Masked pedestrians wait at a bus stop in Koreatown.
Masked pedestrians wait at a bus stop in Koreatown. Photo by Afonso Salcedo.

Counties Across California Experience Uptick in COVID-19 Cases

Last updated:

Friday, October 9, 2020

Older voters living in locked-down nursing homes are struggling to cast their ballots.

Several counties across California are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Health officials say data collected over the next few weeks will determine if a surge is incoming. — KTLA, NBC Los Angeles

Researchers have discovered that L.A.’s first case didn’t come from China, but from a strain brought to New York from Europe. — ABC Los Angeles

Starting today, small businesses that have been closed throughout the pandemic can apply for $30,000 in grant funding from the Los Angeles County Development Authority. — NBC Los Angeles

One of the country’s most consistently reliable voting blocs — senior citizens — is struggling to vote while in assisted living and nursing home facilities. — L.A. Times

Thursday, October 8, 2020

L.A. County Sees Highest Number of Daily COVID-19 Cases Since August

Angelenos who live in parts of L.A. with poorer air quality may be at a higher risk for COVID-19.

Yesterday, L.A. County reported the highest number of new daily COVID-19 cases since August: 1,645. While the county’s coronavirus data has been trending downward, it still fails to qualify for the state’s less restrictive red, or “substantial,” reopening tier. — CBS Los Angeles, ABC Los Angeles

Researchers are studying the possible overlap between air pollution and COVID death rates. Angelenos who live in neighborhoods with worse air quality — often Black and Latino residents — may be more likely to die from the virus. — L.A. Times

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, a California congressman representing Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, recently tested positive for COVID-19. — KCRA

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

CDC Confirms Airborne Transmission of COVID-19

Local health experts say the fall and winter seasons may lead to a second wave of cases.

California colleges are struggling to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks, even with limited on-campus housing and bans on in-person gatherings. — L.A. Times

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the virus can spread through microscopic airborne particles, which are capable of floating in the air for minutes or hours before being inhaled. — L.A. Times

A member of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has reportedly not interacted with the governor or his close staffers. — KTLA

Local health experts caution Californians that fall and winter may increase the spread of COVID-19, starting in mid-October and stretching into the winter. — CBS Los Angeles

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Trump Leaves Hospital, Calls Off Stimulus Talks

Some California K-12 schools appear to be reopening successfully, avoiding an increase in cases of COVID-19.

President Donald Trump was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center yesterday, saying via Twitter, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.” He also instructed his staff to halt negotiations regarding a COVID-19 stimulus until after the election. — L.A. Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom warned Californians to be vigilant against a second wave of COVID-19, pointing to rising cases in various counties across the state. — ABC Los Angeles

A state health official said California hasn’t seen a link between early K-12 school reopenings and increased virus transmission. — KTLA

Major Hollywood movies — “The Batman,” “Dune,” “No Time to Die” — are being pushed by studios due to COVID-19. — NBC Los Angeles

Monday, October 5, 2020

More White House Staffers Test Positive for COVID-19

L.A. County moves to reopen indoor malls and card rooms this week, with plans to reopen theme parks in the works.

At least a dozen White House staffers, Trump campaigners, Republican lawmakers and others are testing positive for the coronavirus. The president, who has been in treatment for COVID-19, said via Twitter that he expects to leave Walter Reed National Military Medical Center tonight. — L.A. Times

Hospitalizations in L.A. County are down to their lowest levels since April. L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer pointed to the Washington, D.C. outbreak among politicians as a cautionary tale for Angelenos as to how quickly the virus can spread without proper social-distancing and mask-wearing. — KTLA, LAist

A recent study found that 17% of families in South L.A., Watts and Boyle Heights have no internet at home, complicating matters for students attempting distance-learning. — ABC Los Angeles

Pre-K through second-grade schools in L.A. County will be allowed to apply for a reopening waiver, and indoor malls and card rooms are set to reopen this week. — ABC Los Angeles

The state may release reopening guidelines for theme parks, concerts and sporting events as soon as this week, according to a spokesperson for the governor. — ABC San Diego

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