Cautious Optimism, Despite Data Errors
Last week, the state resolved outstanding issues with its CalREDIE data system, used for handling reporting of COVID-19 data. The County is now working to update all backlogged cases, although as of Sunday, August 16, data on new cases was not yet fully updated. Note that data on hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 is not impacted by the state issue and should be current and up to date on a daily reporting basis.
County officials remained “cautiously optimistic” throughout the week, with COVID-19 trends continuing to decline. As of Wednesday, August 12, the County’s effective transmission rate was below 1, at 0.86. The County’s model now estimates that 1 in every 725 Angelinos is infected with COVID-19, down from 1 in every 510 during the week of August 3.
Education and Sports Activities
On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer provided an update on the reopening of institutions of higher education (IHEs). Due to the heightened risk posed by COVID-19, the County decided to delay the reopening of IHEs. IHEs may continue to offer essential services and limited training/instruction, but only for activities that cannot be accomplished through distance learning, and then only for those students training to enter essential activities. Faculty and staff may come to campus for the purpose of providing distance learning, but access to campuses should otherwise be limited. On-campus housing is limited to only those with no other housing options. Collegiate athletics can proceed, but only in compliance with state and NCAA safety protocols. Notably, the Pac-12 voted unanimously to postpone all sport competitions through the end of the 2020 calendar year.
Testing
The County continued to open new testing sites last week, closing out the week with 161 active locations.
Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the City of Los Angeles is exploring moving from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to testing strips. He announced that the City has convened a national working group to explore rapid at-home testing, including production options. He noted that these tests do not yet have FDA approval, but that “now is not the time to wait for the federal government.” He said that the coalition is working with the Conference of Mayors and the National Governors Association to research the cost and required volume of testing.