

County officials warned anyone heading to the beach that face coverings are mandatory while not in the water. The active-use restriction also forbids sunbathing on the sand, meaning chairs, umbrellas, canopies and coolers are still barred. Piers, boardwalks and volleyball courts also remain off- limits.

The county on Friday also authorized retail stores located in enclosed shopping malls to reopen for curbside merchandise pickup only. Customers are still not permitted to enter enclosed shopping malls. County officials urged shopping malls to establish clearly marked curbside pickup areas for customers to pick up goods.

Also approved on Friday were car parades to allow for celebrations of graduations, birthdays or other occasions. The guidelines, however, require participants to be inside enclosed vehicles -- no convertibles -- and if windows are open, vehicle occupants must wear face coverings.

Large-scale parades much have a designated host and security to ensure compliance with health regulations.

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner praised the change, which will allow students to celebrate their graduations.

"As we have said -- and have wanted to do all along -- we would allow those at our schools to plan celebrations which include gatherings as long as they are in accordance with guidelines from Los Angeles County health authorities," he said.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.