White House warns U.S. deaths could surpass six figures, L.A. Sheriffs report first inmate to test positive for COVID-19 and the YMCA to provide meals for local students.
Coronavirus deaths in L.A. County have reached 44 and the number of confirmed positive cases is now 2,474. As of Sunday, more than 15,500 coronavirus tests were conducted in the county. Of those cases, approximately 12% tested positive for COVID-19, according to L.A. County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer. — Fox 11 Los Angeles
The L.A. Sheriff’s Department reports their first inmate to test positive for the virus. Currently, 191 inmates are waiting in isolation for their test results. — CBS Los Angeles
As in the state of Washington, outbreaks in nursing homes are on the rise in L.A., where officials are investigating coronavirus reports at 11 area nursing homes. Of the 44 COVID-19 deaths in the county, six occurred in nursing homes. — L.A. Times
U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy received its first patients on Sunday. Mercy will take non-coronavirus cases so local hospitals can tackle the pandemic. The ship has the capacity to aid about 1,000 patients and contains about a dozen operating rooms and 80 intensive care unit beds. — NBC Los Angeles
“We need you.” Gov. Gavin Newsom asks healthcare workers of all stripes to help the state combat the deadly virus. “If you’re a nursing school student or medical school student, we need you. If you’ve just retired in the last few years, we need you. If you are looking to expand your scope of practice and have particular expertise in any particular capacity, we need you,” Newsom said, noting that California has the most licensed healthcare professionals of any state. — Politico
Yes, young people are at risk too. A 25-year-old pharmacy technician succumbed to the virus at a residence in the Coachella Valley. He had no known underlying health conditions, according to officials. — L.A. Times
The YMCA is providing “Grab & Go” meals for local students. The program starts today and ends on May 1.
“The non-profit is committed to building and strengthening the communities served by 26 branch locations across Los Angeles County,” read a statement from the YMCA.
- San Pedro & Peninsula: 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday
- Wilmington YMCA: 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday
- Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday
- Mid Valley Family YMCA: 11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- Southeast-Rio Vista YMCA: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday
- Ketchum-Downtown YMCA: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday
- Crenshaw Family YMCA: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday — NBC Los Angeles
Speaking of food. It appears the crowds at the Brentwood Farmers Market have caught the attention of former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s eldest daughter, Katherine. “The farmers markets in Brentwood still being open seems like a huge issue when it comes to social gatherings,” the author told her 80K Twitter followers as a reply to a tweet of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s asking locals to shelter in place. — Eater Los Angeles
A would-be carjacker picked the wrong car to break into early this morning in Woodland Hills. An off-duty LAPD officer, holed up in his home after testing positive for COVID-19, shot at the suspect who was allegedly attempting to gain access to his vehicle. The suspect got away in a white car. — FOX 11 Los Angeles
Tomorrow, on Taco Tuesday, Taco Bell is giving away free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos to all customers visiting their drive-thrus. “It’s a small way for us to say thank you for the ways you’re showing up for your communities and our chance to give you a little TLC during this time,” Taco Bell CEO Mark King said in a letter. — Newsweek
Two White House health experts predict doom for Americans due to the coronavirus. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw 100,000 deaths,” says Dr. Anthony Fauci, adding that some cities are facing a “serious problem.” His cohort, Dr. Deborah Birx says that number could double even if we all do everything perfectly. — People
Also at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. …