LA County coronavirus count over 600

By Sam Catanzaro

County health officials have announced that a minor has died as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as Santa Monica cases continue to rise.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), an individual under the age of 18 has passed away as a result of COVID-19. No further details about the age of the individual or any underlying conditions they have had were announced by Public Health.

As of March 24, Public Health has identified 662 cases across LA County, including 11 deaths and 119 hospitalizations.

16 of these cases are in Santa Monica. Other confirmed case numbers in nearby neighborhoods include Brentwood (31), Pacific Palisades (9) Venice (8), Culver City (7) and Westwood (6).

Data: LA County Public Health.

“COVID-19 does not discriminate by age, race or income level, and what we are seeing in places like New York is indicative of what we should prepare to experience here. While Public Health is doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of this disease in our community, we can only flatten the curve if everyone takes social distancing seriously and adheres to all isolation and quarantine orders,” said Barbara Ferrer, Public Health Director.

In Santa Monica, non-essential businesses, the Santa Monica Pier, beach parking lots and schools are shut down. In addition, the City announced Monday that the Santa Monica Police Department has the authority to issue citations to people violating stay at home orders.